Program for automatic data archiving. Data backup programs

Recently, my friend asked me to explain to her how to backup data. She's a humanitarian, so she wanted options that didn't require any customization. Since she is not a stupid person who likes to understand the problem herself and make decisions, I decided to collect the basic principles for her and describe the pros and cons of certain options (as I see them). I decided to publish it here in case some of you find it useful - to help a friend or relative. I would be very glad to receive comments on how the text could be made simpler and clearer.

Basic principles

1. Regularity and frequency

Data backup should be as regular as taking pills. It is for this discipline that you can thank yourself if some kind of collapse suddenly occurs. Sometimes losing even just a few working days due to a failure to backup can be very painful. It’s possible to answer the question of how often you can make backups by understanding the data for what period of time would be least painful for you to lose. One of the best options is to backup data once a week on weekends.

Separateness

It is advisable that the data be saved to a separate external hard drive (or other storage medium) and stored in a separate place from the main data. The principle is quite obvious - if a problem occurs, it will be localized in one place. For example, if the hard drive on your computer fails, the backup disk will function perfectly. However, there is a balance to be struck between ease of access and security. Having a hard drive next to your computer significantly increases your motivation to use it for its intended purpose. And at the same time, this is not the safest option for very important data that should not be lost under any circumstances. This is why there is a distinction between data backup and data archiving.

Recheck

As soon as the first backup copy of your data is made, you must immediately check that this data can be restored from it! This means not only that the files become visible. You need to open several files to choose from and check that they are not corrupted. It is advisable to repeat such a check once every certain period (say, once a year).

Discrimination

The best practice is to differentiate data into categories. The category could be their importance to you, the frequency of updates, or simply the topic.

Often backup programs create so-called “images”. They look like one single file. So, it is better to save various data in each such image.

What is it for. Data of different importance requires different handling, this is obvious. You will probably want to store your important documents more carefully than, say, a collection of films. By dividing the data by update frequency, you can, for example, save time spent on backups. Topic - what data is desirable to recover together in one step? A striking example of two types of backups that should be done separately:

Data backup

These are Word documents, photographs, films, etc. The same applies but is often forgotten - bookmarks in the browser, letters in the mailbox, address book, calendar with meetings, configuration file of the banking application, etc.

System backup

We are talking about the operating system with all its settings. Such a backup eliminates the need to reinstall the operating system, make all the settings, and install programs. However, this is not the most necessary type of backup.

Where to make a backup

1. External hard drive. You can often buy it straight out of the box. There are laptop ones - such disks are small in size, but more expensive. Regular hard drives can be purchased relatively cheaply with a capacity of 2 TB - then you won’t have to worry about disk space for a long time.

Fairly reliable (as long as you don't drop or shake excessively)
+ Relatively inexpensive

You must remember to connect the backup disk yourself.
-Not very convenient to carry (does not apply to laptop drives)

2. USB stick - suitable as an additional tool when you would like to transfer data from one computer to another and/or have it at hand. Also, if you don’t want to store the data itself on your computer.
There is one big but - a flash drive has a limited number of records, so if you store data from an application on it that will write intensively, then the flash drive (usb stick) will quickly die out. In addition, in my personal impression, they break quite often. A friend of mine, buying the most expensive flash drives, which were positioned as “unbreakable”, received a broken flash drive within a month or two. To be fair, I must say that I still haven’t had a single flash drive break; some have been working for 5 years already. However, I wouldn’t store data on a USB stick alone.

Mobile storage
+Takes up little space
+Very cheap

Unpredictable reliability

3. Data storage on a remote server (or in the cloud).

There are pros and cons:

The data will be available not only at home, but also at work and while traveling.
+Local separation of main data and backup copies (for example, if, God forbid, a fire happens, the data survives)
+There is no need to connect a hard drive for backup; as a rule, everything is done completely automatically.

It is advisable to encrypt the data, since it is unknown who can access it
-A large amount of traffic is wasted (if it is limited, problems arise)
-Often you can only store data up to 2 GB for free. So, such a backup is an additional expense item

A list with a good description of services can be found

How to backup

Here is a list of applications that are worth paying attention to (in my opinion) when backing up to your hard drive.

