General information
What is StormDrive?
What is the difference between Storm Backup and StormDrive?
How much does StormDrive cost?
Where are my files stored?
Do you ever limit bandwidth or transfer speeds?
Why do I need Storm Backup?
What operating systems does StormDrive support?
Storm Backup
What are the minimum system requirements for StormDrive Desktop Software?
What is Storm Backup?
What makes Storm Backup so special?
How do I download and install the Backup software?
How do I choose which files to backup?
When does Storm Backup run?
How do I schedule a backup?
Where can I see the files I've backed up?
What happens if I delete a file from my PC?
How can I restore multiple files?
Can I get access to previous versions of files?
Can I restore deleted items?
Can I edit or delete files online in Storm Backup?
Can I upload files to Storm Backup online?
Can I use Storm Backup on more than one computer?
How do I remove a computer from Storm Backup?
How do I add Storm Backup to my account?
StormDrive
What is StormDrive?
Why should I use StormDrive?
How can I access my StormDrive?
How do I get a StormDrive on my PC or Mac?
Do I need to have an internet connection to use the StormDrive drive?
Why does the StormDrive drive show less space than I have in my StormDrive account?
Where are files on my StormDrive drive actually stored?
Why if I don't want my StormDrive files to be stored on my hard drive?
Can I change the drive letter from L: to something else?
Can I use StormDrive on multiple computers?
Can I use StormDrive on my Linux computer?
How can I view my StormDrive files online?
Can I upload files to my StormDrive from anywhere?
Can I edit or delete files online?
How can I restore a previous version of a file?
How can I play music from my web browser?
What are applications and how can I install them?
Can anyone else see files on my StormDrive?
How can I let others see my StormDrive files?
Can I stop sharing a file?
StormDrive Desktop Software
What is the StormDrive Desktop Software?
Is the software free?
I have Backup and StormDrive, does this mean that I need two pieces of software?
Where do I get the Desktop Software from?
Will I be notified when updates are available?
Which operating systems does the StormDrive Desktop Software support?
I connect through a proxy, how will this affect my configuration?
What ports does the StormDrive client use?
StormDrive for Mac
Can I use StormDrive on my Mac?
Is there a Mac version of StormDrive restore?
Does StormDrive support some of the more complex file system features of Mac OSX?
Why do you ask for my Mac password when installing the StormDrive client?
Sharing Accounts
What are sharing accounts?
General information
What is StormDrive?
StormDrive is an online personal storage service providing you with secure and reliable storage services through three different product offerings:
- Storm Backup – this a simple solution aimed at providing you with a robust and secure environment in which you can store copies of your files online so that in the event of data loss, you can retrieve your files quickly.
- StormDrive – StormDrive will provide you with a place that you can store the files that you use the most so that you can access them from anywhere through your web browser. Your StormDrive will appear on your computer as another drive, alongside any other hard drives that you have installed. There is the option to install StormDrive across a number of computers, giving you access to your files from different locations – you can be sure that any changes that you make will be synchronised across your different computers.
- StormDrive for Business – if you are looking for a complete cloud storage solution for your business, then look no further. Using a combination of Storm Backup and StormDrive you will be able to give every user in your organization access to a secure and robust file storage facility that can also be used for the purpose of sharing files between staff members and storing backups of important documents.
What is the difference between Storm Backup and StormDrive?
Storm Backup is a simple backup tool that will allow you to choose the files and folders on your local computer that you wish to have protected in the event of data loss. Storm Backup will run in the background to make sure that your chosen files are backed up regularly without interfering whilst you are working with your computer.
StormDrive is a cloud storage solution that will enable you to store files in the cloud that can then be accessed from any computer that has access to your StormDrive account. No longer will you have to make use of memory sticks to transfer files between computers, with StormDrive you will be able to access your stored files from any computer that has the application installed.
How much does StormDrive cost?
Storm Internet provides a range of different StormDrive packages ranging between £49.99/year and £239.99/year.
Storm Backup is the lowest cost solution available and is priced at £49.99/year, providing you with an affordable solution to the issue of making regular backups of important documents and data.
We offer three different StormDrive packages starting at £69.99/year, offering a cost-effective solution if you wish to develop a cloud storage solution for your business. All three of our packages come with a basic 1TB of online cloud storage, but if you require more then you can easily purchase an extra terabyte of storage for another £29.99/year.
Where are my files stored?
Your files are normally stored locally on your own computer as well as in the cloud to guarantee that there will always be one copy of each file to work with if you find that you aren't able to access the cloud or have no access to the internet.
