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The best free backup software and services: Where is it safe to skimp?

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The best free backup software and services: Where is it safe to skimp?

Finding a good free backup solution is easier than you’d think software . A host of companies offer free online backup or free backup software—and perhaps surprisingly, nearly all of them are quite competent.

Of course these companies have ulterior motives. Their free versions usually provide only enough storage for essential data, or lack some advanced features that pros would want. They hope you’ll love the program or service so much, or find it so useful that you’ll eventually fork over some cash for additional storage or advanced features. 

But wait, you say: I have free online storage through Apple’s iCloud or Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. Then there are services like Dropbox, with 2GB for free.

The issue with all those services is that they’re not necessarily true backup, but syncing. That is, when you delete a file from any device or online, it’s deleted from every device. Lord help you if you make a mistake and don’t realize it in time. True backup means retaining data indefinitely no matter what’s happening with the data elsewhere.

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Read on for our top picks in free online backup and free backup software, and of course the reasons we picked them. If you find yourself needing more features, more storage, or less ads and nags, see our roundups of paid options for best Windows backup software and best cloud backup services.

Updated 11/30/2022: To included Perfect Backup as our new pick for best free Windows backup. Read our review below for more info on our new pick.

Windows File History – Best free Windows backup runner-up

Windows File History - Best free Windows backup runner-up

Pros

  • Excellent continuous data protection with versioning
  • Easy, timeline browsing of backed-up files
  • Integrated into Windows
  • Backs up user-created libraries

Cons

  • Easy “Add folder” function removed from Windows 11

Windows File History is one of the easiest and cheapest (free) continuous data protection software for Windows. It makes backing up your data a no-brainer with its set-it-and-forget-it way of storing data and keeping automated backups.

While Microsoft has made some dubious decisions recently in regards to updates of the File History software, it still remains one of the best around. It was only narrowly edged out of our number one pick for best free Windows backup because Perfect Backup has slightly easier to use data selection tools.

How we test free backup software and services We run each program through the various types of backups it’s capable of. This is largely to test reliability and hardware compatibility, but we time two: an approximately 115GB system image (two partitions), and a roughly 50GB image created from a set of smaller files and folders. We then mount the images and test their integrity via the program’s restore functions. We also test the USB boot drives created by the programs.

The performance of online backup services will vary according to their location and the network equipment between you and the data depository. We installed the software and backed up the same 2GB data set to check for any major issues or glitches in the client software. These are noted in the reviews.

What to look for in free backup products

 Obviously, you’ll need as much storage as you have data, plus a little, or possibly a lot, more if you want to track changes and save previous versions of files. Some services keep multiple versions of files, some don’t. In many cases there’s a time limit software.

 Nearly all online services charge for a maximum allowable amount of data, and generally uploads are free. Aside from the free tiers available from a service like Dropbox, pricing is fairly consistent across services, though you definitely get more capacity for your money from some vendors, notably Backblaze.

However, there may be additional charges or limitations on downloads. For instance, Amazon’s Glacier is intended solely for backup and archiving. It’s very cheap per GB and uploads are free, but you’re charged for downloading—a service you hopefully will never need.

 In addition to backup, you may want to share your files with others, work with them from mobile devices, or even edit them with office applications such as those available with Dropbox, Google, and OneDrive. If you do intend to work online, we recommend that you maintain a local copy as backup, and a hedge against internet downtime. 

 Most services provide client backup software for the major operating systems (Linux, OS X, and Windows) and both Android and iOS. Make sure the service you sign up for supports all of your platforms. Note: iDrive even supports Windows Phone.

If you’re concerned about the privacy of your data, make sure you use a service that allows the use of a personal encryption key that you define. Do NOT lose it, as it is absolutely required to restore your data. Sadly, using your own key often limits the types of services (e.g., no mobile backup) available.

If private encryption keys aren’t available, read the privacy policy, especially with the free services—there are significant differences.

 Generally speaking, data centers are backed up to the hilt. Some of the larger ones even back up to different geographical locations. Availability (hopefully 24/7) can also be important. Check for news of outages and the vendor’s own service blogs. If there are too many outages in service, buy accordingly. In truth, all the services we’re aware of are near-100-percent reliable.

Speed: Speed, in many cases, is far more dependent upon your broadband connection than that of the online service, though the geographical location of the storage and the equipment in between can make a significant difference. Check the location of the data servers if speed is important to you. Or, just give the trial a whirl and see if you can live with it.

