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Backup Articles

Backup Software Reviews

Introduction

Today's computers create a false sense of security. We begin to think all our files are safe and secure and will never go away. It's not true, and never will be! Are you still not backing up your data? Backups are really a necessity, and you are responsible for making regular backups of your files. There are two primary types of backup software to choose from:

  1. Traditional file backup programs.
  2. Disk imaging software.

Facts:

  • If you have important documents, e-mail, or digital pictures on your computer, you may want to secure this important data by creating backup copies of your files on a regular basis. If you want backup operation to be quick, easy, and fully automatic, you probably need a traditional backup program.
  • If you have nothing important on your computer, but still want to be able to restore the entire system, along with all the installed programs, games, and any settings - in case of a computer crash - you probably need a disk imaging program.
  • Sometimes you need programs of both types, but in most cases and for most users having only one traditional backup program is enough. Moreover, Windows XP, Vista, and 7 integrated system restore feature partly eliminates the need for disk imaging backup program.

Traditional File Backup

Traditional Backup Programs

What are traditional backup programs? Traditional backup programs are designed to back up important files and folders on your computer. They are primarily designed to back up critical data, i. e. particular files and folders you have to work with, which you know are very important. Regular backup programs can be used to back up entire disks including software folders, however, you should be aware that they only process files that are not in use by Windows. If you back up the entire hard disk, a few files in the Windows directory and Documents & Settings directory may not be included, because Windows will be using them. Your original installation CD's or DVD's can be used to restore some of those files.

  1.  Windows Backup   A built-in Microsoft Windows backup utility.
  2.  Backup MyPC   A powerful backup program from Veritas.
  3.  Handy Backup   An automatic backup program with compression.
  4.  WinBackup   Integrally supports backing up to CD/DVD/BD.
  5.  Second Copy   Copies files automatically.
  6.  Backup Now!   Supports many CD/DVD/BD writing devices.
  7.  Argentum Backup   A popular backup program with templates. Small, fast & easy.

Traditional backup programs are great for selective, fine-tuned backup. In most cases you do not need to back up your entire hard drive disk. A special article is available to help you detect common data locations on a typical Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or 7 computer, so you can make a decision for yourself as to what to back up, and what not to back up, to reduce clutter and improve performance. It discovers a typical look and feel of the folder structure on a typical Windows computer. The article is Windows System Backup, which is a part of a more solid Argentum's Windows Backup Guide.

Disk Imaging

Drive Mirroring Software

What is disk mirroring (or drive imaging) software? You cannot completely back up and restore the entire computer with regular backup software. Traditional backup programs are not designed to be a complete system recovery solution. This is there disk imaging comes in. The disk imaging programs will assist you in creating an image of your entire hard drive. The disk image file contains the exact copy of a hard disk, including all the computer data, operating system, and programs. In an event of a failure you can restore this image back to the hard drive, resulting in restoring of all of your computer settings, and any of your installed programs and files.

  1.  Norton Ghost   An advanced disk imaging software.
  2.  True Image   Restore entire disks without computer reboot.
  3.  System Restore   Windows XP built-in recovery system. Not strictly a disk imaging program.

Archiving & Maintenance

Maintenance Utilities

What are archiving utilities? These are small programs that enable you to restore from backup copies, view the contents of your backups. They can also help you handle simple, occasional backups. What are maintenance utilities? These are auxiliary tools that may help you in setting up your backup processes.

  1.  Zip Folders   Windows XP/ME built-in support for Zip files.
  2.  WinRar   A powerful archiving tool.
  3.  WinZip   The most popular Zip utility for Windows.
  4.  InCD   UDF packet writing software for CD/DVD drives.
  5.  DLA   Free UDF packet writing driver for CD/DVD drives.

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