Popular among the free ones

1. Genie Backup Manager is a very convenient program, but it is a little slow when working
2. Handy Backup - simple interface, works quickly.

Additionally

Often in the settings of backup programs there is an option to make an incremental or differential backup. The practical difference is quite simple. With differential backup, you can save on the space it takes up. But there are only two recovery options: data in the state when a full backup was made + data at the time when a differential backup was made.

Incremental backup allows you to roll back to any point in the past when the backup was made. However, especially if changes in data occur frequently, the space will be consumed quickly.

The main idea of automatic copying programs is that all operations related to copying data and preventing its loss are performed automatically, without requiring the user's attention.

Of course, creating backups manually is not difficult, but if you do it regularly, it becomes more annoying than all the daily household chores. And, since you don't see the results of your efforts immediately, you don't have the patience to create a backup of your data without the appropriate automatic tools.

Handy Backup is a comprehensive tool for automatically copying data on computers running Windows. It makes it easy to produce automatic copy your system, hard drive or even a small corporate network.

The program has compression functions, file encoding, includes an integrated FTP client and an interface for online backup, and much more - and will serve both beginners and advanced users well.

Automatic Copy Technique

Typically, automatic copying consists of five steps:

Retrieving valuable data from your hard drive
Compare selected data with existing copies and identify new and changed files
Compressing files to reduce the amount of disk space and network time required—for example, when backing up to an FTP server.
Copy files to the desired storage medium or server
Recording all operations and sending e-mail notifications about the results, so that the user always knows that the data was copied successfully.

Benefits of Automatic Copying

Handy Backup includes all of the above features and supports a wide selection of media to which data is copied, as well as data transfer protocols.

The functions of encryption, storing different versions of the same data set, as well as the operation of a task in a chain of other programs are supported.

Automation of work according to schedule

The program also allows you to schedule automatic copy tasks so that they run as often as you want.

An additional feature is the automatic launch of a copy task when a USB device corresponding to the task is connected.

To learn more about the program's capabilities, see the full list of Handy Backup features on the page:
Backup - backup with Handy Backup.

Automatic backup with Handy Backup - easier than ever!

Most users store on their computer the maximum amount of useful and necessary information, which is often presented in a single copy, that is, available only on this PC.

Therefore, as a result of a technical failure, human factor or unpredictable actions of any programs, such information may be lost forever.

To avoid this, backup programs are used to help copy information for later restoration if necessary.

Features of choice

What is the basic principle of operation of such programs?

They create a backup recovery file - this is a file that contains all the information necessary after a technical failure (for example, when the operating system crashes) or accidental manual deletion.

It is not the information itself that is copied into this file, but only the data for restoring it and searching for remains on the PC, therefore such a file weighs relatively little.

The operating principles of such programs are different.– some of them create files on their own automatically with a configured or set frequency. Others generate them forcibly or on request, while others implement both of these methods.

Some programs work only with a certain type of file, while others work with all data on the PC.

Thus, among all this diversity It is quite important to choose the optimal program for yourself.

Such a program will not slow down your work at the computer, take up a lot of memory, put a significant load on the processor and generate excessively large backup recovery files with information you don't need.

Specifications

For the easiest and fastest way to navigate among the variety of programs described in this TOP, below is a table with the main features of each of them.

These features may influence the final choice.

Technical characteristics of software for copying information from a PC

Name	License type	Scheduled launch	Forced launch (manual activation of backup)	Functional
Aomei Backupper	Free	No	Yes	narrowed
EASEUS Todo Backup Free	Free/Paid	Yes	Yes	narrowed in non-commercial version
Redo Backup and Recovery	Free	No	Yes	wide
Cobian Backup	Free	Yes	Yes	very wide, customizable
Macrium Reflect Free	Free/Paid	No	Yes	sufficient
DriveImage XML	Free	Yes	customizable	narrowed
FBackup	Free	Yes	Yes	narrowed
Backup Maker	Free	Yes	Yes	wide
Clonezilla	Free	No	Yes	very wide
Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free	Free/Paid	Yes	Yes	wide

This TOP includes non-commercial software with various characteristics and intended for various purposes.

