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We explain two methods of protecting files
Q What is the difference between using a backup program and just copying files onto a USB hard disk?
I recently installed a backup program from Paragon that needed 35GB for a
backup despite the fact that I can copy the entire My Pictures folder onto a
single 4.7GB DVD. Where has the extra space gone?
Keith Dix
A There are two different kinds of backup. One is to copy files one by one and the other is to make an exact copy of the hard disk.
Copying files only requires the amount of space the files take up, but some backup programs can reduce this using a technology called compression. You can make this kind of backup ‘by hand’ as you describe by copying folders onto a DVD or external hard disk.
Dedicated backup software, such as Comodo Backup, can make incremental backups where only the files changed since the last backup are copied, which can save time and storage space.
These backups make sure that documents are safe but an exact copy of the hard disk saves time if there is a problem with Windows. The copy can be restored to the hard disk, thus returning it to the exact state it was in when the backup was made.
The ideal is to use both kinds of backup. The exact copy of the hard disk only needs to be made every few months and the file copy backup more regularly. It’s up to you to decide how often you want to make backups.
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Back Up Strategy
I think the writer of the orignal blog wants to know the difference between a disk backup and data backup. This was the problem I personally had and hence I think my reply might help your blogger. I use Acronis True Image to backup the entire disk (which means not only the data but also programs and Vista settings) every month and Total Media Backup to backup my data to an external hard drive automatically every morning at 6.00 am. In addition I use Windows Live Mesh. Why? My lousy Dell XPS 1330 has died twice since I bought it less than two years ago and although Dell were civilized enough to change the motherboard and cooling system under warranty,you can imagine the nuisance.
Posted by Dr Prakash M Deshpande, 13 Jun 2009
Same
Same here. I use Dmailer Backup Software to backup my entire HDD and a normal USB Flash drive of 40Gb to backup most of my important files. I don't think is necessary to say why because all HDD die at a moment or pop-up a error about it and you need to format , you cant really do anythng to prevent all problems
Posted by Johnny B., 10 Jun 2010