Software for backup files. Data backup programs. Data programs and recovery: expediency of use

Recently, my girlfriend asked to explain to her how to make data backup. She is a humanitarian, so she needed options in which nothing needs to be tuned. Since she is not a stupid person who loves to understand the problem and make a decision, I decided to collect basic principles for her and describe the pros and cons of certain options (as I see them). Publish here I decided on the case that someone from you come in handy is to help a friend or relative. I will be very happy comments on how it would be possible to make text easier and clearer.

Basic principles

1. Regularity and frequency

Backup data should be the same regular as the reception of the tablets. It is for this discipline that it will be possible to thank if suddenly there was some kind of collapse. Sometimes I even lose just a few working days due to the fact that the backup is not made, it can be very painful. Answer the question - how often the backup can be done, realizing the data for what period of time you would be the least painful to lose. One of the optimal options is backup data once a week on weekends.

Separation

It is desirable that the data is saved to a separate external hard drive (or other media) were stored in a separate location from the main data. The principle is quite obvious - if a problem occurred, it will be localized in one place. For example, if a hard disk broke on a computer, a disk with a backup will function excellent. However, it is worth keeping the balance between ease of access and security. Hard disk, standing next to the computer, significantly increases the motivation to use it for its intended purpose. And at the same time, it is not the safest option for very important data that cannot be lost in any case. That is why there is a backup and archiving of data.

Recoven

As soon as the first backup of the data is made, you must immediately check that this data can be restored from it! This means not only that files become visible. You need to open several files to choose from and checking that they are not spoiled. It is desirable for such an inspection to repeat once in a period (let's say, once a year).

Distribution

Best Practice - Discern data by category. The category may be their importance for you, the frequency of the update, or just the theme.

Often programs reserve copy Make the so-called "images". They look like one single file. So in each such image it is better to save various data.

What is it for. These importance requires different handling of them, it is obvious. Its important documents, for sure, will want to keep more carefully than, say, the collection of films. Dividing the update frequency data, for example, save time-occupied backup. Theme - What data is preferably restored to restore in one step together? A bright example of two types of backup, which should be done separately:

Data backup

These are Word documents, photos, films, etc. Also related to this, but often forgotten - bookmarks in the browser, letters in mailbox, address book, calendar with meetings, configuration file of the banking application, etc.

Backup system

We are talking about the operating system with all its settings. Such a backup eliminates the need to install the operating system to re-make all the settings, install programs. However, this is not the most of the necessary types of backup.

Where to make backup

1. Outdoor hard disk. You can often buy right in the box. There are laptop - such disks are small in size, but more expensive. Ordinary hard drives can be relatively cheap to buy a volume of 2 TB - then for a place on the disk for a long time you don't have to worry.

Quite reliable (if you do not drop and not shake excessively)
+ Relatively inexpensive

You must not forget to connect the disk for a backup
- It is very convenient to carry (does not apply to laptop disks)

2. USB-STICK - suitable as an additional tool when the data would be transferred from one computer to another and / or have at hand. Also, if the data itself does not want to store on the computer.
There is one big but - the flash drive is limited by the number of records, so if it stores the application data on it, which will be recorded intensively, then the USB STICK (USB STICK) will quickly require a long time to live. In addition, in my personal impression, they often break enough. My friend, buying the most expensive flash drives, which were positioned as "not killed", received a broken USB flash drive for a month or different. Fair for the sake of, I must say that I still have no one flash drive, some have already worked for 5. However, only one USB-stick`e would not be stored.

Mobile storage
+ Takes little space
+ Very cheap

Unpredictable reliability

3. Data storage on remote server (or in the cloud).

There are pros and cons:

The data will be available not only at home, but also at work, while traveling.
+ Local separation of basic data and backups (for example, if it happens, God forbid, the data is survived)
+ No need to connect a hard drive for a backup, as a rule, everything is done fully automatically.

It is advisable to encrypt the data, as it is not known who can access them
- a large amount of traffic (if it is limited, then problems arise)
-First it is possible to store only data to 2 GB. So, such a backup is an additional cost of expenses.

The list with a good description of the services can be found.

What to do backup

I will give a list of applications to which it is worth paying attention to (in my opinion), when backing up to a hard disk.

From free enjoy popular

1. Genie Backup Manager - very convenient program, but slows down a little when working
2. Handy Backup - simple interface, works fast.