Among it, each user will find the most optimal one for himself.

Aomei Backupper

An easy-to-use, free backup program that doesn't take up much space on your PC.

It is characterized by high efficiency, stable operation and functionality with minimal weight and high ease of operation.

Allows you not only to copy, but also to save, encrypt data, etc.

Simply select a disk and start creating a backup copy.

Simple interface;
Minimum weight;
Several types of working with files.

Inability to automatically start copying;
Slightly narrowed functionality compared to other programs in this TOP;
Too simplistic design is not aesthetically attractive.

User reviews of this program are as follows: “Wonderful program”, “Wonderful utility! No worse than Acronix, not complicated and works quickly. Files are recovered easily and creates archives with adequate compression. I had to test it “in battle” - I was satisfied.”

EASEUS Todo Backup Free

This is a free version of a commercial, distributed for a fee, EASEUS Todo Backup.

It can be described as a fairly good budget option for copying software with high stability.

Works in automatic or forced mode.

Creates copies of all information or only specific files, or information from specific locations, directories, sources.

Availability of a paid, expanded version with extended functionality;
The ability to both launch manual and configure automatic copy creation;
Generation of a total or selective copy, that is, indicating materials for preservation;
The ability to limit the rate of copy generation to reduce the load on the hardware.

The functionality of the free version of the software is slightly narrowed compared to the paid version;
Lack of data encryption;
Quite a significant load on the system at high copy writing speeds.

Here's what users say about this utility: “The utility is super - for generating copies for dummies! Creates backup files in two clicks. It doesn’t work as fast as Acronis, but it’s free and easy to understand. Almost anyone can figure it out, even despite the lack of Russian.”

Redo Backup and Recovery

This is an application that needs to be written to a virtual or real disk.

To create a copy, you need to run from this disk, which is inconvenient.

Very functional software, with minimal load on the device hardware.

It even has its own browser, which allows you to launch it, for example, immediately after reinstalling the operating system.

Doesn't take up space on your computer;
Quite functional;
Suitable for PC technicians and customizers, as it can be launched without installation from any computer;
It works quickly and minimally slows down the system.

The need to write the image to disk, and the image size is quite large (249 MB);
There is no automatic start of copying, it works exclusively by force;
Quite inconvenient to use.

And here’s what people who are already using this software say: “Many thanks to the developers. She saved me from so many troubles.”

Cobian Backup

A very multifunctional and convenient copying tool that allows you to carry out a wide range of work.

Manual and automatic start of the process, differential or general copying of information is possible.

Has over 100 different customizable copy options.

Ability to fine-tune absolutely any component;
Possibility of copying servers;
Availability of filters for copying.

The program has very complex controls due to its wide functionality and may be inconvenient for beginners;
The installation file itself is quite heavy;
When actively running, such software places a significant load on the system's hardware resources.

What are users' opinions about the program? “I used it for two years. I was very pleased: good functionality, ease of use.”

Macrium Reflect Free

This is another non-commercial version of a paid utility, which has significantly narrowed functionality than that implemented in the paid version.

Allows you to back up from.

Well suited for novice users and those who do not want to spend a lot of time understanding the program settings.

Almost all of the program’s functionality is accessible from the main interface, which is quite simple and visually pleasing;
Very simple interface;
Minimum load on hardware resources, both when stored on a PC and when running the program.

You must have a burned disk image to get started;
The software is not capable of performing both differential and general copying;
Cannot implement encryption, password protection of copies, etc.

PC backup software is necessary because the technology that computers use, especially for data storage, is not super reliable and does not last forever. If your data was not backed up at the time of the failure or serious breakdown, then you may lose it.

It would be nice if Microsoft itself provided Windows users with something like Apple's Time Machine: an efficient solution for complete system recovery and backup that requires little interaction or configuration on the user's part.