Do you ever limit bandwidth or transfer speeds?
Our data centres have super fast connections and so there is no such limit on the speed of transfers. There are also no limits on the amount of bandwidth that you can use each month.
Why do I need Storm Backup?
Storm Backup provides you with a simple and robust backup solution that you can use to backup your photos, documents and any other data from your local computer to a remote location so that in the event that you do face issues with your computer, you can simply recover these files from your Storm Backup account once you have resolved the issues.
If you use multiple computers or run a business where your employees need to be sharing information on a continuous basis then this is where StormDrive will be able to assist you. StormDrive can be installed on up to three computers, with the option of adding additional computers as you wish, enabling you to share documents securely between the computers that are connected to your StormDrive account via the cloud.
What operating systems does StormDrive support?
The StormDrive Desktop Software is available for the following operating systems:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Mac OSX 10.6.
The StormDrive web portal is accessible through all major browsers, although it is recommended that you use the most recent versions of all web browsers to ensure the highest level of security when accessing your files.
What are the minimum system requirements for StormDrive Desktop Software?
- 1GHz Intel or equivalent CPU
- 512MB RAM
- Windows XP/Vista/7/Server 2003 or later
- Broadband Internet Connection
- Internet Explorer 7 or higher/Firefox 2.0 or higher/Google Chrome/Safari
- The latest versions of Java and Flash.
Storm Backup
What is Storm Backup?
Storm Backup is a secure online backup solution that allows you to keep copies your files online so that in the event of data loss, you can easily retrieve any files that you may have lost so that you are able to carry on where you left off. Storm Backup is very easy to configure and setup and will work quietly in the background to backup your files on a regular basis.
What makes Storm Backup so special?
There are a number of different things that help to make Storm Backup special, such as:
- Incredibly easy to configure – Storm Backup is easy to configure as our desktop application comes with a step-by-step installation wizard that will allow you to setup the application to function in the way that you want it to
- Files are backed up as you work – the desktop application will operate seamlessly in the background whilst you are working to backup your files to minimise any disruption on your part, but to also ensure that the files that you wish to have backed up are backed up on a regular basis
- Off-site storage facility – unlike using traditional forms of backup such as physical forms of media including DVDs and CDs, Storm Backup will provide you with an offsite storage facility that will be completely separate to your working environment – this will mean that even if the unimaginable happens – such as fire or theft – your data will still be available in a secure offsite facility
- Unlimited storage – Storm Backup will offer you an unlimited level of storage for all of the files that you wish to backup, allowing you to backup your entire computer to your Storm Backup account if you wish to
- Restore previous versions of files – you may have accidentally made a change to a file and saved this change without being able to reverse it, with Storm Backup you will be able to view historical versions of the files that you have backed up so that in the event that this does happen, you can easily revert to a previous version of the file concerned
- View your files online from anywhere – you can use the Storm Backup web interface to view your files through a web browser from any computer, allowing you to check the status of your backups from any location.
How do I download and install the Backup software?
To download the Storm Backup Desktop Software simply login to your web portal, click on the ‘Account Settings' tab and select ‘Software Download' This page will present you with the latest version of the Storm Backup software.
How do I choose which files to backup?
Upon completion of the installation of the Storm Backup Desktop Software, the welcome wizard will guide you through selecting the files that you wish to back up.
On Windows:
Once Storm Backup is setup and running, you can add additional files or folders to your backup list by right-clicking on them and selecting ‘Backup with Storm Backup'.
Advanced users can easily manage all of the folders that you wish to backup through the Storm Backup settings screen that is accessible through the Windows control panel by selecting the ‘Services' tab and then ‘Select Folders and Files to Backup'.
On Mac:
In Finder, select the folders that you wish to backup and then select ‘Selected Files' > ‘Backup This Folder' from the Storm Backup menu that is located next to the clock in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Storm Backup will then backup the selected folders for you in the background.
When does Storm Backup run?
The benefit of using Storm Backup is that it doesn't run to any specific backup schedule, instead choosing to work seamlessly in the background to backup your files and folders on a continuous basis whilst you work. Because of this there is no need to keep your PC on all night!
How do I schedule a backup?
As Storm Backup doesn't run to any schedule as such, there isn't any option to schedule backups specifically. Storm Backup will always be working in the background to backup your files and folders.
Where can I see the files I've backed up?
You can see the files that you've backed up through your web portal. Simply login using your email address and password and then navigating to the ‘Backup' tab. You will be able to review the files that you have backed up just as you would be able to on your Windows or Mac computer.