Additionally

Often there is an option in the program settings on the backup - make an incremental or differential backup. The practical difference is quite simple. In differential backup, you can save on the spot that it takes. But there are only two possibilities of recovery: the data is in that condition when the full backup + data was made at the time when differential was made.

Incremental Backup also allows you to roll back to any of the moments in the past, when the backup was made. However, especially if changes in the data occurred often, the place will be eaten quickly.

The article conducted an overview of the most popular backup and data recovery systems both around the world and in Russia. The products of the main manufacturers of backup and data recovery systems are considered, data on their main features and differences are given. Special emphasis is placed on the products presented on russian market.

Introduction

Working with any data is always associated with the potential possibility of their loss. Data may be lost as a result of various factors: human errors (as users, so network administrators), physical theft, as a result of destructive actions of malware, breakdowns of storage devices. If personal data were lost (for example, archive with photos), the damage is subjective and will be expressed in the negative emotions of the user. A, in case of loss service InformationThe damage can manifest itself in the economic sphere - in financial losses, loss of competitive advantages, breakdowns or non-fulfillment of contracts and even the ruin of the organization.

To protect against loss of information, backup and data recovery systems are used (Backup & Recovery). The backup and data recovery system is a software or software and hardware complex for creating copies of data with a specific frequency for their subsequent recovery. In addition to protecting from data loss, the backup system also allows you to ensure the continuity of employees' continuity through the rapid restoration of the operating system (if it is an image) or data recovery on another computer.

How do backup and data recovery systems work

Creating a copy of the data is a fairly simple process, but the real needs of users are often very diverse and complex. For example, many users want to be able to make backup copies from an arbitrary point or save very large amounts of data. For enterprises, the problem is the problem of managing a large number of data, their storage and rapid recovery. To solve each class of tasks and there are various backup and data recovery systems.

The main dividing lines between the various data backup and data recovery systems are used on the areas of their use - for personal needs, in small companies and "home offices" (SMB / SOHO / ROBO) or in medium (Enterprise) and large companies (LARGE Enterprise). Depending on this, the price of data backup and data recovery systems used, the types of storage types, platform types provided by functions, etc. Consider some of these criteria.

One of the main differences for backup and data recovery systems is the type of storage media. Ribbon can be used to store backups optical disks (CD, DVD, Blu-ray, etc.), "hard" discs (HDD), solid-state discs (SSD), network storages. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, data storage on ribbons only at first glance seems to be an anachronism. Modern ribbon devices are sufficient cheap and ensure long-lasting data storage. But now the recovery of data from such carriers can be very long. Therefore, they are more suitable for data archiving. "Hard" discs allow you to perform backup and recovery quickly enough, but they have a high price and not the most for a long time Life.

An alternative to "hard" disks is the use of "cloud" storage facilities in which the type of storage systems is hidden from users. Of course, as "iron" there are any discs in them, but the problem of the safety of the disks falls to the service provider. What is the price? Providing additional guarantees of safety requires a lot of money for the content of "cloud" infrastructure (data duplication, "hot" disk replacement, RAID arrays can be supported. However, the efficiency of using disk space may be higher, because The cloud can enjoy multiple customers and its use will use higher than that of the backup and data recovery system installed directly in the company. As a result, the effectiveness of a system is difficult to calculate a priori, so in each particular situation, the economic calculation should be preceded by a system of storage.

Another difference is the type of platforms used. The backup and data recovery system can be implemented as software, software and hardware complex or in the form of services (Software-AS-A-service). Software is cheaper and requires individual storage systems. Therefore, such systems are suitable for personal use and small companies. For large companies, such systems can be used in conjunction with special data warehouses. For medium and large enterprises, the backup and recovery systems are more suitable, made in the form of software and hardware complexes (PBBA, PURPOSE-Built Backup Appliance). These devices are divided into two categories:

1. PBBA Target Systems (targetsystems). These complexes are creating only as a target backup device. Such a solution requires the use of additional software for automation, management and consolidation of backup, which, in turn, must be placed on the additional server equipment With unfolded operating system To integrate all listed components. Such devices include EMC Data Domain, HP Storeonce, etc.
2. PBBA INTEGRATED SYSTEMS (integrated systems). itfully completed solutions that do not require additional components for full-fledged work. These include servers, disk arrays and software for backup. Such systems have a large integration between equipment and software and may include additional tools To work with the network (for example, load balancing). Such solutions do not require additional investments in the infrastructure, have smaller deployment and integration costs, and is also easier to accompany and administer. Such devices include EMC Avamar, Symantec Appliance BE + NBU, etc.