Instead, the company ships a variety of recovery options: disk recovery, file backup, and even incomplete system backup (Windows 7). Online backup services are another option for creating backups, but desktop clients tend to offer much more flexibility. Online backup services are another option, but desktop clients tend to offer much more flexibility.

There are many options for backing up your device. Read on for an analysis of the programs.

Acronis True Image 2017

Acronis True Image –best software in terms of speed. It has all the functionality you could want, even the ability to store data online.

The program runs six processes in the background, which you will notice due to increased loading times. If you just need to create a backup, you'll probably be better off with Aomei Backupper Standard, but for those who need flexible settings, True Image is an indispensable solution.

Pros:

Wide functionality and a large number of settings;
high-quality and reliable image processing and file backup.

Minuses

creates many processes in the background;
attractive, but a little strange interface;
perpetual license costs $30 for Plus and Premium versions

EaseUS ToDo Backup Home 10.5

EaseUS ToDo Backup –This is a program with an improved user interface and a wide range of functions. Despite the lack of file backup and synchronization functions, there is support for Dropbox and other online data storage services.

Pros:

Comprehensive file and image backup
User-friendly interface
Backup to Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive

Minuses:

Online support only available
No simple file syncing or mirroring

Aomei Backupper Standard 4

Among the free programs, Backupper Standard 4 is one of the best, it has the ability to copy images, files, disk cloning, as well as the ability to plan and create multiple schedules for creating backups. The program interface, although a little retro in style, is quite simple and intuitive.

Although the program is quite slow when copying a set of files, at the same time it is the fastest software for backing up disks and partitions. The percentage of CPU usage during backup is also commendable.

Pros:

Free
Reliability and high-quality copies

Minuses:

Slow copying
Minor interface glitches

Paragon Backup & Recovery 16 Free Edition

The program performs the basic tasks of creating backup copies of disks and partitions of the Windows system. There is no FTP, files and folders, or online backup.

Pros:

Backups compatible with most virtual hard disks
Free for non-commercial users with registration
Does not create background processes

Flaws:

Only preset scheduling and saving settings in free version
No partition for disk cloning or recovery

Macrium Reflect Free 6

This program provides sufficient functionality for the average user. If all you need is to create an image of your system and disks, then this software is the best choice.

Pros:

free
reliable copies of the system image
disk cloning

Flaws:

there is no possibility of file backup and synchronization
no incremental backup

What to look for when choosing backup software

Don't buy too much; if you choose software with functions that you don't plan to use, this can lead to unnecessary load on the system and a decrease in its performance. If you plan to copy information to external media, be sure to check the software that comes with it. Seagate, WD and other backup utilities are sufficient for a user with an average level of computer skills.

Backup files: If you only want to copy files, these programs usually work quite quickly (the operating system and software can be reinstalled, although this is labor intensive and can be time consuming). Some programs allow you to automatically select files if you use Windows library folders.

Image backup: The image is a representation of your entire hard drive (usually without empty sectors) or partitions, and can be used to recover both the operating system and data. The image is the most convenient way to recover in the event of a system failure, and also ensures that you do not miss any important information.

Boot disk: In case of a complete system failure, you need an alternative resource to boot the recovery system. Any backup program should be able to create a bootable optical disc or USB flash drive. Some of them will also create a recovery partition on your hard drive, which can be used if the hard drive is still working.

Schedule: If you want to have an up-to-date copy of your data, you need to schedule a backup process. Any decent backup program should offer this feature.

Versioning: If you are overwriting a previous file, then such a process cannot be called a backup (it is rather creating a mirror). Any program should allow you to store multiple copies. The best solution is software that allows you to make backups based on the criteria you specify.

Optical support: Every backup program supports hard drives, but as they seem outdated, DVDs and Blu-Rays make great archival media. If you're worried about the reliability of optical media, M-Disc claims its discs are reliable for thousands of years.

Online support: An exceptional copy of your data is insurance against force majeure events such as flood, fire and power surges. Online storage services are a great way to maintain an offsite copy of your data. Backing up to Dropbox and the like are great storage solutions.

