Has this ever happened to you?

Have you ever lost everything on a computer or device?  Maybe you spilled a drink, caught a virus, or dropped your laptop?  Well, I have!

Two years ago my laptop started acting up.  It wouldn’t start up properly and constantly shut down.  I think we caught a computer virus.  I don’t know if it was a link to a shopping coupon or maybe a “warning” sign that popped up.  Either way, it fooled us and we caught a virus that made our laptop malfunction.

Since my dad is good with computers, I asked him to fix it.  He said that laptops are so much harder to work on than a computer hard drive.  With this news, I still felt hopeful that he’d be able to fix it.  After waiting a few days and no luck, we decided we should go ahead and get a new computer.  We thought we could get by with a new laptop for a while and then return it after my dad fixed my old one.  Well, after a few weeks, my dad couldn’t restore the old one.  It was such a bummer because it was a really nice laptop!  And an even bigger bummer that I lost everything.

I do have a better antivirus on my laptop now, but I recently set…ummmm, accidentally dropped my laptop when it fell sideways off the chair after I set it down.  I knew it was bad when I picked it up because it immediately went blank.  I started to get teary eyed because I know what it’s like to not be able to restore your family pictures and work.  Luckily, the computer started up again and only the touch screen capability is broken.

When I heard about Carbonite, I knew I wanted to try it!  It has given me the peace of mind knowing that if something ever happened to my laptop or devices, that everything is perfectly safe.  I’ve thought about saving everything on cds or an external hard drive, but that still isn’t fool proof.  Besides, it takes time to do all that work.  I’m glad that I had the chance to try Carbonite and now I don’t have to worry about saving all my family photos and work.

Once installed, Carbonite allows backups to happen seamlessly and in the background.  So no more hassle, worry, or time spent saving your precious pictures or work.  Carbonite is so easy!

Want to win a free year of Carbonite?  Simply comment below how Carbonite will benefit you.  Click here for the full giveaway rules.

How does it work?

INSTALL - Install Carbonite on your computer.

BACK UP - Your files will be backed up automatically to the cloud.

RESTORE - With your files safely stored in the cloud, you can get them back anytime, whether you accidentally delete a single file or have a complete hard drive failure.

ACCESS - You can access files from any internet-connected computer or mobile device.

There are 3 types of plans to fit your needs and budget. What does Carbonite provide:

• Unlimited cloud backup space
• Simple, automatic, continuous
• Free premium support
• Easy Restore
• Safe and sound-Fort Knox? They're even better! Before leaving your computer, your files are encrypted. Then, they’re securely transmitted to one of the data centers using the same technology that banks use, where they are guarded 24 hours a day.
• Access to previous the versions of your data, even if you save over a file (Windows only) 

Want some great tips for protecting your PC?  Here are some from Carbonite:

1.  To prevent a "break-in" you have to lock up, just like in your house.  Anytime you take your laptop on-the-go, you’re opening yourself up to a number of security risks.  Avoid this by Investing in a personal hotspot that you can password-protect no matter where you are.  Check in with your wireless provider and see if you can add this feature to your family’s existing phone plan.  This way, you know that the Wi-Fi connection you’re using is safe and secure. 

2.  #OVERSHARING  Social media-savvy as we all are, the Instagram posts and Facebook check-ins that get us ‘likes’ can sometimes be opening you up to danger.  Think about it, your vacation posts (before, while and when back!) can be a good indicator that your house is empty for would-be thieves.  Another overshare concern? Your kids.  Talk to your kids about the importance of never posting the name of their school, where they’re hanging out with their friends or any revealing information.  Make sure you talk to your family members and close friends, too – they may post something they think is ‘fun’ but could potentially put your home or kids in danger. 

3.  The hack is coming from INSIDE the house.  The people who are using your computer might be the ones putting it at risk the most.  Talk to your kids (and anyone else who has access to your computer) about downloading programs and documents without knowing if they are ‘safe.’  Threats to your computer could be links that download viruses, games that eat up too much memory space and could cause a crash, programs that are downloaded directly to your computer, without your knowledge.  Have a conversation and stay vigilant!  



Lafayette Macaroni Kid was compensated for this review.  All opinions are our own.