Update: MozyHome Unlimited is no longer available, and has been replaced by MozyHome 50 GB and MozyHome 125 GB.
Mozy is an online file backup service that helps to protect your important files from computer hard drive failure, accidental file deletion, loss or theft of a computer, or any other situation where you could lose your files. Mozy software can perform automatic and scheduled file backups, for any files you choose to backup.
For the individual user, there is MozyHome Free (free account) and MozyHome Unlimited (paid account). The MozyHome plan that is right for you will depend mainly on how much storage space your files require, how many computers you need to backup, and if you want to commit to a longer-term file backup solution for peace of mind. The features and details of two MozyHome plans are compared here.
Key Features Compared: MozyHome Free & MozyHome Unlimited
MozyHome Free | MozyHome Unlimited | |
Mozy Plan Pricing | Free Account | Monthly Subscription $4.95/monthAnnual Subscription (1 Year) $54.45/year [Get 1 Month Free]Biennial Subscription (2 Years) $103.95/2 years [Get 3 Months Free] |
Backup Storage Space | 2 GB Limit | Unlimited GB |
Setup Fee | None | None |
Automatic and Scheduled Backups Available | Yes | Yes |
File Details | ||
File Types Allowed | All file types | All file types |
Maximum File Size For Uploading | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Past File Versions Saved | Restore files from up to 30 days in the past | Restore files from up to 30 days in the past |
Incremental File Updating (Differential Backups) | Yes – Updates only the changed portions of files | Yes – Updates only the changed portions of files |
File Transfer Security During Backup and Restore | Yes – 128-bit SSL encryption | Yes – 128-bit SSL encryption |
File Storage Security | Yes – 256-bit AES encryption or 448-bit Blowfish encryption | Yes – 256-bit AES encryption or 448-bit Blowfish encryption |
Public File Sharing Available | No | No |
Account Access | ||
Access From Multiple Computers | Up to 2 computers per MozyHome Free account | Includes 1 computer for backup; add more up to the limit of 5 computers per MozyHome Unlimited account[Each computer added costs an additional $4.95/month] |
Mobile Versions Of MozyHome Software | No | No |
Customer Support | ||
Desktop/Laptop Support For Windows and Mac | Yes | Yes |
Support Community (Forum) | Yes | Yes |
Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
Tutorials | Yes | Yes |
Live Chat Technical Support | No | Yes |
Submit Support Tickets (Open A Support Case) | No | Yes |
Phone Support | No – MozyPro only | No – MozyPro only |
How long does Mozy keep my files?
There are some slight differences between MozyHome Free and MozyHome Unlimited when it comes to how long Mozy will keep your files. Basically, you need to be regularly using your MozyHome Free account for Mozy to keep your files, while your MozyHome Unlimited account only needs to be active. From Mozy support:
Mozy will always keep the most recent copy of a file if the following conditions are met:
- You have an active account with Mozy. (MozyHome Unlimited, MozyPro)
- You have performed a backup within the last month. (MozyHome Free)
- The file has not been deleted or removed from your computer.
- The file is selected for backup.
Mozy will also keeps all previous copies of a file for 30 days.
Here are some examples to help explain how long a file is saved on the Mozy servers:
- If you signed up for a two year account and backed up once on January 1, 2009, you can still restore the same file on January 1, 2011.
- If you deleted a file by accident on the 1st day of the month, you will have until the 30th of that same month to restore the file.
- If you removed a file from being backed up on the 1st day of the month, you will have until the 30th of that same month to restore the file.
- If you run a backup once a day, after 30 days you will have 30 different restores you can select from.
- If you changed a file, you will have 30 days from the day the change was uploaded to restore the previous version of the file.
How long does it take Mozy to back up?
Backups are relatively quick since Mozy backs up your files using differential backups, or incremental backups. The initial backup will backup everything, so it may take longer. After the initial backup, differential backups will only backup portions of files that have changed since the previous backup, saving time, bandwidth, and storage space.
For a typical system on a typical broadband line, and if you continue working on your computer during the backup, Mozy backs up data at the rate of about 2-4 GB per day. If left undisturbed on a fast connection, however, you can back up over 9 GB in a single day. You may experience faster or slower speeds depending on your connection.
How do I restore my data from Mozy?
There are four ways to restore your data files with MozyHome Free or MozyHome Unlimited:
- The Restore Tab
Allows you to restore files from the Configuration window.
- Virtual Drive
Allows you to restore files from a virtual drive using either the Explorer window or the My Computer window.
- Right-Click Restores
Allows you to restore files from the file explorer window or My Computer window by right-clicking in the window and selecting the files to restore.
- Web Restores
Allows you to download or order DVDs of your files from the Mozy Web site.
Files are restored to their original locations on your computer.
Currently, MozyHome works with Windows 7, 2000, XP (32 and 64 bit), and Vista (32 and 64 bit), as well as Mac OS X 10.6, 10.5, and 10.4.
Other Online File Backup Options
Aside from Mozy, there are other secure and convenient file backup solutions online. See a comparison between the free and paid options for Mozy, Dropbox, and SugarSync here.
Related Information
» Mozy.com FAQ
» Mozy Support: How long does Mozy keep my files?