Computer back up advice please

Broadback · Sep 27, 2012, 11:14:35

I would like the teams suggestions on what is the best backup system.

D-Dan · Sep 27, 2012, 11:36:22

I like clonezilla - always works here and doesn't cost a penny.

psp83 · Sep 27, 2012, 14:44:12

I use Acronis True Image.

Backs up to a NAS drive that is in RAID 1, this is done nightly, incrementally.

I then have full weekly and monthly backups to another drive.

Broadback · Sep 27, 2012, 14:55:20

I used Acronis a while ago, then they updated it and I had difficulty so abandoned it. In fact I may still have a copy lurking in the rubbish box somewhere.

psp83 · Sep 27, 2012, 15:38:00

I use the 2012 version on Windows 7 64bit.

Not really had any problems with it.

Rik · Sep 27, 2012, 15:44:58

Another Acronis user here.

Technical Ben · Sep 27, 2012, 16:05:21

I recently tried Paragon's free application. It worked. But I've no idea on it's history and consistency.

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-free/

mrapoc · Sep 27, 2012, 16:45:14

I've recently gone through the same predicament.

I settled on freefilesync (open source software) which creates a batch file which I can task schedule with windows scheduler.

It also keeps version backups (at your request) in case something is deleted with you wanting it to.

Its quick, easy but doesn't offer compression. I dont mind as I like a 1:1 backup of all my photos, music and docs.

sparky · Sep 27, 2012, 19:23:33

Depends what you want.

If you only want an image backup and your hard drive, or one of your hard drives is a Seagate, then Seagate Disc Wizzard is a free version of Acronis, only it doesn't do the iincrementals.

http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/discwizard/?locale=en-US&name=DiscWizard&vgnextoid=d9fd4a3cdde5c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

Oh, and PC Pro this month is carrying a copy of Paragon Backup and Recovery 11.

Technical Ben · Sep 27, 2012, 21:46:20

Quote from: mrapoc on Sep 27, 2012, 16:45:14
I've recently gone through the same predicament.

I settled on freefilesync (open source software) which creates a batch file which I can task schedule with windows scheduler.

It also keeps version backups (at your request) in case something is deleted with you wanting it to.

Its quick, easy but doesn't offer compression. I dont mind as I like a 1:1 backup of all my photos, music and docs.

Actually, on the compression bit... I cheated with the Windows 7 in built backup util. I set the spare drive as "compress to save space" drive. I was actually surprised at the compression. I guess I have lots of duplicates or just the programs are easy to compress. I think I saved enough space to actually make it worth while (like 20% or so at least). So if it does not have in built compression, and your backing up to a separate drive/partition, you can use the windows file system to compress it. It's slower, but most backups are done over night anyhow I would have thought.