FTP and SMB/AFP: Backing up to other computers or NAS boxes on your network or in remote locations (like your parent's house) is another way to physically protect your data with a remote or at least physically discrete copy. FTP can be used for offsite, while SMB (Windows and most OS) and AFP (Apple) are good for other PCs or NAS on your local network.

Real time: Real-time backup means that data is backed up as soon as it is changed, often when it is created or saved. This feature is also called creating a mirror and is necessary to save copies of frequently changing information. A copy will not help you recover your data in the event of a leak; in such a case there should be a planned backup.

Continuous Backup: In this case, "continuous" simply means backing up on a tight schedule, usually every 5-15 minutes, rather than every day or week. Use continuous backup for rapidly changing data sets where transfer rates are too slow or processing power is too valuable for real-time backup.

Performance. Most backups run in the background or after hours, so performance isn't a big issue in the consumer space. However, if you are backing up multiple machines or in multiple locations at the same time, or dealing with very large data sets, speed may be an important factor.

How do we test?

We run each program with the different types of backups it is capable of. This largely tests the reliability and compatibility with the equipment. We make copies: an image of approximately 115 GB (two partitions) and an image of approximately 50 GB created from a collection of smaller files and folders. We then mount the images and verify their integrity using the program's recovery functions. We also test bootable USB drives created by programs.
Translation from www.itnews.com

From viruses and software bugs, hardware failure or human error, there are many potential dangers infecting your files.

Or even worse could happen - for example, losing personal photographs, a music library, important business documents - something that could be truly valuable. That is why it is necessary to create a backup copy of your computer automatically.

Doing this yourself is very difficult, but with the right software it will be much easier than you think. Without any monetary expenses, because there are some free backup and disk cloning programs.

If you want to, copy the contents of your documents somewhere , clone one disk to another, or create a backup of your entire system, I found many programs that can help.

Action Backup

Action Backup is perhaps the best scheduled file backup for home and work computers. The program is very convenient, as it combines ease of use, as well as wide functionality for performing backups. With Action Backup you get: support for full, differential, incremental backups, automated* saving of backups to FTP servers, CD/DVD, remote network resources, zip64 format support, support for the shadow copy function, work in windows service mode *, automated deletion of previous (outdated) archives*, sending a report by e-mail and much more (a detailed description of the functionality is available on the official website of the developer).

Action Backup is perfect for both beginners and experienced users, making it an excellent tool for backing up files on home computers, workstations and servers.

* - available only in the paid version. There is a comparison of versions on the official website.

Aomei Backupper

If you like backup programs, Aomei has a simple interface. Select the drive or partition to back up, the destination drive, and click Backupper there will be an image creation.

The program has pretty good tools if you need it. There are options to encrypt or compress backups. You can create incremental or differential backups for increased speed. You can recover individual files and folders, or the entire image, and there are even disk and partition cloning tools.

What you can't do unfortunately Scheduled backups- they must be launched manually. But otherwise Aomei Backupper is an excellent tool, with a huge number of functions, but also easy to use.

EASEUS Todo Backup Free

Like most free (personal use) commercial software programs, EASEUS Todo Backup Free has a few limitations - but the package still has more than enough features for most people.

The program can work on both a file and backup file basis, for example, manually or on a schedule. Are you able to work with full or incremental backups.

The ability to limit write speed reduces the impact of backups on system performance. This is possible in individual files or folders, or the entire image using a disk recovery program. And there are tools to clone and format drives too.

On the negative side, you get no encryption, no differential backup, and you only get disk-based Linux (not Windows PE). But EASEUS Todo Backup Free still looks like a great program to us.

Redo Backup and Recovery

Redo Backup and Recovery — is a visualization backup tool with a difference. Instead of installing the program, you need to download a large (249MB) ISO file and burn it to a CD or USB drive. Then just boot from it to launch a simple tool that can backup your hard drive and restore them later.

There's also a recovery tool, and even a web browser if you need to seek help for a PC problem.

The program is not entirely convenient. You can't schedule backups, they all have to be started manually and there are very few options.