Backup software

As with most things, don’t over-buy backup software. Features you don’t need add complexity and may slow down your system. Additionally, if you intend to back up to a newly purchased external hard drive, check out the software that ships with it. Seagate, WD, and others provide backup utilities that are adequate for the average user. 

And of course, while we describe the features to look for, you’re going to find fewer of them in free software. That’s life in the cheap lane.

File backup: If you want to back up only your data (operating systems and programs can be reinstalled, though it’s mildly time- and effort-consuming), a program that backs up just the files you select is a major time-saver. Some programs automatically select the appropriate files if you use the Windows library folders (Documents, Photos, Videos, etc.).

Image backup/Imaging: Images are byte-for-byte snapshots of your entire hard drive (normally without the empty sectors) or partition, and can be used to restore both the operating system and data. Imaging is the most convenient to restore in case of a system crash, and also ensures you don’t miss anything important.

Boot media:  Should your system crash completely, you need an alternate way to boot and run the recovery software. Any backup program should be able to create a bootable optical disc or USB thumb drive. Some will also create a restore partition on your hard drive, which can be used instead if the hard drive is still operational.

Scheduling: If you’re going to back up effectively, you need to do it on a regular basis. Any backup program worth its salt allows you to schedule backups.

Versioning: If you’re overwriting previous files, that’s not backup, it’s one-way syncing or mirroring. Any backup program you use should allow you to retain several previous backups, or with file backup, previous versions of the file. The better software will retain and cull older backups according to criteria you establish.

Optical support: Every backup program supports hard drives, but as obsolete as they may seem, DVDs and Blu-ray discs are great archive media.

Online support: An offsite copy of your data is a hedge against physical disasters such as flood, fire, and power surges. Online storage services are a great way to maintain an offsite copy of your data. Backup to Dropbox and the like is a nice feature to have.

FTP and SMB/AFP: Backing up to other computers or NAS boxes on your network or in remote locations (say, your parent’s house) is another way of physically safeguarding your data with an offsite, or at least physically discrete copy. FTP can be used for offsite, while SMB (Windows and most OS’s) and AFP (Apple) are good for other PCs or NAS on your local network.

Real time: Real-time backup means that files are backed up whenever they change, usually upon creation or save. It’s also called mirroring and is handy for keeping an immediately available copy of rapidly changing data sets. For less volatile data sets, the payoff doesn’t compensate for the drain on system resources. Instead, scheduling should be used.

Continuous backup: In this case, ‘continuous’ simply means backing up on a tight schedule, generally every 5 to 15 minutes, instead of every day or weekly. Use continuous backup for rapidly changing data sets where transfer rates are too slow, or computing power is too precious for real-time backup.

Performance: Most backups proceed in the background or during dead time, so performance isn’t a huge issue in the consumer space. However, if you’re backing up multiple machines or to multiple destinations, or dealing with very large data sets, speed is a consideration.

Any backup is better than no backup

Free or paid, we highly recommend that you back up at least your essential data  against theft, malware or ransomware, and natural disasters, not to mention user error. Even if you work online, a local backup is a lot quicker to restore. And this goes beyond PCs: We get a lot of emails asking how to get data back from a stolen phone—the users generally don’t like the answer. 

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MarketTechNews: Unleashing the Power of Technology in the Market

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MarketTechNews: Unleashing the Power of Technology in the Market

Discover the latest advancements in technology and their impact on the market in our comprehensive MarketTechNews articles. Stay informed and stay ahead of the game!

The world of technology is constantly evolving, and its influence on the MarketTechNews is undeniable. From artificial intelligence and blockchain to virtual reality and automation, technological innovations have revolutionized the way businesses operate and the way consumers interact with products and services. At MarketTechNews, we strive to provide you with up-to-date and insightful articles that explore the intersection of technology and the MarketTechNews. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business professional, or an investor, our articles will keep you informed about the latest trends and developments shaping the MarketTechNews landscape.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Blockchain Technology
3. Virtual Reality
4. Automation
5. Internet of Things
6. Cybersecurity
7. Big Data
8. Cloud Computing
9. E-commerce
10. Augmented Reality

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries by enabling machines to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. In this article, we delve into the applications of AI in the MarketTechNews and how businesses can leverage its capabilities for improved efficiency, personalization, and decision-making.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has gained significant attention for its potential to revolutionize industries, particularly in finance and supply chain management. Discover how blockchain works, its impact on MarketTechNews transactions, and the potential challenges and opportunities it presents to businesses.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer confined to the gaming world. It has found applications in marketing, training, and customer experiences. Dive into the realm of VR and explore its potential to reshape the MarketTechNews landscape through immersive and engaging experiences.

