backup tools & utilities

Backup Software Reviews

File Compression

Compressing files, folders, and programs decreases their size and reduces the amount of space they use on your drives or removable storage devices. Drive compression decreases the amount of space used by all of the files and folders stored on that drive. Windows supports two types of compression: NTFS compression and compression using the Zip files.

Windows XP Zip Folders

  • Folders that are compressed using the Compressed (zipped) Folders feature use less drive space and can be transferred to other computers more quickly. You can work with a compressed folder and the files or programs it contains just as you would with an uncompressed folder. Zip files remain compressed on both FAT and NTFS drives.
  • Once you have created a compressed folder (identified by the zipper on the folder icon), you can compress files, programs, or other folders by dragging them to it. You can open files directly from compressed folders, or you can extract files before opening them.
  • You can run some programs directly from zipped compressed folders, without decompressing them. However, to run programs that are dependent on other files, you must first extract them.
  • Zipped compressed files and folders can be moved to any drive or folder on your computer, the Internet, or your network, and they are compatible with other file compression programs. You can also share Zip files with other users.
  • You can protect zipped compressed folders with a password. This protects your data if you save it in a shared network folder, attach it to an e-mail message, or move it between work and home on floppy disks.
  • Windows also offers another way to compress folders if your drive is formatted as NTFS: NTFS file compression. However, NTFS file compression is significantly different from compressing into Zip files. Installing a different compression program to Windows will remove Compressed (zipped) Folders from the right-click menu choices and replace it with the new compression program's icon.

To extract files from a Zip file

  1. Open My Computer , and then locate the compressed file.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • To extract a single file or folder, double-click the Zip file to open it. Then, drag the file or folder from the compressed file to a new location.
    • To extract all files or folders, right-click the Zip file, and then click Extract All. In the Extraction Wizard, specify where you want to store the extracted files.

Argentum™ Backup

PC Magazine Editors' Choice

PC World Best Buy

  • What is Argentum Backup? Argentum Backup is an alternative backup solution, which is available for free online download! Download your copy now and see if it works for you! Argentum Backup is a handy, small backup program that lets you back up your documents and folders quickly and much easier! Argentum Backup safely protects you from accidental deletes, overwrites, viruses, and computer failures. Argentum Backup is fast and very easy to use.
  • Argentum Backup includes a number of built-in, patented templates to back up Windows registry, Windows desktop settings, Outlook folders, e-mail messages and address book, database of your favorite messenger: ICQ, MSN, Yahoo!, and AOL. The program is fully compatible with all of the currently available Microsoft Windows systems: 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, Server, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.
  • Argentum Backup is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Advanced features include powerful stacking, file masks, adjustable backup store, native file copying mode, different backup strategies and more. You can store backups in regular Zip files and create them both manually and automatically, using the schedule. Argentum Backup was designed around and built for end users. A key design goal for the product was to ensure that users spend their time accomplishing their objectives, rather than worrying about or having to manage their backup software.

   Download   1.2 MB       Buy   $39 only

Summary

  • Most intuitive backup software ever. Extremely user-friendly and very easy to use.
  • Extremely compact, fast and reliable.
  • Simply creates Zip (or Zip64) files.
  • Back up specific file locations on any Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10, fully automatically, with a rich set of built-in backup templates.
  • Argentum Backup is cheap but good. $39 only if you use this opportunity today!

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