The importance of backing up can't be overstated, but choosing the
right tool for the job can be tricky at the best of times
. In this
roundup, we've not simply looked at 10 tools that do similar things, but
dug deep to find a selection of programs that back up different parts
of your system, whether it's protecting your email and browser settings
or taking an exact byte-for-byte copy of everything on your hard drive.
Whatever you need to back up, we've got the perfect tool for you.
COMODO Backup
The most comprehensive file-based backup tool out there
File-based backups are ten a penny, but what lifts COMODO Backup
above the opposition is the sheer amount of control you have over your
backups. For starters, it'll back up just about anywhere (untick
'Install cCloud' during installation if you don't want to use its
paid-for cloud storage). When it comes to free file-based backups, COMODO Backup has no equal.Then
there's the choice of what to back up: files and folders (use Smart
Profiles to quickly target specific file types), disks or partitions,
selected email, internet and instant messaging data and even Registry
files and entries are all supported. Schedule your backups, choose
between full, differential and incremental backup types COMODO Backup
has it all for those who want full control over protecting their data.
Macrium Reflect Free
Take an exact copy of your hard drive for maximum protection
Drive-imaging
tools take an exact byte-for-byte copy of a hard drive or partition for
backup purposes. They're essential in protecting your main system drive
from failure, and when it comes to complete drive backups, Macrium Reflect Free is by far the daddy of free imaging tools. Macrium Reflect Free turns hard-drive failure from disaster into minor irritation.Not
only can you image partitions or drives – including an option to
automatically select the key partitions required to back up Windows –
Macrium also lets you browse your backups to retrieve individual files.
It also allows you to verify your images to make sure they won't let you
down should you need them, and provides an essential rescue disc
creation tool to cover you in a crisis.
Toucan Portable
Back up, sync or encrypt data from any Windows PC
If you need to sync, backup or even encrypt your data from anywhere, you need Toucan Portable.
Add it to your portable USB toolkit and it'll cover you on any Windows
PC. Set up jobs for each of your tasks, then use rules to determine what
to include or exclude from your backup. If you need to back up on the road, Toucan Portable is your best friend.Compress
your backups to save space (critical if you're backing up to your USB
flash drive) and make sure you tick 'Test After Creation' to ensure your
backup isn't corrupt. Finally, visit Settings and click Help for access
to the program's documentation.
BuddyBackup
Create your own personal secure cloud with friends and family
Cloud
services offer a secure, remote place for your data, but they can be
expensive. If you and some friends have lots of spare drive space to
hand, why not swap it so you can store each other's backups far away
from your original files? Swap spare drive space with friends to create secure off-site backups.BuddyBackup
allows you to set aside unused drive space for others to back up to,
which in turn allows you to store that amount of data remotely with your
"buddies". It's simple to set up and use, encrypts your data for
security and allows you to back up locally too, for those times when
your buddies aren't switched on and connected.