Automation

Automation is changing the way businesses operate, streamlining processes, and increasing productivity. Uncover the benefits of automation in various sectors, the challenges associated with its implementation, and the role it plays in shaping the future of the MarketTechNews .

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has interconnected devices, enabling data exchange and automation. Learn how IoT is transforming industries, creating new business models, and enhancing customer experiences by providing valuable insights and predictive capabilities.

Cybersecurity

With the increasing reliance on technology, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses and individuals. Explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the importance of robust security measures, and strategies to safeguard sensitive information in the MarketTechNews .

Big Data

The abundance of data generated in today’s digital age has given rise to the concept of Big Data. Discover how organizations can harness the power of Big Data to gain valuable insights, make data-driven decisions, and gain a competitive edge in the MarketTechNews .

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has transformed the way businesses store, process, and access data and applications. Explore the advantages of cloud computing, the different deployment models, and how it enables scalability, flexibility, and cost optimization in the market.

E-commerce

E-commerce has revolutionized the way consumers shop and businesses sell their products and services. Learn about the latest trends in e-commerce, the strategies to build a successful online presence, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in the digital marketplace.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, offering users an enhanced and interactive experience. In this article, we delve into the applications of AR in the market, ranging from advertising and retail to education and healthcare. Explore how AR is reshaping customer engagement, product visualization, and the overall consumer experience.

FAQ

1. How is artificial intelligence transforming the market? Artificial intelligence is transforming the market by enabling automation, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. Businesses are leveraging AI to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and gain valuable insights for strategic planning.

2. What are the potential challenges of implementing blockchain technology in the market? While blockchain technology offers numerous benefits, challenges such as scalability, regulatory concerns, and interoperability issues need to be addressed. Additionally, building trust and widespread adoption can be obstacles for businesses looking to implement blockchain solutions.

3. How can businesses utilize virtual reality for marketing purposes? Virtual reality provides an immersive and engaging platform for businesses to create unique marketing experiences. From virtual product demonstrations to virtual store tours, VR allows businesses to showcase their offerings in a more interactive and memorable way, thereby enhancing customer engagement.

4. What are the key advantages of automation in the market? Automation offers several advantages in the market, including increased productivity, reduced operational costs, improved accuracy, and enhanced efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks, businesses can focus on value-added activities and allocate resources more effectively.

5. What are the security challenges associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) in the market? The widespread adoption of IoT devices brings forth security challenges such as data breaches, unauthorized access, and device vulnerabilities. Protecting IoT networks and devices from cyber threats requires robust security measures, encryption protocols, and ongoing monitoring.

6. How can organizations effectively utilize big data for market insights? Organizations can effectively utilize big data by implementing advanced analytics techniques to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data. By analyzing customer behavior, market trends, and performance metrics, businesses can make data-driven decisions and gain a competitive advantage.

7. What are the benefits of cloud computing for businesses in the market? Cloud computing offers benefits such as scalability, cost optimization, flexibility, and improved collaboration. It allows businesses to access resources on-demand, reduce infrastructure costs, and easily scale their operations based on market demands.

8. How can businesses overcome challenges in the e-commerce landscape? Businesses can overcome e-commerce challenges by focusing on user experience, investing in robust security measures, optimizing website performance, leveraging data analytics for personalization, and adopting multi-channel marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.

9. What industries are leveraging augmented reality for market transformation? Industries such as retail, advertising, real estate, education, and healthcare are leveraging augmented reality to transform the market. AR enhances product visualization, enables immersive advertising campaigns, facilitates virtual property tours, enhances learning experiences, and provides medical simulations for training purposes.

10. What is the future of technology in the market? The future of technology in the market is promising, with advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, IoT, and other emerging technologies. Businesses will continue to adapt and leverage these technologies to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and deliver personalized experiences to consumers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MarketTechNews aims to bridge the gap between technology and the market by providing informative and insightful articles on the latest trends, advancements, and applications. By staying informed about the potential of artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality, automation, and other transformative technologies, businesses and individuals can adapt to the rapidly evolving market landscape. Embracing these technologies and understanding their impact will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and seize opportunities in the ever-changing market

the way businesses operate, connect with customers, and drive innovation. By exploring the applications and potential of technologies like AI, blockchain, VR, automation, IoT, cybersecurity, Big Data, cloud computing, e-commerce, and augmented reality, MarketTechNews equips readers with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the dynamic market landscape.