Currently, a number of companies provide the use of backups as a service. In this case, the storage is most often located in the "cloud" and all control of such a storage exercises a service provider, the user only fills and restores the data.

Backup and data recovery systems differ in the functions they provide. Conditional can be allocated "basic" and "extended" functions. The basic functions can be attributed to the schedule, compression and backup encryption. Additional features are more diverse:

1. Duplication allows simultaneous copying to several sources, which increases the reliability of data storage.
2. Demouplication allows you to analyze and compress duplicate data. As a result, the load on the data channels and the location for data storage is reduced.
3. Creating system images. Periodic copying of not only data, but also the image images allows you to quickly restore the employee's workplace even in case of damage to the operating system or personal computer, which ensures the continuity of its operation.
4. Load balancing. Allows you to optimize the load into multiple repositories for the fastest execution of operations with backups.
5. Software compatibility (operating systems and DBMS). Allows you to create "cast" files and databases that may vary during the backup process, for their correct complete transmission and recovery.
6. Various tools for remote administration. This is a fairly diverse set of functions that allow you to automate the work of the administrator. To them can relate remote installation Agents on user computers, checking created archives, manual or automatic confluence of backups, etc.
7. Working with virtual devices.
8. Work with "cloud" repositories.
9. Data recovery algorithms. When data loss, various algorithms are used to increase the data recovery rate, allowing you to restore only the necessary data, exclude duplication during recovery, etc.

World market backup and data recovery systems

The number of backup and data recovery systems in the world is sufficiently limited. The magic square from Gartner indicates that companies like Commvault, EMC, IBM and SYMANTEC occupy the first market seats.

Picture 1."Magic Square"Gartner. for backup systems and data recovery

In 2013, IDC analytical company released a detailed report (Worldwide Quarterly Purpose Built Backup Appliance Tracker) about the market for specialized backup devices (PBBA, PURPOSE Built Backup Appliance). According to him, the revenue of companies in this segment for the second quarter of 2013 amounted to $ 720.2 million, which is 7.3% more than a year ago.

Table 1. Revenues of manufacturers in specialized backup devices (in millions of dollars)

Manufacturer	Q2 2012.		2 quarter 2013.
	Volume of sales	Market share	Volume of sales	Market share

From the given table, it can be seen that more than half of the market occupies EMC (62.6%). At the second position is Symantec (12.4%), the third place is occupied by IBM with a market share of 7.3%. The fourth and fifth place is occupied by HP (5.3%) and Quantum (2.5%), all other companies occupy less than 2% on the market and in the amount amount to 10% of the market. From notable trends, it is possible to indicate a decrease in the market share of IBM by 40.4% and an increase in the share of Symantec by 71.3%.

The leaders in this category almost completely coincide with the market leaders for backing up and restoring data as a whole, which indicates that it is precisely the specialized devices for backups in many ways form companies revenue. The only major difference is COMMVAULT, which produces predominantly software products and positions them as unified system backup and archiving.

Russian market backup and data recovery systems

The Russian market presents the main world players for the backup and data recovery market players who promote their solutions through regional partners. EMC, IBM, HP, Symantec, Dell, NetApp, Ca Technologies are presented on the market. , which most are focused on large companies. Commvault is represented in the Russian market in a smaller volume, mainly its decision proposes a CROC company. Also popular solutions russian manufacturers Acronis and Paragon Software Group. Their solutions are particularly relevant in connection with the policy of saving many companies that begin to pay special attention to the indicators of "price / quality". To protect only virtual systems, the decisions of the Russian company Veeam Software are used, but we will consider them within the framework of the following specialized article.

There are many companies of various levels in the Russian market, so we will look at the largest and / or popular of them. At the same time, they will focus on corporate solutions, since they are mainly and determine the market in this market segment.

EMC.

The main system of EMC is EMC Avamar. This is a comprehensive software and hardware solution for backing up and recovering data that allows you to work both real and virtual devices. The deduplication function of the variable length segments is maintained, which is performed on the client device. Optimization of data transmission is performed when working with different types of networks. Recovery is made in one step. In EMC Avamar, work can be configured with a specific type of software (for example, bases oracle data) and virtual devices.

To optimize data management uses additional EMC Data Protection Adviso software. It automates monitoring and analysis of backups, provides administrator alerts when various events occur and allows you to create backup work reports.

Backup and data recovery systems are "flexible" and can be scaled due to an increase in disk space. EMC Avamar can also be integrated with EMC Data Domain storage systems. These systems are represented by a large line of products from small devices (DD160, DD620) capable of keeping several terabytes, to very large storage (DD990) for several petabytes.

