. : : Frequently Asked Questions : : .
about redBoomerang™

About redBoomerang:

Q. What is redBoomerang?

A. redBoomerang is automated software to store all of your computer’s data (such as pictures, documents, spreadsheets, email, research papers, homework, drawings, and music).

Q. How does redBoomerang work?

A. redBoomerang looks at all the files on your computer to see if anything is new or has changed since the last backup was performed.  It compresses those new or changed files, encrypts them for security, and automatically sends the data through the Internet to a secure, off site location.

Q. When does redBoomerang run?

A. redBoomerang can run any time day or night as long as your computer is connected to any broadband connection and powered on.  The automated backup time is chosen and set by you when you install the software.

Q. Can redBoomerang run at other times?

A. Yes.  redBoomerang can run anytime you like as long as you are connected to the Internet.  Under the Backup menu, there is an option to “Backup Now.”

Q. What happens if I am not connected to the Internet or my computer is off when the automated scheduler says it is time to backup?

A. redBoomerang will send you a warning that your scheduled backup did not run and ask you the next time your computer is on if you would like to perform a backup now.  Otherwise, it will perform a backup at the next scheduled backup time.  In addition, if no backup is performed for longer than three consecutive scheduled backups, redBoomerang can send you an email reminding you to backup (and possibly alerting you to a potential problem in your backup routine that you may have been unaware of).

Q. Will redBoomerang backup my data from a wireless connection?

A. Any broadband connection is sufficient for redBoomerang to work.  This includes a home wireless network, “hot spots” like at Starbucks and Panera Bread, or any municipal connection in major cities, airports, parks, and other venues.

Q. What can RedBoomerang store off-site?

A. When you install redBoomerang, it is automatically set to backup everything from the “My Documents” folder and “My Desktop.”  Although redBoomerang is capable of backing up any files on your computer, it is pre-installed with these folders selected, if you wish to back up files from other locations on your computer, you may set up those location during installation of the redBoomerang software.

Q. How do I know my off-site backups are working?

A. Two ways.  First, a log of your backup results is returned to the software after each backup.  You can click on the “Logs” tab to view all. They are sorted by day. The second way is via an email alert.  redBoomerang can be configured to send an email to you after each backup with the log information. This feature is great if you wish to contiue backing up your data on a regular schedule but don't always have the time to follow up by checking the log files — one of the many features of redBoomerang that makes it truly automatic!

Q. What computers will RedBoomerang work on?

A.  Any laptop, desktop, or server with Windows 98 or higher operating system.

Q. Can I use redBoomerang to backup data from my Apple computer?

A. Not directly.  Any Apple computer which is connected to a TCP/IP Windows network can be backed up.

Q. I would like to backup data from my corporate servers which include IBM AS/400’s and Unix variations.  Can redBoomerang handle these platforms?

A. Yes.  Any machine which is connected to a Windows server can be backed up using redBoomerang.  This includes AS/400, Unix, Linux, mainframe, and Apple servers.

Q. Can I backup more than one computer with a single redBoomerang account?

A. Yes. redBoomerang is licensed by computer so your account can span more than one computer by paying an additional license fee. Please contact sales for information on the cost to add additional computers to your account.

Restoring:

Q. Help, I lost files from my computer! How do I restore them?

A. The restore process for individual files couldn’t be easier.  Just go to the “Restore” tab, select the files you want to restore, select what day you want to restore them from, and click “Restore.” As long as you are connected to the Internet, the files will be restored to your computer. 

Q. I lost my computer, not just my files! Now what do I do?

A. If your machine is lost, stolen, or needs to be re-ghosted, after you have a working machine again, you simply re-install the redBoomerang software and when you go through the restore procedure described above, redBoomerang will first retrieve your backup history so you can select a full restore.

Q. Will I need technical support to restores files?

A. In most cases, no.  If you are comfortable with the instructions above there is no need to contact support.  Of course if you ever have a question or problem, our redBoomerang technical support is available at (800)908-1919, ext 108 or support@redBoomerang.com.

Q. Can redBoomerang restore data to a different computer than it was backed up from?

A. Of course. As long as you authorize it, redBoomerang can restore data to a different computer than it was saved from.  In the case where your computer has been stolen or replaced, there is no additional license fee involved.

Off-Site Storage:

Q. Where is the data from redBoomerang saved to?

A. redBoomerang data is saved in a secure, 24/7 data facility with restricted physical access. The data centers we use are equivalent to disaster/recovery facilities for Fortune 500 companies.

Q. Is there a limit to how much I can store off-site?

A. Your account has a limit based on the product you choose during your initial signup; however, since redBoomerang compresses your information before sending off-site, this could represent much more in actual space.  Depending on the redBoomerang edition you choose, you can store a few gigabytes or entire servers.

Q. What happens if I try to store more than the limit I signed up for?

A. You will receive a warning in your log and an email stating you are near or at your limit.  If you exceed the limit, your account will no longer store more data off site until you can reduce the total stored or make arrangements to increase your quota.

Q. How do I increase my storage limit?

A. By contacting redBoomerang at support@redboomerang.com.  Your storage limit can be increased in a matter of moments if your request is received during normal business hours.

Q. Can anyone see my information when it is off-site?

A. No.  Your information remains encrypted while it is stored.  The only computer able to retrieve your information is the computer you backed up from.  If your computer is lost or damaged, you can authorize your new computer to be able to restore the information from the original computer.  For some editions of redBoomerang, access to individual computer data may be restricted and/or shared.

Licensing:

Q. How is redBoomerang licensed?

A. Depending on the edition you choose, redBoomerang software may be included in the storage fees.  Please refer to the product section for more information on licensing.

Q. I am a university looking to provide redBoomerang to my faculty, staff, and students.  What is my next step?

A. Our university edition, U-Vault, is a specialized version of redBoomerang specifically tailored to the university environment.  For further information on this edition, please contact Larry Hirsch, Director of Educational Sales, lhirsch@redboomerang.com.

Q. My business is interested in leveraging redBoomerang for resale.  Are there reseller programs for redBoomerang?

A. Absolutely.  redBoomerang has several reseller opportunities available depending on the level of commitment you are interested in.  If you send an email to reseller@redboomerang.com we can provide you with more information about adding revenue to your business with the unique redBoomerang models.

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