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Using Hivenet as a backup or secondary service

Using Hivenet as a backup or secondary service

Already using another platform? Here’s how to make Hivenet your safety net.

Thanasis Karavasilis avatar
Written by Thanasis Karavasilis
Updated over a week ago

Maybe you're not ready to move everything to Hivenet—and that’s totally fine. A lot of users start by using Hivenet alongside another service, like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Time Machine. That way, you’ve got a second (or third) copy of important files—just in case.

If that’s your plan, here’s how to do it right:

1. Decide what you actually want to back up

Yes, we know the instinct: “BACK UP ALL THE THINGS.”

But not everything needs a second home. Backing up your whole system—including operating system files—can get messy. It’s better to:

  • Focus on files that matter (personal docs, creative work, client folders)

  • Leave system-level backups to tools like Time Machine (macOS) or System Restore (Windows)

Start with what’s irreplaceable, then build from there.

2. Mirror your current folder structure (or don’t)

Consistency makes backups easier to manage.

If your primary storage follows a certain folder structure, it’s usually smart to mirror that in Hivenet. That way:

  • You can easily identify what’s already backed up

  • You reduce confusion over versions or duplicates

Of course, you can tweak it—but make sure it’s intentional.

3. Automate syncing (when possible)

Backups don’t help if they’re out of date. And let’s be real: nobody wants to do manual syncing every day.

Here’s how to stay in sync without burning out:

  • Built-in tools: Time Machine (Mac), File History (Windows)

  • Free software: Tools like FreeFileSync let you automate folder syncing

  • Advanced options: Some power users build scripts or use cron jobs

How often should you sync? That depends on:

  • How frequently your files change

  • How painful it would be to lose recent edits

For some folders, once a day is perfect. For others, once a month might be enough.


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