IBM.

In the field of backup IBM is represented by the IBM Tivoli Storage Manager product. This software product that is engaged in creating backup copies and storage devices. IBM Tivoli Storage Manager is compatible with a large number of different data storage systems. It provides work in local (LAN), global (WAN) networks and developing current data storage networks (SAN).

Tivoli Storage Manager includes funds for remote administration From any point of the network or via the Internet. The administrator can automate the various stages of the backup and data recovery system by creating a storage policies. A set of policies configured by the administrator allows not only to carry out regular operations, but also respond to the emergence of various unplanned situations. Due to the use of the hierarchical storage system in the Tivoli Storage Manager system, various types of storage devices (for example, tapes and "hard" discs) can be used.

Tivoli Storage Manager allows you to optimize the stored data through their compression, consolidation and use of the "incremental" copying. For corporate software (databases, email), additional clients are used that optimize work with a specific application type.

Symantec.

Symantec provides two products for backing up and recovering data - this is Symantec Backup EXE and Symantec NetBackup, which are designed to work in medium and large networks. Application data includes the entire set of functions needed to backup (deduplication, automatic target replication, migration between computers, work with physical and virtual devices, work in a heterogeneous environment, etc.). These products can work with different storage systems.

Separately, it is worth mentioning additional technologies for working with virtual machines. Symantec V-Ray virtualization technology combines virtual and physical backup copies and gives users a single access to all backups, including VMware, Hyper-V and physical devices, allowing you to quickly restore virtual machines, applications, databases, files, folders, and even Separate application elements. Built-in Bare Metal Recovery technology allows you to restore data on equipment other than the original, and includes a backup function to a virtual machine (B2V) and converts to a virtual machine (P2V), giving users the ability to restore the refused systems in VMware or Hyper-V surroundings .

For ease of operation with Symantec backup and data recovery systems also released Symantec Backup Exec 3600 software and hardware devices, Symantec NetBackup 5230. One of the advantages of their use is the minimum time to deploy them in the enterprise. It is argued that the administrator will need 20-30 minutes so that the devices began to work and fully fulfill their functions.

Commvault

Commvault offers a data management system made in the form of software and built according to the modular principle. Modules provide archiving, protection, backup and data management. A single management console is used to work with data.

The backup functions in Commvault Simpana include deduplication, creation of system images, backup automation, centralized backup management, creating reports, providing self-access users to backups, use policies for hierarchical data storage, load balancing, etc. Commvault Simpana provides in-depth integration into virtual infrastructure for advanced data management tools for platforms. Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware VCenter and VMware VCloud Director.

Commvault supports the majority of available operating systems and applications (in particular, Oracle, Microsoft, PostgreSQL and MySQL, Documentum, SAP) in order to create backup copies during applications with minimal load on them.

HP.

HP is a large set of different solutions on the market. The HP Data Protector software is designed to provide automatic backup and data recovery, as well as centralized management of relevant policies and processes. It supports most of the well-known platforms and applications and allows you to perform the following functions:

• data deduplication in accordance with HP Storeonce Federated Deduplication technology both on the clients (Backup Server) or on the data storage systems (Target base);
• backup and restore virtual environments, including protection both entirely virtual machines and individual data inside them;
• integration with the functionality of the hardware disk arrays (snapshots) to back up with zero downtime Zero Downtime Backup and instantaneous information recovery Instant Recovery (IR);
• the ability to restore individual backup items (for example, a separate file from a virtual machine backup).

For storage of backups, a line of disk libraries with HPStoreonce deduplication is used. The solution is based on server platform HP PROLIANT GEN8, models have a capacity from 8TB to 2.2PB (up to 35BB taking into account deduplication) and support the backup speed to 139tb / hour. It can simultaneously operate in VTL (Virtual Tape Library), emulating tape drives, and act as file storage with CFS / NFS access.

Dell.

Recently, Dell has increased the portfolio of backup and recovery solutions through the acquisition of Quest Software and APPASSURE. For large enterprises and Dell companies offers NetVault's solution to organize backup of the entire infrastructure, and for small and medium-sized businesses, a simpler application of APPASURE. To back up virtual machines, the Vranger application is used. Russian Dell Division Developers are also specialized Dell Software solutions for Granular Recovery AD and ExChangE, as well as unique automated recovery technology. Active Directory. With data loss.

