Backup Utilities
In case of an extreme emergency, when nothing else can be done but to re-install the whole operating system, being unable to save files is a nightmare. This is why you should have a reliable data backup tool already doing the work. Backing up and updating the backed up data is very easy to do. Most of the computer users do not know this unfortunately. A good backup utility can perform both full and custom backups. One of the best features in a quality backup utility is it's ability to perform automatic incremental backup.
Incremental Backup
Once you have specified where exactly to look for files to backup, a good utility will make a full backup copy of them and then periodically update only the files that have changed or were created in the meantime. This is called incremental backup. It's purpose is to update the full package by creating additional sequences with new files and the updated ones. There is no need to make hundreds of copies of files that were never changed since last time.
Scheduled Backup
Being able to schedule backups is a life saver. This way, you can take care of your files on complete autopilot. You will never have to worry about losing those precious moments with your family captured by a digital camera, your work files, music, or anything else of importance.
More Handy Features
The utility should be easy to follow, simple to use and understand. You should be able to navigate through the interface, change settings and perform actions without any trouble at all. The tool needs to be fast, reliable and stable.
A good backup tool also needs to be able to effectively restore your backed up data with complete file structures and organization. Organizing thousands of files once again is more than inconvenient.
Depending on the amount of data being backed up, your perfect backup utility will offer package compression to save valuable space, as well as encryption and password protection in case that you need it.
Step by step guides and comprehensive help files are very important too. 24/7 support is a big plus.
Windows Backup
Microsoft Windows already has an integrated backup utility for you to use. Check out these guides:
In case that your version of Windows XP does not have the default backup tool installed, here are a couple of high quality backup solutions for you to try:
BackUp Maker - Standard Edition (free for home use)
Backup Maker is a high quality backup utility developed by a German software development company AsComp. You can use it freely for your home needs, but if you would like to purchase a Professional version business license, it costs 70.80 USD.
The standard edition of the tool supports encryption, full, partial and incremental backups, as well as schedules and complete automatic mode. It can also burn the backed up data onto CDs/DVDs, transfer to external hard drives or memories, send email reports, provide exact data restoration and more.
The website is in German by default, but you can translate it into English by using the drop down menu in the upper left corner. The tool itself is multilingual.
Official Website | Features | Download
FBackup
This tool is free for both home and commercial purposes. It supports everything that you would normally expect from a good backup utility. It has the ability to schedule and perform automatic backup, use compression, run actions before and after the backup process, automatically update itself and it is very easy to use with it's step-by-step wizard. Supports multiple languages.
Official Website | Download
Toucan
Free, lightweight and multilingual. Toucan supports encryption, password protection, full restoration, multiple modes of backup, automatic transfers, compression and much more.
Official Website | Features | Download
