Program for data backup - advice, please

[Jeremiah58]

Hi guys,

Please help me and recommend some programs which I could try for general data backup (my documents, photos, email messages, bookmarks etc).
I run XP pro, but I've never used its backup utility. I've always backed up all my data manually on CD's every couple of weeks.

I have 2 hard drives, one for OS, programs and data, and one larger (200 Gb) for video transfer and video editing. Since this second HD is large enough, I would like to keep backups on it and to burn those backups on CD/DVD media, just to be on a safe side.
Thank you.

[Abbadon]

http://www.emcinsignia.com/products/homeandoffice/retroforwin/

[redwudz]

I just use Nero and burn my various files as a DVD data disc for backup purposes. But just about any burning program can do that.

If you are looking to back up your system and data, Acronis True Image or Ghost are two programs that are popular. They will allow you to restore the system and data if the hard drives become corrupted.

The program you use depends on how and what you want to back up, how often, and how much of it.

[Jeremiah58]

Thanks Abbadon, but the price...
129.00 $ for a backup program?

[Jeremiah58]

Redwudz,

No, I do not look to back up my system data, just personal data.

[jameshgross]

I use Norton Ghost. A very reliable system. It will do incremental backups.

[enstg8er]

to image a drive, use ghost.

to back up files/folders use-cobian
http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm

free and you can program it. good stuff..

[redwudz]

Jeremiah58, that's what I thought. Just giving options. You can dump just about anything into a DVD data disc. Nero makes it a little easier than the Windows method. But, as mentioned, most any DVD burning program can do DVD data backups.

You could also use DVD RW discs, then you could add to the disc when needed, and delete it when you don't need it any more. Another option is DVD RAM discs. Some burners can use this mode. It acts just like a hard drive, you can add or delete as you want.

The 'rule of thumb' with computers is 'Don't leave anything on a hard drive that you can't afford to lose'. Backups, even of just your documents, email, favorites list, and maybe downloads will be well worth it if your system dies. You should be able to get up and running fairly easy.

The system backups like Acronis or Ghost go one step further. They can restore your whole system within a few minutes.

But, minimal is backup of your important files.

[Jeremiah58]

Thanks.
I see some good reviews for Cobian. Seems like worth to try.

[wwaag]

Jeremiah58

I use a piece of software called Backup Magic. It's only $25 (when I bought it, it was $19). Here's the website, http://www.moonsoftware.com/. It's only for backup of datafiles--not system stuff. You can create and save backup sets with lots of options. It will also run in command line mode for unattended backups. They give a free trial. Recommend you have a look. It's probably one of the most used pieces of software I have.

wwaag

[Jeremiah58]

Thank you wwaag,
for your recommendation.
This Backup Magic is exactly what I've been looking for. I'll give it a try.
It is a 30 day trial plus 30 day money back guarantee. Modest price 25 $. Unlimited free support.
That's exactly what I need, as they say:
" Backup Magic copies new or modified files (you can specify include/exclude masks) from selected folders to another location that can be another folder, network drive, zip disk or whatever writeable device you see in Windows Explorer."
I'm not quite sure what they mean by "Mirror or Incremental modes", if you could explain this, please.
Thank you.

[wwaag]

Jeremiah58

Mirror will add new files, update files, and delete files so that your backup is a "mirror" of your current set of files. Incremental will only add files and update files meaning that none of your old files will be deleted.

IMO it really is a great piece of software for doing data backups. I've been using it for 3 or 4 years and really like it. No charge for updates as well.

wwaag

[Jeremiah58]

wwaag
Yes, it is clear to me now.
It sure looks like a great piece of software for doing data backups.
Thank you very much for the advice and the explanation.
Cheers

[Bjs]

Back2zip ... create incremental backup's ... can update file's or replace , and more ... free .

Cdburnerxp pro ... for cd data backup .

Or

Folder2iso + "your choice of iso burning software" ... ghostburn is fine ... again free .

Puppy , bootable linux distro , small ... rescue file's from non-booting system os .

Burn puppy iso with nero , dont close cd .
Boot pc with puppy , use default cd burning program in puppy ... nav for file's to add to cd .
When ready , puppy will spit cd out ... reinsert it (it's not a closed cd) .
Burn .

If more than one cd worth ... make extra cd backup's as required .
When done ... reinstall current os to fix non-booting issue .

Insert ... another bootable linux distro designed to test pc hardware ... and some rescue ability .

[Jeremiah58]

Thanks Bjs.
Your post lead me to:
http://free-backup.info/
with interesting and useful info on backup.

And a download/info page for freeware data backup tools:

http://free-backup.info/backup-software.htm

And this link for more than 300 backup programs:
http://www.simtel.net/category.php[action]browse&i=0&id=107&f=||||&s=product.date_released|D ESC