- Cloud Storage Companies
- MyPC Backup Review
MyPC Backup Review
Company Overview
Backup Features
Web/Mobile/Remote Access
Sharing
Security
Summary
MyPC Backup offers users the ability to backup up their data and sync over multiple computers at the same time. Their method combines traditional unlimited backup with cloud syncing. Part of a larger company called Just Develop It they have made a name for themselves by creating products that fit the needs of many people.
Plans & Pricing
- Unlimited Storage Plan - $4.95/Month
Features: Automotive and Selective Backup, 24/7 Technical Support, Fully accessible mobile browser site, Sync Folder, Archive Folder, 256 Bit SSL Encryption, Mac/PC Access to files, Anytime Money Back guarantee.
Company Profile
MyPC Backup is based in the UK. They are part of a family of companies run by parent company, Just Develop It. They have been providing online solutions since 2007. MyPC Backup was developed in 2010 by Daniel Richards and they currently have around 20 employees. The US based office is in Novi, Michigan.
Editor review
Installing MyPC Backup is incredibly easy. Sign up for an account using email and password. Download the software which takes a couple of seconds. Open the package and a wizard will take you through the installation.
After the software is done installing, select which files you want to backup. This is done by using the default selection (Documents folder) or selecting your own set of folders. As soon as you finish the selection the backup starts.
It takes approximately 3 minutes to completely install the software, make folder selections and start backing up files.
Backup
Backing up files with MyPC Backup is fast and automatic. Immediately following installation MyPC Backup will start backing up files.
Initial backups take a while depending on much you are backing up. We recommend only choosing essential files for backup first. Its better to backup large files on the 3rd or 4th backup cycle.
We are most impressed with MyPC Backup’s rich set of backup options. We use them to speed up the backup process by limiting files only under 30MB’s to backup. Clogging the internet connection was also a concern for us. We used the bandwidth throttle to limit backup speed to under 100 kilobits per second.
Backup Option: Advanced Scheduling
This option is perfect for those who are actively using their computer on a schedule. Say it's your work computer, you can schedule MyPC Backup to only backup after 5pm, for example.
You can also use the calendar feature to select specific days to backup on like weekends. If your backups sometimes take awhile, you can set them to pause between certain hours of the day. For example, pause it while you use the computer for work between 9am and 5pm.
Backup Option: Selection
This option is straightforward. Choose to automatically backup the default folders (Documents folder) or you can select individual folders.
It’s worth noting that while you can backup pretty much anything, you still must purchase addons to backup files up to 5GBs, Videos, and Networked Drives.
Backup Option: Bandwidth
We found the bandwidth throttle extremely helpful. MyPC Backup comes with two ways you can throttle your backups. One, set a daily or monthly upload limit or, two, limit the upload or download rate by a set number of Kilobits per second.
Some ISP's track your upload and download usage. Using more than your allotted bandwidth can get you a fee or restriction. The monthly data limit option in MyPC Backup helps you avoid this.
Limiting your Kilobits per second keeps your internet connection fast while backing up. Especially helpful when using high bandwidth programs or browsing the internet.
Backup Option: File Type
limiting file types saves time when backing up. Say you have a lot of large photoshop documents, videos or disk images, you can choose to leave them all out based on file type (.mov, .psd, .iso, .vob etc…).
For example, we have lots of .psd files that can be removed from backup. We added .psd to the list of limited file types. By adding .psd to the list, we will save time by excluding our unnecessary file type.
Backup Option: Security
Use either HTTP or HTTPs. We’re not entirely sure what this option means because of the note beneath the selection which says it is not used. It says, "Note: All data will be transmitted using secure HTTPS regardless of the above selection."
Backup Option: Power & CPU
We keep these two options switched on. The first option, you can set the backup to pause if you are running on battery power only. This is great for laptops.
Second, you can set backups to run only if a computer has been idle for a set amount of time. This is helpful if you don't want the backup running while you are busy using the computer.
Mobile App.
