A Comprehensive Guide to Backblaze External Drive Solutions

Backblaze offers a range of external drive solutions designed to provide reliable and secure data storage.

Backblaze's B2 Cloud Storage is integrated with their external drives, allowing for seamless backup and recovery of data.

Their external drives are designed to be user-friendly, with no software or setup required.

Backblaze's cloud backup service is available for a low monthly fee, making it an affordable option for users.

Their external drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, providing flexibility for users.

Backblaze's pricing is remarkably affordable, with each computer costing $9 per month to back up.

Backblaze offers a clear pricing structure with options for monthly, annual, and two-year plans, but no free plan is available, only a 15-day free trial.

The annual plan costs $99, which is a $9 savings compared to the monthly plan, and the two-year plan costs $189, representing a $27 savings.

You'll get one license for a single device, but you can purchase more licenses for additional computers.

Backblaze has unlimited storage capacity, which is a major advantage over other backup services.

Backblaze takes the safety and security of your data very seriously. They encrypt the data on the USB drive before sending it to you, so even if the drive gets intercepted, the data is useless to anyone who gets it.

The encryption process is robust, using AES 128-bit encryption for data at rest and SSL for data in transit. This ensures that your data is protected from unauthorized access.

You'll need a Drive Unlock Code to access the data on your USB drive, which you can find by logging into your account page on the Backblaze website. Without this code, no one can access the data.

Backblaze offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you're not satisfied with the service, you can send the USB drive back and get a refund. The cost of the USB hard drive is $189.00, while the USB flash drive costs $99.00.

Here's a quick rundown of the security features offered by Backblaze:

It's worth noting that while 128-bit encryption may not be as secure as the 256-bit encryption used by some cloud-based services, it's still considered very secure.

Backing up your files with Backblaze is a straightforward process, but you do have some limited control over how the backup operates, such as speed throttling and backup exclusions.

You can initiate the restoration process through the desktop app, which has a dedicated interface for managing the restoration process. Simply follow the steps provided in the software to restore your data.

If you need to restore larger files, you can request a USB hard drive from Backblaze, which includes shipping and handling, and costs $189.

The USB hard drive is a WD My Passport Ultra drive, and you'll need your personalized Drive Unlock Code to access your data. This code can be found on the My Restores page after logging into Backblaze.

To access your data, remove the hard drive from the box and connect it to your computer via the accompanying cable. You'll be prompted to enter the Drive Unlock Code, which you can copy and paste from the My Restores page.

You can also restore individual files or create a zip using the mobile app, which is a free option. Alternatively, you can save files as an archive to a B2 account if you have one.

Here are the costs for the Restore By Mail service:

After restoring your files, you can send the drive back to Backblaze within 30 days and get a full refund of the purchase price.

Backblaze is an affordable service that reliably backs up your data, according to user reviews on Reddit and social media. Many users have had positive experiences with the service, finding it easy to use and reliable in times of need.

Some users have noted that Backblaze is not meant for advanced users, and its limitations can be a drawback. This includes its lack of support for attached drives and the lack of Linux support.

Backblaze is an affordable service that reliably backs up your data, according to community feedback. Many users praise its ease of use and ability to get them out of tight spots.

Reviews on Reddit mention that Backblaze has gotten users out of trouble more than once. This suggests that it's a trustworthy option for backing up important files.

Some users complain that Backblaze is not meant for advanced users. This might be a concern for those who need more control over their backups.

Large backups with Backblaze can be slow, according to some users. This might be a drawback for those with a lot of data to back up.

Backblaze users have shared their experiences and insights on the recent price increase for physical backup drives. Jere Brown, a satisfied customer, has used the service to request a backup drive containing 1TB+ of data, including 40k photos, and found it to be easy, fast, and accurate, with only the cost of shipping USPS incurred.

Some users have noted the limitations of the 8TB drive option. Jimthing, for example, wonders why Backblaze doesn't offer larger drive sizes, especially considering the service has only offered a single 8TB option since 2008.

According to the Backblaze website, if your restore data is larger than 8TB, you can order multiple USB restores, each with a portion of the total data. This is a convenient solution for users with large data storage needs.

A few users have also expressed surprise that Backblaze only ships from a single US destination, with no separate option for Europe, despite having a data center in Amsterdam.

When you've chosen the right external drive, it's time to prepare it for use with Backblaze.

You'll need to download and install the Backblaze software on your computer, which is a straightforward process that typically takes just a few minutes.

Backblaze recommends using a USB 3.0 connection for the best performance, as it can transfer data at speeds of up to 500 MB/s.

Once you've installed the software, you'll be prompted to select the external drive as the backup destination, and then you can start backing up your files.

The Backblaze app will automatically detect the external drive and begin the backup process, which can take several hours depending on the size of your files.

You can also use the Backblaze app to share your backup with others, such as family members or business partners, by sending them a share link or by adding them as a user with access to your backup.

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Having a clear plan and budget can help prevent financial disasters. This is why it's essential to create a budget that accounts for all expenses, including unexpected ones.

A well-stocked emergency fund can provide peace of mind and financial security. In an ideal scenario, this fund should cover 3-6 months of living expenses.

Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and lost time. By prioritizing tasks and creating a schedule, you can stay on track and achieve your goals.

Having a support system in place can make a significant difference in times of need. This can include friends, family, or a professional network.

Preparation can also help you make informed decisions. By gathering information and considering multiple perspectives, you can make choices that align with your values and goals.

Sharing is a crucial part of preparation, and it's essential to do it effectively.

When sharing your prepared content, consider the audience and tailor your message accordingly. For example, a presentation meant for a general audience may require a different tone and language than one intended for a specialized group.

Sharing online can be a great way to reach a wider audience, but it's also important to consider the platform and its limitations. A well-crafted social media post can be just as effective as a detailed email.

To share your prepared content, you can use various methods such as email, social media, or even in-person presentations.