Seagate makes backing up data even easier with Replica

Backing up your system is getting a lot easier this morning, thanks to an announcement from Seagate.

Most backup systems for computers are pretty easy these days, but most computer users still don’t back up their systems. In fact, only two in three people back up data, according to Parks Associates.

There’s something about backing up data that’s still too intimidating. I recently had two computers fail and a third one is on the ropes. Over the years, I’ve had about four computers fail on me with no backup. Yes, I’ve been one of those dummies.

But the new Seagate Replica backup system makes it pretty darn effortless. You plug the Replica into a stand and then plug two universal serial bus (USB) cables into your computer. One cable is for data transfer and the other is for power.

The software automatically loads and then Replica starts its backup. Meanwhile, you can continue to work on the computer as usual. Replica automatically tracks the changes you make to ensure the backup is updated. If a backup is interrupted, it resumes when you reconnect Replica. You can also monitor the progress of the backup by moving your mouse cursor over the Replica icon on the lower right hand side of the screen. I tried it, and it really is dead simple.

And it’s time-efficient, which is exactly what backup systems need to be. With the Replica, you don’t have to study a manual, dedicate your time to a system backup, or learn anything at all. The system backs up your installed applications, operating system, e-mail, pictures, music, movies, Internet bookmarks and settings.

Some backup systems will automatically back up your My Documents folder on Windows, and you can configure the backups to copy certain folders. But that takes time, and if you’re like me, you’ve moved things to other folders that aren’t automatically backed up. If you had to manually drag and drop all of those items, you could be stuck for hours babysitting the process.

The Replica comes in two configurations. The multi-PC version comes with a dock, cable with two ports, and costs $199.99. A single-PC version costs $129.99. The Replica is selling on Seagate’s site. It comes in 250 gigabyte or 500 gigabyte versions. The closest competition is Clickfree.

So it’s getting harder to give the excuse that the computer ate your homework, or, in my case, ate that long blog post I was about to publish.