Everyone has important files that need to be protected, but many of us are not doing enough to avoid data loss. You may think that your documents, photos, videos and music files are safe in your computer, and that all you need to do is to keep them in a folder to ensure that you can access them easily. However, if you computer breaks down, if it is stolen, or if your data is deleted due to a system error, you will lose all your files, unless you have backed up your device. Many people opts for physical storage solutions like USB flash drives, external hard drives, or discs.
These options allow you to save your information and to carry your files with you. The problem is that these devices can also get damaged, or lost and if they are gone, your data will disappear too. Imagine the consequences of accidentally leaving behind a USB flash drive containing confidential files. Your privacy could be compromised if a device holding sensitive information falls into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there is a more convenient and secure way to make sure that you can access your files whenever needed, while keeping them safe.
For many users, online backup services have become the best option since they allow you to store your files in the cloud and to access them from any internet-enabled device, no matter where you are. The popularity of these storage solutions is increasing and there are many services to choose from. One of them is JustCloud, a UK based company that aims to offer an efficient cloud storage service that is also fast and easy to use. JustCloud helps you to backup your files, keeping them secure and available so that you can access them on the go. We will learn more about what JustCloud can offer in terms of features, price and security.
What can you get from JustCloud
JustCloud comprises online backup, file sharing and file synching to provide a complete service to manage your videos, photos, documents, email messages or any type of important information. You can backup your files in order to avoid data loss and then you can access them online using any computer, or your mobile devices. With JustCloud you can also recover your lost or stolen laptop, with a feature that allows you to track its location every hour to find out where it is.
Compatibility and affordability
The service is compatible with Android, iOS, Blackberry, Mac, Debian Linux, Windows and other platforms. There are mobile apps specifically designed to work with Android, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Kindle Fire and Windows Phone or Surface. This extensive support means that you have more options to access your files whenever you need them.
JustCloud can backup any file that matters to you, regardless of its type. From your favourite songs, family pictures or videos to spreadsheets and programs, you can rely on JustCloud to backup your data effectively. There are three plans available: Home, Premium and Unlimited. Home offers up to 75GB backup space for $4.49 USD per month when you sign up for two years, Premium provides 250GB for a monthly cost of $4.95 (two years as well) and the Unlimited plan has no restrictions in terms of storage and costs $6.95 per month for two years.
Their plans seem very reasonable, but there is not detailed pricing information on the website and although they also offer the possibility of subscribing for a month, six months, or one year, you would only enjoy the low prices listed above, if you set up a subscription for two years. Many customers may not be sure about making such a long-term commitment, which is why JustCloud also offers a free trial. This allows you to test the service for 14 day so you can find out if it suits your needs, before making any purchase. The free trial is a convenient option to find out if JustCloud is right for you. However, you can expect many ads and offers that aim to convince you to upgrade.
Security and File Versioning
When it comes to protecting your files, JustCloud applies high security to ensure that your information is not accessed by online fraudsters. All data is transferred using 256-bit AES encryption and stored in Google Cloud Storage servers. This would keep your files safe and protected from any damage, or security breach. However, the information could be subject to scrutiny by governmental organizations. This may not bother most people, but if you have data that you wish to keep strictly confidential, it is important that you take this into consideration.
By default, JustCloud keeps 7 days of file versions, but you can extend this timeframe and get up to 30 days, or an unlimited option to recover file versions, no matter how old they are. JustCloud doesn’t only make backup simple, it also lets you restore your files with a few steps. You simply need to choose the Restore Files option to start the process of retrieving the backed up data. The main downside is that it is not possible to restore entire folders in one go. You would need to download the files individually, which can be time consuming.
File Sharing/ Syncing
The service is also a practical way of sharing files and folders with your family and friends. You can invite them by email, Twitter or Facebook, or give them the link that you created to access the information. There is also an option to sync files across computers so you can choose the data that you want to sync to the cloud. The storage capacity of the sync folder depends on your plan, but it starts at 15MB (free trial) with the option to get to up to 20GB (or more upon request) with a paid version. You can sync files to multiple devices by adding them to your sync folder.
How does it work
JustCloud has a user-friendly interface, which will make the backup, restoring and sharing process very easy. You can select folders like My Documents and My Pictures and JustCloud will copy them automatically to your online cloud storage. Daily backups can also be automatically scheduled, ensuring that you don’t miss any crucial data. You don’t even have to remember to backup because JustCloud will do it automatically for you. There is also a Drag & Drop option that lets you move files from your computer to JustCloud’s desktop application. You can also drag and drop files into the Sync folder. You can access backed up files, restore them or sync them by login into your online account.
Customer Support
JustCloud’s support team can be contacted by phone, email or online ticket system. They claim to offer continuous support, every day of the year. However, some customers have reported delays in getting a response. Still, the website offers a comprehensive Help Center that provides information about the most important aspects of the service. You can find answers to a wide range of questions related to features, security, billing and more.
Conclusion
JustCloud is a great service for users who have basic storage needs. It is versatile, convenient and while the transfer speed is not exceptional, it is satisfactory. If you have a large amount of data to backup and restore, JustCloud may not be the most practical solution. However, if your main concern is to make sure that you don’t lose your favourite photos and important documents and that they can be easily accessed while you are on the go, JustCloud is a simple and effective solution.