The MyPC Backup mobile app is one of the best in the business. It is very lightweight and well designed. The photo sync feature is especially helpful. Every time you start the app, your photos are synced to your MyPC Backup account.
Another helpful feature is the ability to remotely start backups on other devices from the mobile app.
Restoring files
Restoring is simple. You can use the software simply by pressing "Restore Files". Navigate to the files and select a place to download them to.
MyPC Backup's website gives you the option to download individual files. It is not the best for downloading files in bulk. The software is a better tool for restoring, but it's nice to know that the files are available on the web.
The mobile app is more limited in restoring files. You can share items or send them to your email. It does allow you to save photos and some documents to your phone, but use the desktop software for any serious restoration.
Sync/Share
The share feature is easy to use on their website. Once a file is selected click on the share button and send it using email. Recipients must have a MyPC Backup account to view the files.
MyPC Backup comes with a 1GB sync folder. This folder allows you to access files from any of the devices on your account. Any files you add to this folder are automatically added to the same folder on any device with MyPC Backup installed.
Price
MyPC Backup costs $7.95 and you get unlimited online backup and a 1GB sync folder. Not many companies combine unlimited backup and syncing in the same plan like MyPC Backup does. Addons are also available for purchase to fit your needs.
Conclusion
MyPC Backup is absolutely great for those who are looking for a simple, automatic and affordable backup solution. MyPC Backup comes with plenty of options to help your backup be as efficient as possible. The mobile app is incredible and works seamlessly with the product. We are big fans because MyPC Backup makes cloud storage accessible and easy for everyone to understand.
Pros and Cons
Fast/automatic backups
Wide range of backup options
Excellent mobile app
Easy restore process
File share options
No phone support (priority support upgrade available)
User reviews
I used their service for little bit lest that six months and few weeks before the end of subscription I told them that I don't need their service and that I do NOT want to renew my subscription.
They confirmed that I will not be charged for next period and that account will be canceled.
Few days ago I got an advertisement from them with offer for some discounts ("special" offer for user who canceled subscription). The next day they charged my credit card for the next six month without my knowledge and approval.
They did NOT send me any information about payment by e-mail, I have seen that only on my bank account and when I logged in my account.
I have send them e-mail and opened ticket about the problem but there is no and answer for two days.
There is no way to remove your credit card and cancel automatic renewal.
It is written on their website "Anytime Moneyback" but there is no way that they will return your money even what they charge you without your approval!
This is copy of that last e-mail about canceling account and the e-mail I wrote to report a problem and stealing of my money:
---------------------------------
Dear,
Please, cancel last payment you made today WITHOUT my approval and refund me that money (Transaction ID G9BD4PEKO0).
I have told you that I DO NOT want to extend subscription to your service and I am NOT interested in any offer from you because I DO NOT need it.
You have send me an advertisement yesterday and today you made a payment WITHOUT my approval and WITHOUT sending any information about.
One more time - Please, CANCEL my account and refund me my money for transaction you made today (ID G9BD4PEKO0, amount $20.15)
Milan
On 09/05/2013 07:19 AM, MyPC Backup wrote:
> Hi Milan,
>
> Thank you for contacting MyPC Backup.
> We can confirm that your account has been fully cancelled.
> Please be aware any information will be deleted upon cancellation in accordance with our terms and conditions.
>
> Please let us know if you need further assistance, we are more than > happy to assist you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For faster resolution of your issue you may wish to call us on the following numbers:
>
> US/CA: 1-888-851-0954 UK: 0844 445 7025 AU: 61-1800-039-220
>
> Kind regards,
---------------------------------
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
NOT UNLIMITED storage - you get notice of termination for no apparent reason of explanation.
Software buggy. One thing that is should do, backup files, fails to do without any warning. Only when one goes to the web site to check on files, you see there are many files missing. Only support is uninstall and install program again. Rip of in terms of usage. You get notice to switch to more expensive account, or your account would be terminated in 30 days.
Pros and Cons
The worst aspect was the complete absence of warning that I'd exceeded the undisclosed limits. I thought I was protected but I wasn't!
