Crashplan, the Only Reason I Install Java

I'm the sort of person who doesn't like to install Java. I actually don't like to install Flash either, but it's still tough to survive browsing the Internet without Flash installed. There is one program that makes me break my own rules, however, and that's Crashplan.

For years, I've been singing the praises of BackupPC, and for servers, I still think it's the best thing going. The problem with BackupPC, however, is in order for it to work reliably, your workstations need to be on all the time. This is especially difficult with laptops.

Crashplan is an incredibly powerful backup utility that allows local or offsite backup, and the company offers cloud-based storage for reasonable rates. Normally, I wouldn't be so excited by a paid service and a non-open-source software package, even if it does offer a Linux-native client. The folks at Code 42, however, have given away the ability to swap storage with friends as an alternative to their paid-cloud-based service. If you have a computer at work, and a computer at home, you can back them up over the Internet to each other completely free!

As I already mentioned, I normally don't like Java-based programs like Crashplan, but its functionality is so great, I don't mind breaking my own rules. More than that, I give a lot of credit to Code 42 for not only making a native Linux client, but also for giving away incredible functionality for free. If you're not backing up your data, be sure to consider Crashplan at http://www.crashplan.com. Its price, feature set and generous non-paid features make it this month's Editors' Choice!