Important: Getting started with Mamut Online Backup
The following document describes Mamut Online Backup; system requirements, installation, how you backup your data and how you retrieve your saved data. Download it now and start taking full advantage of Mamut Online Backup: .PDF document
Important: Upgrading from Mamut Online Backup version 1
FAQ
What is Mamut Online Backup?
Mamut Online Backup is an Internet based real-time backup and storage service. The storage service is available from all Windows based PCs with Internet connection. Mamut Online backup is easy to use and is a fully secure and encrypted service which updates continuously whilst the user is connected to the internet.
Where can I download the program?
From www.mamut.co.uk/onlinebackup. When the installation starts, follow the onscreen instructions which are given with the program.
How do you install the program?
The program installs automatically. After this, you need to follow the instructions which are given by the program.
What are the requirements for using Mamut Online Backup?
There are no requirements for using Mamut Online Backup. Private individuals receive 250 MB of free storage, while businesses receive 500 MB of free storage. Mamut customers will automatically receive double storage capacity for free (500 MB for private individuals and 1 GB for businesses).
Is there a systems requirement to use the service?
Mamut Online Backup requires that your machine is working on a Microsoft Windows operating system. It is recommended that you use Windows 2000 or Windows XP. If you have a PC that is over 18 months old, you will need to download Microsoft .NET Framework. This can be downloaded for free from this link.
Which Internet browser do you need to use?
Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Does the Mamut Online Backup program work on Windows Server 2003?
Yes, you can install the program on Windows Server 2003 and take a backup of files and documents in the usual way, just the same as with Windows XP. Unfortunately the current version is not developed to take backups of data from server applications such as a mail server or a database server (e.g. Microsoft Exchange Server or Microsoft SQL Server). This functionality is planned for future versions of Mamut Online Backup.
How do we ensure the security?
Mamut Online Backup encrypts all data. The program stores an encryption key which only you have access to. This key should be stored in a secure and safe place and used when you will access your back-up information.
How is the data encrypted?
The data is encrypted on your PC with a 2048 bits RSA key and is transferred with an SSL protocol (128-bit SSL encryption) to a server where the data remains encrypted. The data can only be unencrypted with your private encryption key and it is therefore impossible for anyone else to get access to your securely stored information.
How can the user guarantee that nobody else can get access to their data on the server?
The data can only be opened with your personal encryption key which should not be store in the same place as where you store your data. Nobody else has access to your data. Not even the administrator of the server. It is therefore important that you keep your encryption key in a safe place.
Mamut Key
Only the Mamut Key can be used to access your files when you want to restore them so you need to make sure that you will remember it. You can print it out directly from this window or copy it to a clipboard in Windows. Make sure to store it in a secure place.
The Mamut Key is not the same as your system password. The password is used for logging in, but is not valid for restoring/retrieving backup data. The software provider cannot restore or find this key for you; should you lose or forget it, you will have to consider your data lost.
How is the synchronisation performed?
Mamut Online Backup checks with Windows for changes made to files and the folders you have selected. All changes are synchronised continually.
How can the user see what has been copied?
You can check which files and file areas that are checked off in Mamut Online Backup and on your own web-site. The checked-off files and folders are securely backed up and copied.
Where is the data stored?
The data is stored on a secure server.
How do you update the back-up version – automatically or manually?
The backup copy is updated automatically so long as the user is connected to the internet.
How can capacity be controlled such that other business processes work normally?
The user can choose what speed to use.
Who has access to the data on the server?
Nobody else, other than those who have the users unique encryption key has access to the server, in addition, your account is password protected.
Why have we not developed solutions for other platforms?
Mamut Online Backup is primarily developed as an add-on product of Mamut. Mamut is based on Window’s applications and will therefore be accessible for use with Mamut. Windows and Microsoft.Net give and effective platform for development and distribution.
What broadband is required to effectively backup 1 GB?
ADSL fixed line or cable modem is required as a minimum for effective use of Mamut Online Backup.
How do you store a time plan for backup?
Mamut Online Backup does not wait until midnight or another predetermined time to take a backup. Backup is continual provided you are online. There is therefore no need for a time plan.
Do I need to let my PC be on overnight?
No, you can shutdown when ever you wish. If the program is currently uploading files or changes to files it will revert to the latest completed backup. Together with loss of power or unexpected loss of internet connection, there is no danger that all the data will be complete and intact. Part uploaded files will not be visible until they are completely uploaded.
What happens if I am not online?
The Backup icon will be red and you can work as normal. When you get back online synchronisation of any changes made will happen immediately, such that these are also secure.
How can you report errors with backup?
Errors that are caused by e.g. a file that is missing or other such errors the application icon will go yellow and you can see which files are affected. You don’t have to worry about whether last nights backup went OK, because backup is continual. If the icon is green then your data is safe.
How much space do I actually use?
You use only the number of megabytes in the files chosen from the selected maps. If you have 10MB in the selected map, then you will use 100MB. Storage of history is free. If you go over the maximum allowed in your account, the backup will stop and give you a warning message that you need to delete or deselect some files. Backup will resume once this has been done.
What if I want to get an old version of my files?
Depending on the type of subscription you have, you can get any earlier version of your file, irrespective of how old it is. You don’t just get to chose which day you will retrieve the file from, but which second, because backup in continual. You can also choose which files/maps you will retrieve, in order to avoid having to retrieve everything.
What happens when I make changes in large files?
Only the areas of the files which have changes will be downloaded. If, for example, you write some new ending in a large text document, in principle only the new changes will be downloaded.
How do I delete files that I have a backup copy of on the server?
You do not need to delete the files. Simply mark the files you want to take a backup of in the future and the "old ones" will be removed fro mthe server. If you wish to delete all files that are in your back-up area, you can use the "reset account" fuction in the "settings" menu.
I have ADSL and therefore do not have so much outgoing bandwidth. How does this work?
All backup activity is undertaken in the bacground and because you are able to choose the level of bandwidth used for this activity you do will not notice that a backup is ongoing. The first time you select to complete a backup of files will naturally take some time. Changes you make, as a rule will require much less bandwidth.
After installing Mamut Online Backup a new user account has been created called "ASP.NET" on my computer. What is the reason for this?
In order to work, Mamut Online Backup requires Microsoft's .NET framework. If you have installed the .NET framework and have Microsoft's webserver (Internet Information Server) installed the user account "ASP.NET" will be created on your PC. "ASP.NET" is actually part of the .NET support for the webserver. For a more detailed technical explanation please click on the following link: www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/aspdot.php.
From which web address can I restore files and folders from – if I do this with the Mamut Online Backup application? https://onlinebackup.mamut.com/login_uk.aspx
