This article published by MiniTool support explains the differences between local backup and remote backup, particularly focusing on their benefits and drawbacks. It also guides you on creating either local or remote backups using free tools such as MiniTool ShadowMaker.

What Is Remote Backup?

Remote backup is also referred to as online backup, offsite backup, or even cloud backup. Hence, it carries dual meanings. Firstly, remote backup involves saving backup images onto online servers, offsite devices, or cloud storage, which are distant from the source. Secondly, remote backup can denote backing up data that is stored far away on online servers, offsite devices, or cloud drives.

Remote backup service, also known as backup-as-a-service or cloud backup, offers users a system for backing up, storing, and recovering computer files. It is regarded as a form of cloud computing.

Remote backup systems are constructed around client software that operates according to a specific schedule. Generally, they gather, compress, encrypt, and transfer the data to the remote backup service provider’s servers or offsite hardware.

What Is Local Backup?

Conversely, local backup, also termed on-premises backup, entails storing the backup image locally on HDDs, SSDs, USBs, CDs, DVDs, SD cards, or tapes. Additionally, local backup might involve creating a backup of local files, folders, programs, systems, etc.

Remote Backup vs Local Backup: Pros & Cons

The comparison between remote and local backup is also termed cloud backup vs local backup. Below outlines the merits and demerits of both local backup and remote backup.

Benefits of Remote Backup

• Multiple backup copies: When you store your backups remotely, you can maintain several copies in different locations. Cloud backup automatically saves your backup images on multiple servers located in different areas. If one server malfunctions, you can retrieve your data from the other servers.
• Convenient data access: If your backup is stored on the cloud, generally, you can access it anywhere via the Internet.
• High security: The backup is encrypted by remote backup software prior to being sent to the destination. Therefore, your data is safeguarded against potential unauthorized access.
• Relatively large storage capacity: Cloud storage providers provide nearly limitless storage capacity for you, provided you pay for it.

Drawbacks of Remote Backup

• Costly: Although unlimited storage space is available, you must pay for it at a relatively higher cost compared to local backup.
• Network-dependent speed: Whether sending backups to remote servers or restoring data from remote backups, you depend on Internet access. Thus, the task speed also relies on the bandwidth.

Benefits of Local Backup

• Quick data access: If you store your data copy locally, you can access it swiftly even without a network connection.
• Affordable: Compared to remote cloud backup, storing backup images locally costs less money since hard disk drives are cheaper than cloud drives.
• Simple operation: Creating a backup of your crucial data and saving it locally is straightforward, and most individuals or organizations can do it independently. However, backing up to a remote location is challenging and usually requires assistance from professionals.

Drawbacks of Local Backup

• Low security: Local hard drives or other storage devices are susceptible to natural disasters and theft. Consequently, there's a higher chance of losing or damaging your data when backing up locally.
• Fixed storage capacity: Unlike remote cloud backup, local backup storage space is fixed and limited.

Regarding management and cyberattacks, the circumstances for local and remote backups are similar. Both are manageable with the help of professional backup programs. Moreover, both can be targeted by viruses or malware. Therefore, you should pay extra attention to this.

Local and Remote Backup Solution – MiniTool ShadowMaker

MiniTool ShadowMaker is among the best free remote and local backup software. It can back up your vital data to internal disks, external hard drives, removable storage spaces, as well as remote shared folders.

1. Download, install, and launch MiniTool ShadowMaker on your computer.

2. If prompted to purchase, simply click Keep Trial in the upper right corner to enjoy its free features.

3. On its main interface, click Backup at the top.

4. On the Backup screen, click the Source module to specify the data you wish to protect.

5. Click the Destination module to set up the location for saving the backup image. If you aim to create a local backup, just select a local hard drive. If you intend to conduct a remote backup, you should choose Shared in the left panel in the pop-up window. Next, click Add new and enter the path, username, and password of the shared folder. Then, select the newly created remote location to store your data backup.

6. You can schedule this backup task to run automatically at a set frequency, daily, weekly, monthly, or upon a special event (system log on/log off).

Additionally, you can define the backup type by clicking the Scheme button next to the Schedule button in the lower left corner. Three types of backups are available: full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup.

Furthermore, you can manage your backup image in various ways through the Options button in the lower right corner. For instance, you can compress, comment, verify, and encrypt the backup image.

7. Lastly, click the Back up Now button in the bottom right corner to execute the process.

Local Backup vs Remote Backup: Conclusion

Based on this article, typically, local backup pertains to saving backup images on local storage devices whereas remote backup denotes storing backup copies in remote (often in the cloud) locations. Both possess advantages and disadvantages. As for which one to opt for, decide based on your preference. Alternatively, you can certainly utilize both to provide robust protection for your essential data.

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