For example, consider the Dell PowerVault DL and DR series devices (relevant models - DL4000 and Dell DR4100). Devices allow you to perform the following functions:

• optimization and simplification of backup operations, which allows you to get rid of associated downtime;
• built-in end-to-end deduplication and data compression at the block level in combination with the optimization of backup sizes, which allows you to save space for backup and reduce the need for replication in the global network;
• point recovery with the ability to create snapshots every five minutes;
• working with virtual machines.

Devices can work running software from other manufacturers, such as EMC or Symantec.

Quantum.

Quantum supplies backup and storage systems. SUPERLOADER; SCALAR I40, I80, I500, I6000) and disk (DXI V1000, 4000, 6500, 6700, 8500) and backup devices for Quantum VMPRO 4000 virtual machines are supplied.

Devices are characterized by the volumes of storage used and support most of the additional functions found from the corporate level backup systems. To optimize the copy, the original quantum deduplication algorithms are used. For centralized management and monitoring, STORAGECARE VISION software is used.

Netapp

NetApp data backup and data recovery systems allow you to work with both tape and disk arrays. SnapProtect is software for integrated backup control on discs and tape drives for NetApp FAS systems. It allows you to perform snapshots and data replication, due to which the time to work with backup copies is significantly reduced. SnapProtect also allows you to control the creation and recovery of copies using a single management console.

NetApp SnapVault is a software solution for quickly performing backup from disk to disk and protect data at block level. Allows you to reduce backup creation times due to incremental copying at the level of data blocks. Provides quick data recovery due to a large number of parameters and recovery points.

Ca Technologies.

CA TEHNOLOGIES Software CA ArcServe Backup offers CA ArcServe Backup software . It allows you to perform quite large volume of functions:

• duplication data to reduce the volumes of storages used;
• backup support when working with virtual machines running VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V ™ and Citrix® XenServer;
• support for backup in the cloud for quick data transfer between physically remote objects;
• using instant snapster-based backup (ArcServe D2D) in conjunction with traditional file backup (CA ArcServe Backup). This uses a general backup directory to speed up and simplify the recovery process;
• the ability to centrally manage the processes of copying and restoring data from a single console.

For the implementation of specialized tasks, additional modules are used (CA ArcServe Central Reporting, CA ArcServe Replication, CA ArcServe High Availability), expanding the functionality of CA ARCSERVE BACKUP.

Acronis

Acronis provides a range of software for organizing backup and data recovery. For home use, the Acronis True Image application is intended for small enterprises using Acronis Backup & Recovery Server for Windows, and for large enterprises - for Windows.

The most functional is the corporate product Acronis Backup & Recovery Advanced Server, allowing you to perform a large number of Functions:

• file backup and backup based image. You can create the image of the entire disk with the operating system for subsequent recovery to the same or similar computer;
• duplication of backup copies to several storage (for example, local and network);
• search in storage and selective file recovery;
• deduplication (separate module) allows you to copy repeating data. Moreover, the search for copies is made not only on a computer of a particular user, and all network users;
• the ability to restore workstations and servers on equipment different from which a backup has been made, or a virtual machine (separate module);
• administration features (remote installation, the ability to include computers before backup, the ability to execute commands before and after copying; Determination of the load on the disk and network in the copy process, etc.);
• centralized management of backup copies;
• use the storage in the "cloud" (separate module).

The presence of such a set of functions enables the products of Acronis to be a real competitor to products of world leaders in this field. The feature provided allows Acronis products to claim all market segments.

Paragon.

One more russian companythat issues a backup and data recovery system. In its portfolio, a number of products for backup and maintain hard drives - Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12 Suite, Professional, Business, Premium Editions (for personal users and SMB); Paragon Protect and Restore 3 (for large companies); Drive Backup 11 Workstation; Drive Backup 11 Server, etc. For the spring of 2014, the release of Paragon Hard Disk Manager 14 is announced on the Russian market, which is already sold in the West.

Using these products, you can organize a full-featured process backup and data recovery process. For quick migration or system recovery, the system images are used after failure. And they can be put on computers whose hardware is different from source computer. A variety of copying schemes are implemented - incremental and differentiated, allowing to reduce the amounts of data from copied. Use granular data recovery and a powerful set of filters that allows you to configure automatic data recovery. Supported work with both real and virtual devices. However, there is no full-fledged deduplication. Centralized backup management is possible after installing an additional Paragon Remote Management application.