With each article, we aim to provide in-depth analysis, practical examples, and actionable strategies that businesses can implement to stay ahead in an increasingly technology-driven market. Our team of experts delves into the nuances of each technology, addressing key challenges, highlighting opportunities, and offering practical guidance for successful implementation.

Furthermore, MarketTechNews recognizes the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure our articles reach a wider audience and provide maximum value. We employ SEO best practices to optimize our content, including keyword research, meta descriptions, and strategically placed headings. Our articles are crafted to be informative, engaging, and accessible, while also aligning with search engine algorithms to enhance visibility and reach.

We believe in the power of knowledge sharing and fostering a community of technology enthusiasts, business professionals, and investors. Through our articles, we encourage readers to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share their insights. We value feedback and strive to continuously improve our content to meet the evolving needs and interests of our audience.

In conclusion, MarketTechNews is your go-to resource for exploring the latest advancements in technology and their impact on the market. Our articles provide a comprehensive understanding of AI, blockchain, VR, automation, IoT, cybersecurity, Big Data, cloud computing, e-commerce, and augmented reality, empowering businesses to embrace innovation, make informed decisions, and thrive in the ever-evolving market landscape. Stay informed, stay ahead, and unlock the power of technology with MarketTechNews.

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NASA propulsion technology brings flying cars closer to reality

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NASA propulsion technology brings flying cars closer to reality

Anyone who’s seen Blade Runner or The Jetsons knows that flying cars are essential to the “future,” but despite many people’s expectations, these flying cars Personal vehicles have always seemed a step ahead of what they are now. Now, one company says it holds the key to making these amazing flying machines a reality, and it’s based on a NASA-proven propulsion system that won’t be abandoned easily.

Applied eVTOL Concepts this week announced plans for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle, the Epiphany Transporter. The company says it has a top speed of 160 mph (258 km/h), but generates less than 55 km/h. h./h. decibels of noise at 50 feet (15 meters). This is somewhere between the volume of pouring rain (50 dB) and the volume of normal human speech (60 dB).

The secret seems to be the ducted motors on the sides and rear of the Epiphany Transporter. This motor, discovered in 2002 by researchers at NASA Ames Research Center, produces great thrust, the physical force that powers jet engines and helicopters.

This duct design also has the added benefit of protecting the rotating blades within the duct that generate the thrust. Rob Bulaga, his Epiphany Transporter project engineer at Applied eVTOL Concepts, is a co-author of the original paper. The design has been refined over the 20 years since it was first tested in Ames, and Michael Moshir, founder of Applied eVTOL Concepts, said the technology has improved since the concept was flying cars first tested in a NASA wind tunnel. I believe we have made significant progress.

We have complete confidence in the ability of our patented and field-proven air ducts and advanced aircraft designs to perform as expected in flight,” said Mosher, who is also the company’s CEO and principal designer. Stated. statement.

Related article:
— NASA and the U.S. Air Force are introducing the new X-Plane X-66A to test Wildwing designs for economical flight.

— Dawn Aerospace Spaceplane Makes First Rocket-Propelled Flight (Video)

— India successfully lands its first reusable spaceplane prototype (video)

The ship is designed to accommodate her two passengers and their luggage. The company says the Epiphany is roughly the size of a Tesla Model S and fits in a typical one-car garage.

Of course, just because a company’s ducted engine works fine in a wind tunnel doesn’t mean we’ll have flying cars anytime soon. Over the years, many vertical take-off and landing companies have come and gone, certainly including his NASA engineers.

However, it’s always sound engineering practice to use a proven design as a basis, so perhaps this will end up being the real deal.

Experts say building the giant bioreactors needed to mass-produce raw materials to make medicines, vaccines, cultured meat and more will require significant infrastructure and funding.

Matt Anderson-Baron, co-founder and CEO of Canadian company Future Fields, told TechCrunch that 10 billion liters of biodigesters will be needed by 2030, compared to the amount that exists today. said only 61 million liters.

Furthermore, recombinant proteins, which are the products of bioreactors, account for a large portion of the costs associated with cultured meat production, which may be part of the reason why the cultured meat sector has not been able to achieve price parity with traditional meat. It has become.

Future Fields believes it has discovered a more cost-effective and sustainable way to do this using EntoEngine. This is an approach that uses fruit flies rather than giant steel tanks to produce recombinant proteins.