Detail: I've had MyPC Backup for 15 months and mostly it has worked well. There have been glitches but tech support was helpful and solved them.
I sample check from time to time that new files on my home computer's C drive have appeared in the online back up. Recently I found that files were not appearing in the cloud folder. I ran MyPC Backup several times to no avail. I contacted support who at first were helpful in making suggestions about the cause of the problem. After a couple of exchanges I said their solutions had not worked.
The next response on 25 May 2013 wasn't from the tech guy but from 2 people who appeared to be the founders of the business. This what their email address implied: . They said:
"Hi Alan,
Regrettably our fair usage policy does apply here and we require you to upgrade to a business account to continue backing up. (www.mypcbackup.com/business)
14. Termination and Fair Use Policy
If you have purchased a MPCB Product or Service that is inappropriate for your actual usage, MPCB may require you to switch to an appropriate MPCB Product or Service which may result in your having to pay MPCB additional fees for use of the appropriate product or to terminate your purchased MPCB Products or Services and refund, on a prorated basis, any fees paid you may have paid on the unused portion of your MPCB subscription.
(www.mypcbackup.com/terms)
In this case we can provide you with a pro-rata refund due to the inconvenience caused if you do not wish to upgrade to a business account.
Kind Regards,
--
George Scott
Product & Development team
MyPC Backup
www.mypcbackup.com
--
Matt Curd
Product & Development team
MyPC Backup
www.mypcbackup.com"
There are number of points here.
1. I had joined the "Unlimited" back up service. If you Google this you will find it just says "Unlimited Storage". There is no qualification e.g. an asterisk pointing you to conditions or limitations. If you click on the "Unlimited Storage" link on the main page you get another page which says:
"Store as much as you want, when you want!
"No need for external drives."
"No limit on file type."
"Truly unlimited storage."
Innocently I took "truly unlimited storage" to mean what it said.
2. At no time had I received any warning that I was about to breach or, indeed, had breached any conditions. If I had not checked I might have assumed my data was still being backed up. There was no sign that anything was wrong. So I could have had a crash and lost data which had not been backed up.
3. I am a home user. I am retired and don't have a business; I've never had a business. I do have a lot of data - photos, music etc - because I have had a computer for 30 odd years and have kept everything. MyPC Back up say I have 2 terabytes backed up. But after the initial back up I am not backing up huge amounts.
4. When you look at the conditions mentioned in the Founders' email you find they are vague in the extreme. You can see for yourself by following the links they mention but the relevant condition is 14 - Termination and Fair Use Policy. The key passages are:
"MPCB SHALL HAVE THE ABSOLUTE AND UNILATERAL RIGHT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION TO DENY USE OF AND ACCESS TO ALL OR ANY PORTION OF MPCB PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO USERS WHO ARE DEEMED BY MPCB TO BE USING THE MPCB PRODUCTS OR SERVICES IN A MANNER NOT REASONABLY INTENDED BY MPCB . . .
. . . . For example: If MPCB believes that you are using our service for business or commercial use, MPCB has the sole discretion to amend your service to our Business and Enterprise service which may require you paying additional fees or termination of your account. MPCB may, in our sole discretion and from time to time, establish or amend general operating practices to maximize the operation and availability of MPCB Products or Services and to prevent abuses. As part of these practices, we reserve the right to monitor our system to identify excessive consumption of network resources and to take such technical and other remedies as we deem appropriate. Your consumption of MPCB Products or Services may be deemed excessive if, within any month, your usage greatly exceeds the average level of monthly usage of MPCB's customers, generally."
How on earth can a user know whether they exceed the "average level of monthly usage of . . . customers generally"?
Naturally I immediately protested to MyPC Backup. I told them I was not a business user and objected to the complete lack of warning. I also asked them how they justified their "unlimited" back up claims. Despite several reminders I have had no response.
If I was feeling kind I'd say the MyPC Backup advertising was misleading. In fact I think they are dishonest and the lack of notice about exceeding limits is appalling.