Carbonite has been providing online backup services for PC users for years. This week the company launched a Mac client.

Here's how it works. For $54.95 a year, Carbonite provides you with unlimited online storage space to backup all the important files on your computer. At regular intervals, the program will scan the folders you designate and copy any new or changed files to the server. If you're using your internet connection to download files, watch online videos, or do other things, Carbonite will adjust its upload speeds so it doesn't interfere with your other activities.

In the event that your computer crashes, or if you need to recover some files you accidentally deleted, you can use Carbonite's tools to restore the data to your Mac.

Carbonite isn't the first service to offer online backup for Mac users. Mozy also has a Mac client which offers up to 2GB of storage space for free, or unlimited storage for $4.95 per month (or $59.40 per year).