The web portal will also provide you with the option to download any backed up files if for any reason you need to replace the local copy on your computer or need access to a previous version.
What happens if I delete a file from my PC?
If you delete a file on your PC then it will be moved to your Recycling Bin in the web portal much in the same way it will be moved to your Recycling Bin on your computer. It will be stored here for 30 days so if you do wish to retrieve a deleted file then simply login to your web portal and retrieve the file from your Recycling Bin.
How can I restore multiple files?
Storm Backup Restore is a separate application that will allow you to browse your Storm Backup account to select the files that you wish to restore to your computer. You can either restore files to their original location or select a new location for them.
Can I get access to previous versions of files?
Storm Backup will keep up to the last 30 versions of any file. To view the previous versions of any file simply login to the web portal, select the ‘Backup' tab and navigate to the file. Double click on the file to view its properties where you'll then be presented with a list of historical versions, you can then proceed to download the version that you require.
On the other hand, if you are using Storm Backup Restore then simply right-click on a file and select ‘View Older Versions' or select ‘Versions' from the toolbar to see a list and restore any historical versions.
Can I restore deleted items?
Yes – both the Storm Backup web portal and Storm Backup Restore will allow you to access deleted items that are in your Storm Backup Recycling Bin.
Can I edit or delete files online in Storm Backup?
You aren't able to make any changes to files in your Storm Backup account through the web portal as the copy that is available through the web portal is designed to be an exact copy of what you have available on your desktop computer.
If you wish to be able to edit or delete files through Storm Backup then you should consider StormDrive for your requirements.
Can I upload files to Storm Backup online?
You aren't able to upload new files to your Storm Backup account online through the web portal. Storm Backup is designed to be a copy of the files that you have stored on your computer so that if you do happen to lose any of these files, you can easily retrieve an identical copy so that you can pick up from where you left off.
Can I use Storm Backup on more than one computer?
Storm Backup is designed for use with one computer only. If you wish to use Storm Backup with more than one computer then you will need to purchase an additional subscription for each machine that you wish to use the service with.
How do I remove a computer from Storm Backup?
It is very easy to remove computer from your Storm Backup account. Simply login to your web portal, click on the ‘Backup' tab, then select the computer that you wish to delete and click on ‘Remove Computer' in the ‘File Management' box that is located on the right-hand side. The computer will then be removed from your Storm Backup account, along with the backed up contents of the machine.
It is important to remember that when you remove a computer from your Storm Backup account, nothing will happen on your local computer – all the action takes place on the Storm Backup servers where any files related to the deleted machine will be removed.
How do I add Storm Backup to my account?
Adding Storm Backup to your account is a simple procedure; simply login to your web portal and select the ‘Upgrade' button from the ‘Account Settings' section.
StormDrive
What is StormDrive?
StormDrive is a designed as a place to store files for permanent archiving, sharing with friends and family and for modification online. You will be able to access your files through a web browser on any PC or Mac computer. The benefit of using a Windows computer with StormDrive is that your StormDrive will appear on your local computer as another drive; much in the same way that a USB memory stick or CD drive would appear.
You will be able to use StormDrive with multiple machines meaning that if you place a file on your StormDrive on one computer, that file will be synchronised across every other computer that is connected to your StormDrive account.
Why should I use StormDrive?
StormDrive will provide you with a the cloud equivalent of a portable memory stick or external hard drive, meaning that you can get rid of such inconveniences whilst still being able to access your files on the move from any computer!
What features do you get with StormDrive that you don't get with Backup?
StormDrive will be able to offer you the following features over Backup:
- You can synchronise files between every machine connected to your StormDrive account
- File sharing between multiple computers
- Web-based editing of documents and pictures
- Integrated music browser and player
- Web-based playback for video and audio files.
How can I access my StormDrive?
Your StormDrive files are available through any web browser, simply login to your web portal and select the ‘StormDrive' tab in order to view and edit your files.
How do I get a StormDrive on my PC or Mac?
Once you have activated your StormDrive and Backup account you will then need to install the Desktop Software on the computers that you wish to use with the services. The Desktop Software will automatically add a new drive to your computer that you can interact with like any other drive.
Do I need to have an internet connection to use the StormDrive drive?
You will need to have an internet connection in order to setup StormDrive and if you're connected to the internet then your files will be automatically uploaded and downloaded by the Desktop Software as you make changes.
StormDrive will also allow you to work offline meaning that you will have access to the files in your StormDrive on the move without the need for an internet connection; if you make any changes to these files whilst working offline then these changes will automatically be synchronised to the cloud once you have access to the internet again.
