Image backup/imaging: Images are byte-for-byte snapshots of your entire hard drive (normally without the empty sectors) or partition, and can be used to restore both the operating system and data. Some programs automatically select the appropriate files if you use the Windows library folders (Documents, Photos, Videos, etc.). Seagate, WD, and others provide backup utilities that are adequate for the average user.įile backup: If you want to back up only your data (operating systems and programs can be reinstalled, though it’s mildly time- and effort-consuming), a program that backs up just the files you select is a major time-saver. Additionally, if you intend to back up to a newly purchased external hard drive, check out the software that ships with it. Features you don’t need add complexity and may slow down your system. How to pick a backup softwareĪs with most things-don’t over-buy. We also test the USB boot drives created by the programs. We then mount the images and test their integrity via the program’s restore functions. This is largely to test reliability and hardware compatibility, but we time two: an approximately 115GB system image (two partitions), and a roughly 50GB image created from a set of smaller files and folders. We run each program through the various types of backups it’s capable of. ShadowProtect is a bit pricey, but it is an extremely reliable backup software with foolproof continuous data protection.Īrcserve ShadowProtect SPX Desktop review How we test It is also an excellent choice not just for Windows users, but also Linux users or those in mixed Windows/Linux environments. It comes loaded with a full feature-set that allows you to quickly and easily restore your data and it has support for third-party virtual hard drives. If you are looking for something more robust than just file and folder backup for your business, then Arcserve ShadowProtect SPX has you covered. IT professionals and prosumers will love the latest version of SyncBack which is extremely versatile and allows you to sync to a whole host of other online services including S3 and compatibles, but it’s a bit complicated for less technical users. Updated : Check out our latest review of SyncBack 11 Pro. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep your data on the cloud or need the flexibility of data storage for different operating systems, then check out our list of best online backup services. ![]() Scroll to the bottom of this article for more info about what to look for in a Windows backup program.Īlso, check out PCWorld’s roundup of best external drives for recommendations on reliable storage options-an important component in a comprehensive backup strategy. ![]() We’ve even included a couple free options that are more than worthwhile. Below you’ll find a list of our favorites, which come with easy-to-use and attractive designs as well as a full range of file and image backup capabilities.
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