Which backup software is better?

Hi, I have a T61 with 32bit Vista Ultimate. I've never used backup software before, and I was wondering which is better for backing up my files to an external HD: the Vista backup softward or Lenovo's Rescue and Recovery backup software?

Thanks,

Mark

 

I'm not sure either is an incredible solution, well, at least not compared to other products out there. Personally, I'd probably look at an aftermarket solution if you can, such as Acronis TrueImage.

 

Are there any tutorials out there on basic backup/recovery knowledge? If I backup with one program and decide I don't like it, how hard would it be to swtich to a different one? If I make an image, does it get updated everytime I had new data to my laptop? I've got lots of miscellaneous and probably dumb questions like that.

Thanks,

Mark

 

You can simply install the new backup program and use it. However, backup images are often proprietary -- you will need the original program (sometimes even the specific version of the program) to restore the backup image.

Not necessarily. Some backup programs can be set to create backups after an interval of time (e.g., every day at 6:00 pm). Otherwise, it will be your responsibility to create backups.

This forum is full of knowledgeable, helpful, and considerate members. Remember, there are no dumb questions, only dumb answers... and hopefully my answers don't fall into that category

 

Thanks for the input. I can't afford the $50 Acronis at the moment, so I'm going to give the Vista backup software a try for now.

 

Occationally, Acronis has sales. I think they were selling TI for only $25 a few weeks ago.

 

Acronis offers version 7 of TrueImage for free. This is, however, an old version, which will support backups, but the recovery CD won't work with newer hardware.

However, the bonus is that if you obtain the free version 7, you qualify for upgrade pricing for a new version which is around $29.99 last I checked. I also know that NewEgg had a sale on it the other week --don't know if it's still going but it might be worth checking out.

 

Neither, IMHO. If you want to create and maintain backup files (not create a restorable image of everything - including the OS and programs) to an external HDD, then use the free SyncToy v2.0 from Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/...36-98E0-4EE9-A7C5-98D0592D8C52&displaylang=en.
I use this in combination with Acronis TrueImage for image copies.

 

Absolutely agree with Synctoy. I want to be able to go to my backup and get a file. The other programs compress and archive things. I have my portable backing up to a second HD on my desktop and the desktop only files to an external usb. Some important files have copies in all three locations. Storage is cheap... no reason to compress things.
I do the W500 at 9pm every night when I'm usually on the computer and the desktop at 2am.
I do not back up programs that can be reinstalled nor the OS. I do have my recovery disks and my original HD that I replaced.

 

Have to agree on Synctoy 2.0 as well. It is fantastic for keeping my documents, pictures, etc. synchronized, and consequently backed up, on both my laptop and desktop.

I also make occasional images of my entire SSD using SelfImage. However, that generally works best if you can boot into a second OS on a different physical device (e.g. a pen drive with WindowsPE, or putting your laptop drive into a desktop as a second drive) and is thus not ideal for beginners.

 

Acronis Trueimage is the best backup software I've used to date. The LiveCD version is especially convenient because you can simply boot your computer with the CD in the drive and let Trueimage do its magic for a few hours while you're asleep or away.