Why does the StormDrive drive show less space than I have in my StormDrive account?
StormDrive caches files on your StormDrive drive for offline access, therefore meaning that the amount of space shown against the StormDrive drive on your computer is limited to the size of your local hard drive.
If you don't want files to be cached on your hard drive then you can simply right-click on them and select ‘Do Not Keep on This Computer', allowing you to free up space; however, this will mean you will be unable to access these files when your computer is offline.
Where are files on my StormDrive drive actually stored?
Files that are stored in your StormDrive drive are stored online on Storm Internet's servers. If you also have the Desktop Software installed then copies of your files will also be cached on your local hard drive for access when you're working offline.
Why if I don't want my StormDrive files to be stored on my hard drive?
If you don't want files to be cached on your local hard drive then you can right-click on them and select ‘Do Not Store on This Computer' – this will allow you to free up disk space on your computer, but means that you won't be able to modify these files if you are working offline.
You can also adjust your StormDrive settings so that files that you have added to your StormDrive from other computers aren't automatically downloaded to the computer that you are using. To enable this feature you will need to navigate to the StormDrive Control Panel, select ‘Online Files' and choose ‘Do Not Keep Files on My Computer'.
Can I change the drive letter from L: to something else?
When using the Desktop Software, your StormDrive will automatically be assigned the drive letter ‘L'; if this is unavailable then another one will be automatically assigned.
If you wish to manually assigned a drive letter to your StormDrive then follow these steps:
- Navigate to the StormDrive Control Panel
- Select the ‘Advanced' tab
- Select the ‘Drive Settings' tab
- Choose a drive letter from the drop-down list
- Click ‘OK' to save the changes that you have made.
Can I use StormDrive on multiple computers?
You are able to use up to 10 computers with our StormDrive Pro and StormDrive Business packages; with StormDrive Pro you can add additional computers to your plan for an extra £10/year per machine – with StormDrive Business you can add additional computers for no extra cost.
Can I use StormDrive on my Linux computer?
An application for use on the Linux platform is currently under development and an official release date will be announced soon.
How can I view my StormDrive files online?
You can login to your web portal and select the ‘StormDrive' tab if you wish to view your files online. Your entire StormDrive will be replicated here, enabling you to view and modify any file of your choice.
Can I upload files to my StormDrive from anywhere?
Through your web portal you will be able to upload any files to your StormDrive from any computer using a web browser. Your web portal has integrated Flash and Java web uploaders to assist you.
Can I edit or delete files online?
Files and folders can be selected through your web portal using a web browser. Any files or folders that are deleted in this manner will be hidden from your web portal until you select ‘Show Deleted Items' from the web portal toolbar; files or folders that have been accidentally deleted can be recovered using this feature by selecting the item and then clicking ‘Undelete'. Deleted files will be removed from your account permanently after 30 days.
Certain file types, especially documents, can be edited using the web plugins. Examples of this include Zoho for document editing and Picnik for photo editing.
How can I restore a previous version of a file?
StormDrive keeps a history of every file on your account, allowing you to revert to a previous version of a file if required. The first thing to do if you wish to view the previous versions available of a particular file is to locate the file in question in your web portal, once you have located the file you will then be able to view the version history along with the computer that uploaded that particular version.
Once you have located the version that you wish to rollback to, click the ‘Revert' link – any computers that are connected to your StormDrive account will automatically be synchronised to the version of the file that you have selected to use.
How can I play music from my web browser?
Any MP3 file that you add to your StormDrive will also be automatically added to the StormDrive Music Browser. You can search by album, artist or song and there is even a facility to create playlists! Once you have found the MP3s that you want to listen to then just select ‘Play All' from the toolbar in your web portal and the music player should then appear.
What are applications and how can I install them?
The web portal allows you to edit documents and files online using a number of different plugins that have been designed for individual application types. Any changes that you make to your files online will be automatically synchronised across all computers that have access to your StormDrive account.
The following file types are currently supported:
- Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt/.pps/.pptx)
- Microsoft Excel (.xls/.xlsx)
- OpenOffice Text Document (.odt, .sxw)
- OpenOffice Presentation Document (.odp, .sxi)
- OpenOffice Spreadsheet (.ods, .sxc)
- Plain text document (.txt)
- JPEG images (.jpg).
You can enable or disable the application plugins that you wish to use by navigating to ‘Applications' under ‘Settings' in your web portal.
Can anyone else see files on my StormDrive?