Most Paragon products are designed for personal users and small and medium-sized companies. However, the latest products of the company, such as Hard Disk Manager 12 Premium, go beyond the SMB scope and provides additional tools for working in large companies.

The listed solutions are not fully limited to the market for backup systems and data recovery in Russia. There are less common products, such as Handy Backup Server Network (Novosoft) or Bakbone Netvault. However, their representation on the Russian market is small or not amenable to an accurate assessment, so they did not fall into the list of solutions under consideration.

Our review did not include free systems for backing up and recovering data, because, without having data on sales volumes difficult to assess their presence in the market. From the most popular free software for backup on the Russian market, we note the CloneZilla application. It allows you to create images of a system or copy of data on a local or remote computer. Corporate version Clonezilla Server allows you to manage backups in the local network of the company.

conclusions

The backup and data recovery systems are a necessary element of the safety of any jobs - both personal and corporate. Today's level of this class solution allows you to make backup process rapid and user-friendly. Attention is also paid not only to the speed of creating backup copies, but also the speed of their recovery. When using specialized algorithms, the data recovery time is significantly reduced. The algorithms used for this can significantly reduce the data recovery time. The systems presented in the market are constantly developing and include new technologies for working with data. So many systems suggest the ability to store data in the cloud, use virtual machines, allow you to work with new types of protocols and data storage devices. This indicates the mutual interest of manufacturers and consumers of this class of decisions. It is worth noting that in the future the backup and recovery system will be increasingly integrated with backup storage solutions and solutions for organizing joint access and remote work with data in the cloud.

The market for backup systems and data recovery system is quite ripe. At the global level, a set of leaders in the art has already developed, which for the year they seek to support high level His solutions. These are companies EMC, Commvault, Symantec, IBM, HP, Quantum, NetApp, Ca Technologies. The Russian market presents the products of all these leaders. The specifics of the market is the presence of Russian players - Acronis and Paragon, whose products occupy their niches and are in demand in the market.

In our future publications, we plan to consider the cloud backup and data recovery market.

Each solves the data backup problem in its own way: Some use an external HDD drive for this, others rewrite all important on CD and DVDs, some prefer to have an "extra" inner hard drive, where and reset the files and folders from time to time. But after all, by and large, the backup problem is not to create a copy of important data, but not to forget to do it. Every person working at a computer has important files that are often changed and complemented. It can be excel tables, Word documents, files in which the settings of various programs are stored - from the drive catalogtor database to user browser profiles. Such files have much more value than films, videos, music and other data that gigabytes are discouraged from the network and recorded on backup media. Write on the disk once the downloaded movie is simple. But the daily creation of copies of constantly changing working files - the occupation is quite troublesome, and few people are so organized that it constantly remembers the need for a backup and makes it. In today's review, we will consider programs that save from the need to remember constantly maintaining a copy of important data. Moreover, we will dwell only on those who have free status.

Developer: Desktop Software
Distribution size: 10 MB
Distribution: FREE
File Backup Watcher FREE is a simplified version of the commercial utility that is produced by the same company. Opportunities in the free version are a bit, but for some it can be quite enough. The program interface is represented by three tabs, which can be concluded about its basic functions - "Reservation", "CD / DVD recorder" and Zip. So, in addition to backup data, the program is able to record on optical media and work with ZIP archives. However, all three main functions exist separately. In other words, you will not be able to configure the program to automatically compress copies of files and record them to disk.

For the program to back up, you need to create a profile. Step-by-step wizard will not get confused in the settings - first select the profile name, then the folder is specified, the files from which you want to copy. In this case, you can specify whether you need to take into account the nested directories. After that, the folder is selected in which backup copies will be stored. File Backup Watcher Free does not allow you to back up with CD / DVD or on a network drive, so such a folder can only be on one of the local disks. There is no USB drive connected to the USB-connected computer. At the last stage of the wizard, the task scheduler is configured. In order to see its settings, you need to select an automatic copying method. The scheduler is made very convenient: to each month, the day of the week, the number, hour and minute corresponds to its own button. Pressing the desired buttons, you can specify the time to which files will be copied.