“Traditionally, growth factors and recombinant proteins are produced in microbial systems grown in large stainless steel tanks, so they compete for the same infrastructure,” Anderson-Barron said. “We are replacing bioreactors with insects. We are genetically engineering insects that can be raised in simple plastic containers. This is highly scalable, cost-effective, and important. Best of all, it avoids infrastructure-related issues and frees up the supply chain for people who don’t have to create more demand, whether they actually need it or not.”

Anderson Barron, his wife Jarin Anderson Barron, and co-founder Reiji Ghafoor have been working on the issue for some time (the last time they covered Future Fields was in 2020. ), the company today announced that the facility will be used to launch its first products beyond cultivated meat (research, cell therapy, biopharmaceuticals) and to expand its team.

Bee Partners is joined by Toyota Ventures, Builders VC, AgFunder, Amplify Capital, BoxOne Ventures’ Milad Alukozai, Green Circle Foodtech, Siddhi Capital and Climate Capital in the round.

Anderson Barron declined to disclose growth rates, but said the team has doubled in size in the past year and has supplied more than 60 companies with animal protein products in the past 18 months.

Future Fields is building its first manufacturing facility near its headquarters in Edmonton, Canada, which will produce kilograms of recombinant protein in just 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

Meanwhile, the company’s EntoEngine technology will expand its portfolio of human recombinant protein products for medical research and biopharmaceuticals, including five of his proteins useful in wound healing, reproductive biology, muscle and breast milk development, and stem cell research. Offers.

Anderson-Baron said using flies offers both speed and scalability. EntoEngine’s Drosophila technology allows him to produce biomass 16-30 times faster than conventional bioreactors, producing protein every day in the same space and infrastructure.

“This is not possible with other systems that have bioreactors that run frequently for weeks and run one production cycle,” he added. “This gives us a lot more flexibility and, importantly, it allows us to scale much faster and at a lower cost, as it replaces stainless steel tanks that require insects to be plugged into the wall.”

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(ADINet, Thai Meteorological Department, media)(ECHO Daily Flash of 17 Aug 2023)

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(ADINet, Thai Meteorological Department, media)(ECHO Daily Flash of 17 Aug 2023)

Libraries are gradually moving from their previous role as ADINet “repositories” of knowledge to organizational centers for information exchange. Knowledge stored in the form of rare books, journals, other information materials and modern electronic resources is displayed in the library for users. The boundaries of libraries are expanding beyond their four walls and library professionals are preparing to take on the challenge of using libraries to disseminate authentic, relevant and correct information to their patrons.

Thanks to rapid progress in all fields, more and more documents are becoming available worldwide in both print and electronic formats. No library can afford to store all the documents needed for a user’s area of interest, but they can provide users with a “link” to find the information they need. Thus, networking and resource sharing have now become very important and such solutions are effectively provided by ADINET to users and librarians of all fields of knowledge and are widely used throughout the world.

In recent days, severe storms and strong winds have affected central and northern Thailand, especially the provinces of Phetchaburi, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Satun and Rayong, causing casualties and damage.

Media reported that as of August 16, one person was ADINet killed, one was missing and five people were rescued in a weather-related incident that occurred on August 12 in Bang Laem district in northeastern Phetchaburi province.

In addition, according to the ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet), on August 16, 200 people and about 400 houses were affected by flooding in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Satun and Rayong.

More heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in ADINet most parts of the country over the next 24 hours, with some very heavy rain expected in northern Thailand.

Retinal diseases include many different types, including varying diseases and degrees of severity. It is not practical to train models with different types of diseases. When new patients with a disease appear, the model must be dynamically trained. Although deep learning methods have received a lot of attention in recent years, they suffer from fatal forgetting when performance drops significantly when a new training class is introduced. We found that maintaining the feature distribution of the old model helps maintain the performance of incremental learning. In this paper, we develop a framework called Attribute-Driven Incremental Network (ADINet), a novel architecture that integrates class label prediction and attribute prediction into an incremental learning framework to improve classification performance. Image-level classification uses knowledge distillation (KD) to preserve knowledge about base classes. Attribute prediction calculates weights for each image attribute and uses these weights to make more accurate attribute predictions. Design attribute distillation (AD) loss to preserve image information. When a new class is introduced, the attributes of the base class are learned. This additional training can be performed multiple times with some loss of performance. Experimental results on our proprietary fundus image dataset show that our proposed method outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods. To demonstrate the generalizability of our proposed method, it was tested on the ImageNet-150K-sub dataset and showed good performance.

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