Drive Image vs Backup

novice · 29. Nov 2009, 05:55 PM

This problem has probably been addressed before, but what is the difference in backup software as apposed to drive image software? Which of the two is the best? I now run "Acronis Drive Image Software". Should I be running a backup program too? Thanks in advance.

jim · 29. Nov 2009, 06:52 PM

Yes, if you trawl through the subjects you will find this has been addressed before. However, as a quick guide: a backup program just backs up all the files and folders you select whereas an image program backs up your computer entirely and should restore it to the exact state it was before imaging. Naturally, however, an image can take much longer than a simple backup. For me, a backup is done more or less daily of all my main files but I do an image less often. I am a bit biased on which program to use and actually use a paid-for one which is literally the only one I have found to be 100% foolproof and effective. I have written an article on it in the User Submitted Articles section.

syntax_error · 07. Dec 2009, 03:18 AM

Two thoughts just in case it helps.

FreeFileSync is a neat way to backup selected files/folders.

Macrium Reflect allows you to restore individual files/folders from its drive image.

clas · 19. Dec 2009, 01:47 PM

i have had nothing but good luck with macrium reflect...they have wonderful tutorials at their main site. i have it set to do an automatic image twice a week and it never fails. yesterday i lost a file in edit pad lite...it was a lot of work and pfft...gone.... i went to one of the image backups i had done and mounted it...so easy....then went to the file and copied it and pasted it to c drive in edit pad and i was back in business...soooo easy... and i am 66 and no majic man with a computer.

29. Nov 2009, 05:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
novice Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Centralia, IL USA Posts: 7	Drive Image vs Backup This problem has probably been addressed before, but what is the difference in backup software as apposed to drive image software? Which of the two is the best? I now run "Acronis Drive Image Software". Should I be running a backup program too? Thanks in advance. Last edited by novice; 29. Nov 2009 at 06:19 PM.

19. Dec 2009, 01:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
clas Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: florida Posts: 6	yeah, macrium reflect i have had nothing but good luck with macrium reflect...they have wonderful tutorials at their main site. i have it set to do an automatic image twice a week and it never fails. yesterday i lost a file in edit pad lite...it was a lot of work and pfft...gone.... i went to one of the image backups i had done and mounted it...so easy....then went to the file and copied it and pasted it to c drive in edit pad and i was back in business...soooo easy... and i am 66 and no majic man with a computer.

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29. Nov 2009, 06:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
jim Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: near Ashford Kent England Posts: 304	Yes, if you trawl through the subjects you will find this has been addressed before. However, as a quick guide: a backup program just backs up all the files and folders you select whereas an image program backs up your computer entirely and should restore it to the exact state it was before imaging. Naturally, however, an image can take much longer than a simple backup. For me, a backup is done more or less daily of all my main files but I do an image less often. I am a bit biased on which program to use and actually use a paid-for one which is literally the only one I have found to be 100% foolproof and effective. I have written an article on it in the User Submitted Articles section.

07. Dec 2009, 03:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
syntax_error Full Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 79	Two thoughts just in case it helps. FreeFileSync is a neat way to backup selected files/folders. Macrium Reflect allows you to restore individual files/folders from its drive image.