After the profile is created, its name is displayed on the first program tab. Even if an automatic copying method is selected for the profile, the task can be started manually using the button on the program toolbar or the F5 key. For more convenient management of profiles, the program provides for the possibility of organizing them to folders. True, it is impossible to run all profiles by clicking on the folder name - for this you have to open the folder and select all the profile names. If you have created tasks that File Backup Watcher Free should perform on a schedule, the program can be placed in the tray, and it will work quietly in a specified mode. When the program is active, its gray-green icon. If you need to postpone the execution of tasks for a while, you can simply click on the icon and select the "pause" command in the menu. The icon will become gray-red, and work will be suspended. By performing backup, File Backup Watcher Free places a copy of the source directory in the specified folder, adding to its name and copy time. When copying a program, the program simply creates a new folder with another name. Thus, the task to remove old backups falls on the shoulders of the user - after some time there may be too much. Record saved copies on a DVD or archive them will have to manually. On both tabs - "CD / DVD recorder" and Zip - there is a file manager. On the Archiver tab, it is unin-aided - highlighting files, you can pack or unzip, using the buttons on the toolbar or command in the context menu.

On the tab to record disks, the file manager is represented by two panels - on the first one outputs all files that are available on the hard disk, on the second, you can form the contents of the disk by dragging the files and folders using the mouse to it. It is important to note that File Backup Watcher Free can not only record discs, but also create ISO files.

In general, despite limited functionality, File Backup Watcher FREE is a fairly convenient and simple backup solution. It can be safely recommended to everyone who is used to storing copies of files on the second hard disk. If the main hard drive is out of order, you will probably rate the program.

Developer: Ree-Backup.info/Back2zip.html.
Distribution size: 535 kb
Distribution: FREE
This program is distinguished by an incredibly fast installation (the whole process takes literally a few seconds) and a wrestling character. Immediately after installing the back2zip itself creates a new task for backup, suggesting that the most important files you store in the My Documents folder. In addition, the program creates a MyBackup folder on a F disk (if you have no such, it may choose some other) and immediately starts copying the contents of the My Documents directory. The fact that Back2Zip works actively, you can guess the animation of the icon in the tray. In a word, the first thing to do after starting the program is to delete the automatically created task. Back2Zip is built on the principle "easier you will not come up with". There are no familiar masters here - all operations can be performed directly in the main program window. First by pressing the Add Folder button, the folder is specified, for the contents of which you want to follow (it can be added and dragging it from the file manager), then the folder in which the copies will be saved using the SELECT Folder button. It can be located not only on the local disk, but also on the network. USB drives are also supported.

As the developers of the program in the documentation rightly notice, "the third step of the program setting is not", after the first two, it is ready to work. Simplicity, however, has its own opposite direction. First, the folder for saving copies can only be one, and if you change it, it changes for all tasks. Secondly, the backup cannot be launched only for one task - everything is performed immediately. Back2Zip has a job scheduler where you can select the copies' save interval - from 20 minutes to 6 hours. In addition, you can limit the time of operation of the program, let's say, let it make copies only at night.

It is worth paying attention to the settings for creating copies. First, Back2Zip can archive files in Zip format, and the user can even choose a compression ratio.

Secondly, the program is able to save previous copies. In its settings, you can specify the time during which copies of the files will be saved - from day to two weeks. All copies of the older period will be automatically deleted. If you wish, you can disable the ability to save early copies, and then each time the old files will be replaced with new ones. Despite the fact that all tasks are saved in one folder, it is impossible to get confused. Back2Zip works like this: in the directory selected to copy data, it creates a folder that is called exactly the same as a folder that is copied. It creates a directory, the name of which consists of the current date, and files are placed in it. If the settings selected the previous copies, folders with dates are several. In general, the program produced very good impression: The interface is simple and convenient, pleased with the ability to archive files and automatic removal of old copies.

Developer: Thecopier.narod.ru.
Distribution size: 1.5 MB
Distribution: FREE
The Copier consists of three separate utilities that at first confusing a little. The first one is responsible for making backup tasks, the second is for their execution, the third contains the program settings. Each of the three utilities can be launched separately. The first component with which you will get acquainted after installing the program - "Task Editor". With it, tasks are compiled, that is, it is indicated that, where and when to copy. The result of the work in the "Task Editor" is the database file with the DAT extension, which is saved and then loaded into the Copier main module. The "Task Editor" window includes four tabs. To begin with, you must select the name for the task, then on the "Archive" tab, add files and folders whose copies need to be saved. One task may contain a whole list of files and folders, you can use regular expressions. For example, to copy all the files in the folder that have the DOC extension, you need to add a row drive: folder: *. Doc. You can use exceptions. It is convenient if there are files of different types in the folder, and it is necessary to copy everything except one or two types. Exceptions are specified in a special field in * .exe format. If you do not read the "Apply to the entire list" checkbox, they will be valid for all folders that are selected for copying.

