Synchronise and back up files online with SpiderOak

There are several services for storing files online and keeping them up to date with several computers. SpiderOak is one of the more versitile and claims better privacy than some of the competitors.

As well as standard synchronisation, SpiderOak can be used for online backup of files and folders. This is useful if you don't want to have to store files on all the computers linked to your account.

SpiderOak say that they have no access to the files stored on their servers. They are encrypted on the computer before uploading and cannot be read by anyone at SpiderOak.

As there is an online aspect to the service, you'll need an account. There is a free account that comes with 2GB of online storage. The paid-for account costs US$10 a month per 100GB of storage space or US$100 a year per 100GB.

Installation is simple and doesn't require a reboot.

Once installed, a choice appears between setting up for the first time or adding that computer to an existing account. It is clear that security is taken very seriously as you have to complete one of those obscured letter captchas to prove that the account is being accessed by a real person. There are options for setting up a device for the first time or for reinstalling an existing device.

Give the computer a name so it can be identified in your account online and SpiderOak will synchronise any shared folders already on the account.

The interface is very good and easy to navigate. There are separate tabs for backup, sync and share with a clear bar at the bottom of the window.

We liked the View tool that gives a report on every computer attached to the account and the folders on them that work with SpiderOak.

SpiderOak can also be installed on Mac OS X and Linux. All the different versions can be found on the SpiderOak download page here. There are also apps for accessing a SpiderOak account from Android and iOS on the Going Mobile page.