FAQS
- Do I have to leave my computer on or be logged in for the backup to occur?
- Where is my data stored?
- How secure is my data?
- How long does it take to backup my data?
- Will it affect my ISP charges and do I need a fast broadband connection?
- Can I backup multiple computers on one Datacastle account?
- How do I restore my data?
- Can I replace my computer during the contract term?
- How can I check the progress of my backup?
- What’s a passphrase?
- What if I forget my Passphrase?
- I need a document I deleted months ago. Is it gone for good?
Do I have to leave my computer on or be logged in for the backup to occur?
gizmo online backup works automatically when you are connected to the internet, so while you don’t need to be logged into your computer, you do need to leave it on. Just like email, your backups are stored on your PC locally, and then will either upload automatically when you connect to the internet, or when you schedule your backup with the backup Scheduler Option. Once you’re set up, it will work away in the background so you can set it… and forget it. If you’re running your backup overnight, you may need to change your computer’s settings so it doesn’t go into standby or sleep mode, disconnecting you from the net.
Where is my data stored?
Your files are safely stored in the virtual online “Datacastle Vault”. This virtual vault is comprised of web, application and database servers along with storage infrastructure. For even greater security, your data is securely replicated across multiple data centres widely spread across a metropolitan area. Each data centre is unique from each other in terms of location, floodplain, power grid access, bandwidth providers etc...
How secure is my data?
Before your files leave your PC, they are encrypted or coded using 256-bit AES encryption. It goes up the line to the Datacastle Vault which is secured even further with another layer of coding - a 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. This virtually eliminates any unauthorised access to your data, giving you the highest level of security available today. We’ll store your passwords securely in our system or if you’re after even more reassurance you can create and keep your own Passphrase so you and only you have the key to unlock your data.
How long does it take to backup my data?
They say the first time’s often the hardest! Depending on the size and quantity of stuff that you’re backing up, your first backup could take several days. Other factors include your computer’s performance, the speed of your Internet connection and other programs you might be running on your computer. Once you’ve nominated your files and finalised your first backup, gizmo online backup will work away quietly in the background, scanning your files for any changes and only uploading any changes or additions. You won’t even know we’re there.
Will it affect my ISP charges and do I need fast broadband internet connection?
You don’t need fast broadband internet connection, but your connection speed will certainly have an impact on how long your initial backup may take. As every internet plan is different, we strongly recommend that you check your upload allowances with your ISP. In some cases, you may choose to spread your initial backup over a couple of months to ensure that you don’t face excess usage fees from your ISP.
Can I backup multiple computers?
Each gizmo online backup contract is valid for one computer. You can choose to purchase multiple contracts, or alternatively, files from multiple computers can be shared over a network for your backup using one computer.
How do I restore my data?
Just point and click. Under your Datacastle Client (Welcome screen), click on the ‘Restore’ tab. You will then be able to tick the box of each file you want restored. Then click ‘Restore’ and follow the prompts to choose a location and save the restored files. We recommend you save these files in a different location to the original. When the files are restored, you will be taken to the main menu and you will be provided with the restore status of your file.
Can I replace my computer during the contract term?
Yes of course. However, you will need to reset the Datacastle Client to your new computer:
- Call gizmo on 1300 275 449 to initialise the reset.
- Follow the reset instructions listed here.
Alternatively, you can book a gizmo service to reset your computer for you. Remember, you will need your gizmo online backup passphrase to access the data from your new computer, so keep it somewhere handy.
How can I check the progress of my backup?
You can check the status of your backup at any time, by referring to your Datacastle Client (your ‘Welcome’ screen) and click on the ‘View Activity’ tab. The progress of your backups can be found here.
What’s a passphrase?
Your Passphrase is a combination of 4–100 characters that’s used to protect your data in the various layers of encryption. For optimal security, we recommend you use a Passphrase that is 40-100 characters in length. When you are required to enter your Passphrase, our security system will provide you with prompts indicating that your Passphrase “is not secure,” or “is good,” or “is strong.”
If gizmo is helping you set up your backup, then you will be given a choice as to whether you want gizmo to record your Passphrase or not. Choosing to record your own Passphrase is the most secure option, and you should keep a record of your chosen Passphrase in a safe place (that is not on your computer) as you will need it should your computer be lost, stolen or broken or if you change to a new computer during your contract period.
What if I forget my Passphrase?
If you choose your own passphrase, it is your key to your backed-up files and is the only way you can retrieve your data. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you keep a record of your exact chosen Passphrase in a safe location (not on your computer).
If you did not choose to keep your own passphrase, then a gizmotech will be able to help you out.
I need a document I deleted months ago. Is it gone for good?
Good news! Your document should still be retrievable from the recycle bin in your vault, provided you haven’t emptied it in the meantime. Simply click on the file in the recycle bin you want to restore. Keep in mind that files stored in your recycle bin still count toward your storage quota. It’s important to reiterate that the system saves every hourly version of any document in progress from the past seven days. If you have deleted a document, while you can retrieve it from the recycle bin as indicated above, the version that will be available, will be the last version saved at time you deleted the file.