The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: I am currently using a trial version of Carbonite on my iMac. Do I really need an online backup system since I have Time Machine?
A: Time Machine is very fast and very convenient but it has one weakness: It's attached to your computer. Why is this a weakness? While Time Machine can provide backup if your files are accidentally deleted or your hard drive crashes, it's still vulnerable to many of the physical dangers that your computer is, such as fire, theft, floods, or other disasters. With Carbonite, your data sits in a secure, remote location. The data is also encrypted, something you don't get by default with Time Machine.
All that aside, there's something else Carbonite does that Time Machine does not: It provides you with remote access to your files anywhere you have an Internet connection. So, whether you're at work or on vacation you can grab important files safely and securely. While Time Machine is easy to use, there's nothing quite as useful or secure as an online backup service like Carbonite.
Check out our full online backup comparisons and reviews for the full rundown on Carbonite, Time Machine, and other online backup services. You can also get exclusive discounts for many of the top online backup services.