But it's also easy to use and free for everyone, so if you want to run an occasional backup that you can use on any computer without installing software, this is the product for you.

Cobian Backup

Cobian Backup is an excellent backup software with a lot of features. You get full, differential and incremental backups, for example; ZIP or 7zip compression; AES 256-bit encryption; include and exclude filters; scheduler, backup or FTP servers, and the list goes on. Every aspect of the program is extremely customizable (there are over 100 parameters you can customize).

PC or backup, beginners will most likely find it very difficult. If you are more experienced you will love the number of tools Cobian Backup gives you control over every aspect of the backup process.

Macrium Reflect Free

One of the most popular free (for home use) disk imaging programs, Macrium Reflect Free The basic set of functions through the interface is easy to use.

The program does not have incremental or differential backups. And you won't get encryption or password protection. It makes creating backups very easy though (select source drive and set compression ratio, done).

There is a planner; You can mount the images in Windows Explorer or restore them completely from both Linux and Windows PE recovery disks. And in general Macrium Reflect Free An excellent choice for those who want a simple but reliable image backup tool.

DriveImage XML

Free for personal use, DriveImage XM is an easy alternative to more advanced competitors. Backup is as easy as selecting a source drive, destination and (optional) setting the compression level.

Recovery is just as simple, and the only significant extra is the ability to copy directly from one drive to another.

There are some complications elsewhere. Click the "Task Scheduler" button and you will receive instructions on how to manually configure Windows Task Scheduler to start the backup. But if you only need a basic rendering tool then give DriveImage XML handle.

FBackup

FBackup is a good file backup tool, free for personal and commercial use. The interface is simple and clear, and there are a number of features.

Plugins allow you to back up individual programs with one click; there is support for including and excluding filters; and you can run "Mirror" backups, which simply copy everything without compressing it (which makes file recovery very easy).

Compression isn't as good, though (it's weak Zip2), and the scheduler is also more basic than you'll see in other programs. But if your needs are simple then FBackup should suit you.

Backup Maker

Free for personal use at first BackupMaker It seems like any other file backup tool, with optional or full backups available, scheduling, compression, encryption, include and exclude filters, and so on.

But interesting additional services include support for online backup on FTP servers, and when performing backup automatically when a USB device is connected.

The program data is stored in Zip files, too, which makes them very easy to access. AND BackUp Maker comes in a small 6.5Mb installation package, much more manageable than some of the bulkier competitors.

If you are a home user looking for way to backup files, then backup Maker could be perfect.

Clonezilla

Just like repeating backup and restore, Clonezilla not the installer: it's dos boot environment, which can be run from a CD or USB flash drive.

And it's a seriously powerful program, too: you'll be able to create a disk image; restore an image (on one disk, or on several at the same time); clone a disk (copy one disk to another), with more control.

While Repeat Backup and Restore focuses on ease of use, however, Clonezilla more about providing additional options like "unattended" Clonezilla via PXE boot." It's not difficult, probably the best free disk cloning program - but the program is aimed at experienced backup users, for beginners it is better to find a more suitable option.

Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free

Another free program for personal use, Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free
is a good tool, with some limitations.

Strong support for the foundation: you can create an image backup(full or differential), compress and encrypt their use exclusion filters to help determine what is included, do scheduled backups, and then restore individual files and folders or all of them.

Additionally includes a separate section to help keep your backups safe. And a good set of basic tools section are included.

Problems? You won't get incremental backups; You can't clone disks or partitions, and the interface sometimes doesn't feel very good. Nevertheless Paragon Backup & Recovery 20134 Free A quality tool and worth your attention.

Duplicate

If you need online backups then Duplicate is one of the most versatile tools, with support for saving files SkyDrive, Google Docs, FTP servers, Amazon S3, Rackspace Cloudfiles and WebDAV.

The program can also save to local and network drives, although it does include a lot of useful options (AES-256 encryption, password protection, scheduler, full and incremental backups, regular expression support to include/exclude filters, even upload and download speed limits to reduce the impact on your system).

So whether you save files online, or locally, then this program is for you.