Acronis True Image 7

As any seasoned PC user will testify, there's no point looking to Microsoft for a program to back up personal data. Yes, Windows includes the Backup utility, but as this is unable to write data to CD or DVD it's about as much use as a chocolate teapot. An alternative is needed and the latest contender is True Image 7.

As backup tools go, this has limited flexibility. Rather than back up selected files and folders, True Image clones the contents of drives or partitions to a separate partition, CD or DVD.

While seemingly something of a sledgehammer approach, this drive-mirroring method makes a lot of sense: should a serious problem befall a PC, resurrection via a drive image can quickly restore it to full working order. A backup regime that focuses only on personal documents and files cannot conjure up the same magic.

The nature of True Image means generated backup files can grow to gargantuan size. To combat the limitations of some file systems, the program will split archive images into smaller chunks (4GB when working with Fat32, for example). With NTFS, the sky's the limit. Incremental mirrors can be created, reducing the time it takes to build a 'new' image of a given drive or partition.

Operation is easy; most control icons leading to wizard-based tools. The interface apes the Windows Control panel look and feel, which might be a bit disconcerting. Overall, it's a worthwhile tool for PC owners.

Contact: Acronis
www.acronis.com

System requirements:

• Windows 95 upwards
• Pentium processor or similar
• 32MB of Ram
• Enough hard disk space to store an entire partition