Installation:
Getting started at JustCloud is simple. We went to their website, created an account and logged in. As soon as we were logged in there was a button asking if we had installed the software yet. Clicking this will start the download.
On Windows: After the install package downloaded we opened it to start installation. After the install wizard completes it asked if we would like to restart the computer. We chose not to. Unlike the Mac version JustCloud did not automatically launch like it did on the Mac version. We tried to launch the application but it would not launch until we restarted the computer. After we did the restart we were able to launch JustCloud. We were prompted to login. Once logged in, we were taken to a screen called, “JustCloud Setup Wizard”. In this screen, we were able to either select, the “My Documents” folder or select files manually for backup. We chose to back up files manually. This opens a window that allows you to select which folders and files you want to back up. As soon as we finished the backup began.
On Mac: After the install package downloaded we double clicked to open it. First we went through a typical Mac app installation. After this is finished the JustCloud application will launch. Enter in your login information and click continue. In the next screen called “JustCloud Setup Wizard” it asks you to back up the “Documents” folder or manually select files. We chose to manually backup files. This opens a window that lets you navigate the files on your computer. We selected our files and clicked “Finish”. As soon as we clicked finish the backup started automatically.
We like that the backup happens immediately after selection. We’re not sure why it worked differently on a Windows than on a Mac. Likely it could have been a limitation on the Windows computer we used. For a lot of users, they will not want to wait to get data backed up.
File Backup
The backup process is easy and runs smooth. Our initial backup started immediately and ran without interruption.
It’s important to note that the first backup is limited to files 2MB’s or less. This is a default option set by JustCloud. For initial backup this is a good idea because it will get crucial, smaller files like financial documents and pictures backed up fast.
The Windows version has a Drag-and-Drop feature. You can use this to upload any file from any location simply by dragging the file to in to the window that opens. Once uploaded the file will have it’s file location preserved in the same place it was located on the computer.
This method of getting the smaller documents uploaded first is understandable. If you are like us, you want to increase the max file size so that ALL of your files are uploaded.
Backup Setting Configuration:
We found that Just Cloud’s backup options were somewhat limited. Some options should be included with the program be default but we did not find a lot of them in JustCloud’s options. Features like advanced scheduling, bandwidth throttle or file type exemption could all have been a part of the program.
Here are the options for the different backup settings.
General:
Only options here are to change the computer name and type. For Windows the options are: PC, Laptop, Server, and Other. For Mac the options are: Mac, Macbook, Server, and Other.
Backup Scheduler:
This tab allows you to change the automatic backup times for JustCloud. Mac only has a few options and Windows...
For Windows there a great amount of backup options. You are given the choice between “Hourly”, “Daily”, “Advanced Schedule” and “Manual”. The “Hourly” selection requires you to purchase an upgrade to use. The section after backup is “Start Time” which allows you to select the time of day you want it to run. Beneath that, there is a section called, “Automatic Backup Pausing”. This allows the user to set a time for JustCloud to not run a backup.
For Mac there is a ability to select either “Daily” or “Hourly” (hourly requires a purchased upgrade). There is no area to select time of day or day of week. Most people find it help to be able to only backup after work hours or on weekends.
In general the Mac software offers little in terms of backup scheduling. We would like to see this improved.
Backup Selection:
This tab is the same in Windows and on a Mac. In this section you are given the option to backup just the “Documents” folder or select the files to be backed up manually. Click “Edit Selection” to open a window that allows you to select the files to be backed up.
Under this area there is place called “File Size Limit”. This is where files can be excluded from upload based on their size. It is set to 2MB’s for default. For initial backup this is good, but it will overlook most media files. We moved this to limit sizes over 300MB’s for the second backup then moved it to Unlimited for the rest of the backups after.
File Types: In Windows only, you can enter in file type extensions that you want to be excluded from the backup.Examples include: .MP3,.EXE, etc...
Authentication:
This tab allows you to update your username and password. It is the same in Windows and Mac.
Security:
In this area you find the option to use either “HTTPS” or “HTTP”. “HTTPS” is more secure and slower. “HTTP” is faster and less secure. “HTTP” is not encrypted and leaves the connection open to hackers. This area is the same on Windows and Mac
Power and CPU: This tab is only found in the Windows version. The first option has a setting that will pause the backup if the computer is running on a battery and the second option will pause the backup if the screen saver is on.
Restoring Files
ZipCloud has 3 methods of restoring data. They work the same on both Windows and Mac.
