Need backup software recommendations

[Marc]

I am looking for recommendations for good backup software. Basically I would like something simple, inexpensive, and reliable. An important issue is being able to direct the backup software what files on a hard drive to backuip (I don't want to be regularly backing up my non-critical files on the hard drive, only the critical ones). I will be using this on my home desktop PC. My main data drive is on an external HD and I will be copying the backups to a second external HD.

[pally01]

I use Acronis. I've needed it a few times and it has performed flawlessly.

[EzyStvy]

Popular free app:

SyncBack is a flexible, and quite powerful backup and synchronization program that allows to to maintain backup copies of your files and folder, or to synchronize them, so that both locations always have a complete copy (e.g Laptop/PC). It offers different types of actions that let you choose how older and newer files are processed, which files should be excluded (by mask) and more. It offers standard file comparison based on the date and size, as well as optional MD5 checksum, which will detect even the slightest modifications to files. SyncBack also supports scheduled projects, FTPand zip compression of backups, as well as network login, simulation runs and more.

http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/SyncBack/SyncBack.html

[pally01]

My sister is using SyncBack in much the same way, too. It also has done an admirable job.

[TwoRails]

I'll second SyncBack.

Here's a direct link to the free version:

http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html#freeware

[rv15m]

does SyncBack do hdd images too? I've never done a image yet. I haven't try Acronis yet, but I think it can do images and restore them (easily?).

[TwoRails]

I don't believe SyncBack does images. Yes, normally restoring images are relatively easy but I've not had good luck with Acronis even though it is widely used by other forum members. I do have success with Ghost, however.

[LeftyAce]

I've had great success with Acronis and images. It's an inefficient backup method because everything gets saved every time, but it's really easy to restore the whole partition.

Since I mess around with dual booting linux, it's nice to be able to just boot off the Acronis CD and restore the whole drive.

[Marc]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to download SyncBack and give that a shot since it's gotten so many good recommendations.

[Marc]

I've downloaded SyncBack and am now using it for my backups. It's a great program, plus can't beat the price. Selecting which part of the directory structure for the backup wasn't intuitive to me at first, but after playing around with it for a while, I figured it out. I would highly recommend for home PC use. Thanks everyone for leading me to this fine program.

[Hpro]

Best Backup Software at present time Professional or just for the regular user

ACRONIS - If you buy True Image Server with Universal Restore you are able to Transfer the OS from any to any computer.. Intel to AMD and so on.l..

Regards

hpro

[Al Pollock]

Has anyone heard of Apricorn EZ Gig II ...Great stuff You get the software and a very nice case to install your hard drive(external) or have them install one.You can clone or image and its easy to use and works great ....Can even boot from th CD to restore an image ..

:eek:

:)

[LeftyAce]

I have it and love it. The EZ Gig software is re-branded Acronis TrueImage.

[Al Pollock]

Well how about that I wasn't aware....

:eek:

:)