I first heard about Mozy back in 2005 when it was in Beta but I didn’t try it until recently when I found out that they offered a Mac OS X version of their software. Apple users finally have access to the great backup service our Windows friends have been using for years. Signing up for the free 2GB Mozy account and installing the software couldn’t be simpler.

Installation on my Macbook Pro only took a few minutes. When it started up, it showed me a list of things I might like to backup. I simply checked the items I wished to backup, clicked start, and Mozy started backing me up.

Transfer rates were respectable, if not spectacular. The transfer rates would probably be higher if Mozy didn’t encrypt everything. Twice.

That’s right, your files are encrypted once locally with 448-bit Blowfish encryption and then again with 128 bit SSL when they are transferred. Mozy clearly wants you to feel that your data is safe. You have the option of using a Mozy encryption key, or a personal encryption key. If you go with a personal key, be sure to keep it somewhere safe because if you lose it you’re out of luck. Most people use the Mozy key, which in the event of an emergency means Mozy can help you decrypt your data.

If you outgrow your 2GB free account (easy to do for music or photo buffs) you can upgrade to an unlimited account for $4.95 / month. A steal when you consider the alternatives:

1. Praying that your hard drive won’t crash and you won’t get a virus (doesn’t work)
2. Backing up to hard drives or DVD-R and keeping them off-site. Safe from fires and burglars (works but a hassle)

I’ll be counting on my Mozy account to save my butt if (when) something bad happens to my computer.

Click the banner below to sign up for a free Mozy account.