1. ZipCloud software
2. ZipCloud website
3. ZipCloud Mobile
1. SOFTWARE: In the main JustCloud interface click, “Restore Files”. This opens window that allows you to navigate the computer. We found it easy to find folders and files that were backed up. After the selection of files are made they can be restored to your computer.
Click “Restore Selected Files” after you have made your selection and you will be prompted to download the files to restore to a specific location. Once the files are downloaded, they will appear in folder named “JustCloud Restore”. The files will be organized in the same way they were originally on the computer before backup.
2. WEBSITE: To use the JustCloud website to restore files you must first login to your account on their website. We logged in and to restore we clicked, “View My Backed Up Files” on the left hand column. This takes you to the “Files & Folders” screen. On the left column use the “Folder View” to select the folders you are searching for. On the middle-right column there is a box called “Browse Your Files Below” here you can select the files you want to restore.
Restoring the files is simple. Click a selected file and it will ask to be saved to your computer. When the mouse pointer is over one of the files an arrow appears to the right offering the following options: “Previous Versions”, “Download File” and “Delete”. Clicking “Previous Versions shows a log of each time that file has been updated during a backup. Click “Preview” to view the file and download the version wanted.
We did not find a way to download whole folders. This could be added to speed up restoration by allowing us to download whole folders rather than individual files.
3. MOBILE ACCESS: Using a phone’s browser to access JustCloud works pretty well. Simply go to JustCloud.com and login like you would on a computer. After we logged in we were shown an account overview. To see backed up files we clicked, “View Files”. On the mobile version you are given the same options to download files as are on the website normally. Restoring files to the phone is going to be limited to what the phone is capable of. It may be possible to download PDF’s, Music, Videos or Pictures
Overall we think the restore process is simple, clean and to-the-point. We do think improvements like version history in the software and folder downloads from the website would make JustCloud better.
Syncing:
JustCloud comes with a sync folder. This folder is automatically created when the software is installed. All files added to this folder are automatically are uploaded to the JustCloud account and any computers with the same account will download the files automatically. In order for the files to be uploaded, one must click “Backup Now” or wait until the software goes through the next backup cycle. We think it would be better if the sync took place as soon as the file is added to the sync folder.
JustCloud has 1GB of sync folder storage with upgrades of 5GB and 10GB available. Use the website to navigate the sync folder and restore. Through the website options are “Previous versions”, “Download file”, “Rename” and “Delete”. “Rename” being an added option.
We think that 1GB of storage is limited. Most companies offer 2GB to 5GB for free. We are hoping that JustCloud increases the free size in the future.
File Sharing:
Sharing files in JustCloud is easy. It is only possible to set up files to share on their website. To share a folder, move the mouse ontop of the folder and an arrow will appear on the right side. This shows the option for sharing the folder. A window will appear that lets you invite people to share the folder with. Whoever wishes to see the folder must also have a JustCloud account. If the recipients do not have one when the invitation is sent, they will be prompted to create one.
How sharing works from the recipients point of view:
1. They received the email about the shared folder
2. They clicked on the link then and are prompted to create a zipcloud account (if needed)
3. They login to ZipCloud and accept the shared folder.
4. They now have access to the contents of the shared folder.
We found sharing with JustCloud to be easy and convenient. Our only criticism is that, like the sync folder, you must manually click “Backup Now” or wait until the software cycles through the backup for share recipients will have access to new files. Other than that there is little to complain about.
Support:
We found support to be pretty good. That being said, we had no technical issues to figure out. We think it is important to note that they DO NOT have phone or live chat support. They DO have a well documented knowledge base and FAQ section. The best way to get help is to email them through the “Help Center”. This method creates a support ticket that will be worked with until it is resolved.
Conclusion:
We think JustCloud is great because it offers unlimited online backup with the ability to use cloud storage. It provides users with the ability to sync files over multiple computer and share files with anyone. They could improve some of the features and work to iron out some of their kinks, but overall they are a good company.
MAC VS WINDOWS?
Because there is such hot competition in cloud syncing and storage, we would like to see more space added to the sync folder and hourly backup be offered for free. Other companies readily offer these or similar features at no cost, and we think it would be a shame for JustCloud to miss an opportunity to be even better then the competition.
We like JustCloud for home users and those looking to sync multiple computers. Overall they are a solid company that we think will improve with time. Because they are able to offer unlimited backup and cloud storage simultaneously we think their efforts have created a great product.