Picks: A roundup of backup solutions!

In the last few weeks I've received lots of email requests for me to talk about programs that can backup your data. So, here is a sampling of programs that protect your data in slightly different ways. All of them ar good and worth trying. -- Doc

WinBackup, by Uniblue Systems, is a backup utility that's extremely well-done! The interface is intuitive and extremely easy-to-use and that makes it perfect for both new and experienced users. And while it's easy-to-use, it's still loaded with impressive features. The program allows you to make regular backups of all your most important files and I can't stress enough just how important it is to keep your data backed up. WinBackup Standard will let you schedule automatic backups so they can run while you're not using your computer. You can backup to a wide range of media including hard drive, network drive, ZIP drive, CD, DVD, and more. WinBackup Standard utilizes file compression to make each file smaller. That means you can get more on each disc. At the same time it keeps your data secure, allowing you to encrypt it with either 128 or 256-bit encryption. And, if that weren't enough, the program even lets you password protect your backups. Want to know how your last scheduled backup went? No problem because the program keeps a complete log of its activities. Very slick! Another excellent feature is that WinBackup Standard will do an estimate and calculate the approximate size of your backups that use compression. The program works quickly and efficiently and also works very well in the background. In several of my tests I had it backing up while I worked and it did an impressive job.

WinBackup, by Uniblue Systems, is a backup utility thats both powerful and secure. You can password protect against unauthorized access and encrypt your data. Backups can be scheduled for different times and the program runs very well in the background. It backups up to a wide range of media, utilizes compression to save space, and keeps detailed logs of what it does. And yet, with all the things it provides, the program is still very intuitive and easy-to-use! I've evaluated a number of backup utilities, and for my money WinBackup Standard is one of the best I've tried. There's also a Pro version you may want to check out. So, if you've been meaning to backup all of your valuable data, don't waste another minute. Give WinBackup Standard try -- I think you'll be impressed!

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/XP/Vista

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Second Copy, by Centered Systems is a nifty utility that lets you do automatic backups to a variety of devices. Backup to a network drive, another hard drive, or a "Zip Disk". You can create profiles, or backup sets, that contain all the information for doing a backup. And doing backups are important, trust me. Don't wait to find out the hard way just how important they are. With this nifty program it's easy to create a "second copy" of your really important files. Second Copy actually 'watches' the files you select and notices when there have been changes. When it does, it springs into action and updates everything in the backup location you've selected. The program has an intuitive user interface and that makes it easy-to-use. That also makes it perfect for users with all levels of experience. The program has won multiple People's Choice Awards so it's a popular Pick among users too. Give it a try for yourself. you.

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/XP/Vista

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Macrium Reflect, by Paramount Software UK Ltd is a program I picked to review because I was attracted by the name. Wondered what it was and what I found was a beautifully done product that's a full-featured solution for keeping your computer backed up. The program has everything you need including a very handy scheduling function. Macrium Reflect has some innovative features that I really liked. For example, it allows you to save all your backup set definitions in XML format. Macrium Reflect lets you backup your computer files or you can create complete images of your hard drive. Utilizing images you can easily restore data to an existing hard drive or put all your data on a new hard drive. Slick. Macrium Reflect also uses multiple levels of compression so your backups can take less space. The program is amazingly easy-to-use and is perfect for users with all levels of experience. It's fast, efficient, and does a great job of keeping your data safe and secure. Give this one a try, nicely done!

System Requirements: Windows XP/Vista

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SyncBack is a powerful backup solution that's also extremely easy-to-use. It's also FREE. In working with the program it didn't take me long to decide that it was a cut above similar products. In addition to backing up the program can also be used to synchronize computers. The interface is clean and intuitive and the program is perfect for both new and experienced users. SyncBack has a wide range customizable features and I always like that. The program makes backup easy. SyncBack can important data to hard drives, network drives, external hard drives, DVD, CD, and even to FTP sites. It can backup files that are locked or open so you can be sure every file is backed up. It's quick and easy to create a backup profile and the program takes you through the process step-by-step. At each step there is built-in help so that if you don't understand something you can get help then. In many programs you'd have to quit and go find out what something meant, but not in SyncBack SE. The help is right there when you need it. Slick! SyncBack lets you schedule your backup profiles to run or you can run them with a mouse click. Restoring is just as easy. The program also allows you to create groups of profiles and this is a very handy feature. The program is loaded with handy features and extras to the point that you'll find yourself upgrading to SyncBackSE, the full version of SyncBack. This is a backup and sync program that you have to try for yourself.

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/XP/Vista

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If you have a question on how to do something on the computer you can ask me and I'll review some software that will give you a solution to your problem. You can email me by clicking HERE You may not receive a reply, but all requests will be considered.