> In the case of the Zip file download, we chose the format of zip because both Mac and PC (the most common desktops) natively understand it with no additional software needed. In other words, if you just lost your computer, go to ANY COMPUTER ANYWHERE and you can fetch your files with a web browser. Zip preserves the file hierarchy and the last modified time, so it's "pretty good".
Security issues aside, from a space and time perspective, that's much less convenient for both you and me: it takes time and space for you to prepare the zip file, and space and time for me to save it and extract it. It would be better to install a simple client and restore the files directly into a directory. In the case of a few files, it doesn't matter much, but in the case of gigs of files, it definitely becomes a problem.
Is there any chance of you implementing a more CrashPlan-like restore option in the future?
> Longer Answer: To clarify, Backblaze produces four different products/modes for different customers with different needs and requirements. We want customers to choose what is appropriate for them. One size does not fit all:
I wish this explanation were on the Backblaze web site, because this makes it very clear. :)
Is there any chance of implementing a hybrid of #2 and #4, a client-based, zero-knowledge option? i.e. basically, CrashPlan's client in the private-key mode.
If Backblaze were to implement this, and add a Linux client, I'd seriously consider switching.
Thanks for your time.