StormDrive uses AES-256 security to encrypt all communications between your desktop computers and our servers. This technology is also used by the military to secure their communications meaning that you can be safe in the knowledge that it is going to be almost impossible for any hackers to eavesdrop on your file uploads and downloads. As well as operating a network that protected by multiple hardware firewalls, the data that is stored on your StormDrive is backed up to multiple servers in different locations to ensure that your data is protected in all aspects.
How can I let others see my StormDrive files?
You can easily share files privately with an individual or publicly through your web portal.
Simply navigate to the file that you wish to share through your web portal and select ‘Share'. If you wish to share that file or folder publicly then you will be provided with a URL that you can then share with others; on the other hand, if you wish to share a file or folder with an individual privately then if you specify their email address, they will be emailed with a link to the file that you are sharing.
You can also share files using the StormDrive Desktop Software. All you need to do is access your StormDrive through ‘My Computer' and then right-click on the file or folder that you wish to share.
Can I stop sharing a file?
If you want to stop sharing a file folder then you will need to right-click on it and select the ‘Sharing' option from the StormDrive menu; a window will then appear from which you will be able to opt to turn off sharing. Anyone who you have shared that specific file or folder with will no longer have access to it, unless they have saved a copy on their own computer.
StormDrive Desktop Software
What is the StormDrive Desktop Software?
The StormDrive Desktop Software is designed to go hand-in-hand with your StormDrive account to provide you with an easy way to backup your computer to your Storm Backup account or to add files to your StormDrive.
As a Storm Backup customer, you will be able to use the Desktop Software to configure your backups. This will allow you to choose the particular files that you wish to backup along with any other settings that you may see as applicable to your needs.
If you are a StormDrive customer the Desktop Software will create a new drive on your computer, the ‘StormDrive'. This is where you will be able to copy files to if you wish to have them automatically uploaded to the cloud and synchronised between the other computers that you have connected to your StormDrive account.
Is the software free?
The StormDrive Desktop Software is completely free and is available with any of our Backup or StormDrive packages.
I have Backup and StormDrive, does this mean that I need two pieces of software?
No, the StormDrive Desktop Software works with both our Backup and StormDrive plans meaning that even if you are using both services, there is no need to have two pieces of software installed as the single application will take care of both processes.
Where do I get the Desktop Software from?
You can download the Desktop Software from your web portal by logging in and selecting the ‘Account Settings' tab and then choosing ‘Software Download'. The Software Download page will provide you with instructions on how to download and install the software; there are two different versions available – one for Windows and another for Mac OSX.
Will I be notified when updates are available?
The application will notify you when a new version of the StormDrive Desktop Software is available and will then be guided through the simple upgrade procedure.
Which operating systems does the StormDrive Desktop Software support?
The Desktop Software is currently available for Windows XP, Vista and 7 as well as Mac OSX 10.6 and above.
I connect through a proxy, how will this affect my configuration?
Proxies can be configured either during the initial installation process or from the Desktop Software's control panel. If you don't opt to enter your proxy settings during the initial installation process then simply navigate to the ‘StormDrive Preferences' screen and enter your proxy settings under the ‘Advanced' tab.
What ports does the StormDrive client use?
The StormDrive Desktop Software connects to the StormDrive servers on ports 50234 and 50235. If the client is having connection issues then you may need to ask your Network Administrator to open these ports.
StormDrive for Mac
Can I use StormDrive on my Mac?
Yes, there is a version of the StormDrive Desktop Software available for the Mac OSX platform. It works in the same way as the Desktop Software for Windows, backing up your files as you work and providing you with a new volume on your Mac that will act as your StormDrive.
Is there a Mac version of StormDrive restore?
StormDrive Restore is built into the Mac version of the StormDrive Desktop Software meaning that there is no need to install any extra applications.
Does StormDrive support some of the more complex file system features of Mac OSX?
StormDrive doesn't support certain file system features such as ACLs, resource forks, symlink and extended attributes for Mac at this moment in time. Instead the application is focused on document backup.
Why do you ask for my Mac password when installing the StormDrive client?
We install two tools that run as root and so require your Mac password.
Sharing Accounts
What are sharing accounts?
When a StormDrive users privately shares a file with someone who does not have a StormDrive account themselves, a free account known as a ‘sharing account' is created for them. The recipient is automatically emailed their username and password and can login securely to view all of the files that have been shared with them.
Sharing accounts are completely free and are not limited by time meaning that your users will have access to the files that you have shared with them for as long as you wish.
Someone shared a file with me and now I have a StormDrive account, does this mean that I have to pay for it?
Your sharing account is completely free and can be used to access the files that have been shared with you for as long as you want.
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