Mac backup software - arq?

Yes. I like it because the encryption is done on your computer and not on Amazon's servers. And Amazon doesn't care how much or how often you upload data because you pay a fixed price per GB. So the speed will always be the same (ignoring other factors like your internet provider ofc) and you can upload thousands of GBs. If a service promises "unlimited" storage for a limited price, then they are lying. Arq (and the storage provider Amazon) doesn't promise that. I like that.

I also like that it is Mac-only meaning the UI looks like the standard OSX UI and not some Windows port. Familiar features like Growl notifications and auto-update via Sparkle are present.

I do recommend you however to invest in a password manage first (like 1Password) because there's a lot to remember: the encryption password (forget it and your data is lost), the license key to Arq, the Amazon account login details and the so called Access key and Secret accesss key generated by your S3 account.

Here is a good blog post by the Arq developer:

http://www.haystacksoftware.com/blog/2012/01/7-facets-of-a-good-backup-strategy/

The most important is: use multiple backups. I use two local backups (backing up via Time Machine and Superduper) and Arq as online backup. Because when your computer fail (and yes, it will fail) your only backup is no longer a backup, it's your only copy. Using just the "cloud" for backups is not a good strategy.

Oh, and before someone is talking about Dropbox as a backup service:

No, Dropbox is not backup. Read this:

http://gigaom.com/apple/syncing-does-not-a-backup-make/

Arq works in one direction. Dropbox (and iCloud) works in both directions. They are being called sync services after all.

 

I agree. I've used Amazon S3 with Forklift for quite a while. Some cloud backup is cheaper, but I've seen some come and go. It's like a health club: what's best for you is one you'll actually USE. Convenience is a big factor.

I also have used and like SpiderOak. It's a pretty versatile system, combining features like pure archival storage and syncing services. Scarred is right in saying they aren't the same. Ditto with versioning and cloning; all might get copies of your stuff somewhere but all have strengths and weaknesses. Versioning for works in progress right now is great, but once I've submitted a document I want an archival document that can't change. I want the versions as local as possible for speedy access; I want the archive far, far away in a safe place. Different needs. And face it: copies of Robot Chicken episodes aren't as your family photos (unless your family is IN Robot Chicken...).

 

And how does Arq provide a local ethernet hub, USB 2 port, and wifi transceiver as Time Capsule does? Comparing Time Capsule to an online backup service is apples vs. oranges.

 

I want to know what happens when one of those backup companies goes chapter 11. This is a new business area and not all of the vendors will be around in 10 years. I can see using them maybe to backup my local backup.

 

I respectfully disagree. WIth cloud backup... there is nothing stopping you backing up to multiple destinations... including machines that you control... as well as to the cloud provider's server farms.

The data is 100% encrypted on your own machine... with a 448b key that you control.

/Jim