On the same tab, you need to specify the name of the archive in which copies of files will be saved, and the path to it on the disk. The name can be created by mask. * Y In the title - means the year in the format of four digits, * y - year in the format of the last two digits, * m - month, * d - day, etc. (All available masks and their values \u200b\u200bcan be viewed in the help file). The name of the archive may include any combination of masks. For example, if the backup is running on October 11, the saved archive for which the mask * D * M.Zip is used, will be called 1110.zip. The "Copy" tab is designed to select folders in which you want to copy important files. You can select multiple folders (located on your computer hard drives or on the local network) and for each specify the frequency of saving. You can create copies daily or on the days of the week. When you select "Those even / odd" backups will be saved to different folders in even and odd days. On the "Advanced Copies" tab, you can specify the folders to copy the previously saved archives. Thus, we are dealing with dual data saving - first the basic files are copied to a safe place and placed in the archive, and then a copy is created for this archive. Such copies can be created at the end of each week, month, quarter or year. Optionally, the source archive can be automatically deleted. On the "Commands" tab, you can set different actions that must be executed before or after backup. Commands can be external or internal. The internal includes copying, moving, renaming and deleting files, and to external - launch of different applications. After completing the task, it is saved, after which it opens in the main module The Copier. It is only necessary to do this once - then the program remembers the path to the file and opens it automatically. It is worth noting that one data file may contain several tasks, for each of which their archive parameters are specified, folders to which are preserved, etc. From the main program window, you can run backup manually, view and print a report.

To change the parameters of the report and making other changes, you need to refer to the settings window. It defines a schedule for which copying is performed. Here you can choose not only the frequency of creating copies of files, but also time of day. Scheduler settings are quite flexible - you can copy all the days except the weekend, on the selected days of the week or month, once a day when you start the program, etc. Immediately, in the settings, the parameters of creating an archive are specified, such as a compression ratio, creating a self-extracting archive, saving empty directories, encoding file names. If you plan to create backup copies of large amounts of data, it makes sense to specify the size of one volume. It can be equal, for example, the size of the CD. It is also interesting to choose the behavior of the program after backup. She can send an email report to print it, close and even turn off the computer.

From the disadvantages of The Copier, it is worth noting a slightly confusing scheme of work (it would be more logical to organize it within one utility, rather than creating several) and the inability to download multiple data files at the same time. In other words, if you want to create several different backup tasks, which must be constantly executed, you need to put them in one data file, otherwise you have to constantly download to the Copier then one DAT file, then another.

Developer: COMODO GROUP
Distribution size: 4.5 MB
Distribution: FREE
This program is so functional that can compete with many commercial counterparts. The user gets the ability to create different jobs for backup, adjust each of them separately, run in manual or automatic modes. The adding new task window contains a number of tabs on which the backup project is fully configured. Available as many five data storage modes.

In addition to easy copying, Comodo Backup proposes to transfer files (after that, the source files will not be available on the old place), copying with the subsequent removal of old copies, transferring with the removal of old copies. In addition, there is an interesting synchronization mode, in which the backup creation is not on schedule, but in real time. As soon as the program records changes the source file, it immediately creates a copy of it. When using this mode, the planner does not need to do, if you have chosen any other backup conservation method, you will need it. The planner is very flexible and makes it possible to perform copying on certain days of the week, months and days of the month. Copy start time is also indicated. In addition, it is possible to perform the task periodically, through a specified number of hours, when starting the program or when it is closed. Comodo Backup may not just copy all files from the selected folder. In the project settings, you can specify whether to take into account the invested folders, if necessary, clarify which invested directories should be excluded from the task. It is also possible to eliminate some files by selecting their type by specifying attributes, minimal or maximum size. You can do on the contrary, that is, specify no exception, and the masks for the files that must be copied.

Backup data Copies can be saved not only on local or network drives, but also on a USB drive, FTP server or recorded on CD / DVD. When you select a CD, the program can set the volume label and erase the data that is already recorded on the disk.

The Options tab are specified by very important parameters that relate to save copies of files. Comodo Backup can work both in full backup mode and incremental. In the first case, each time you execute the task, the data will be copied completely. In the case of incremental backups, a full copy of the data is created only for the first time, and only those files that have been changed from the time of the previous entry are copied.

During working with different data, it often happens that it is necessary to restore the old copy of the file, as in the new chancely overwritten, the important information is deleted or edited. Therefore, it makes sense to store several backup copies. Their number is indicated in the Number of Version field. Files can be copied in its original form or porch into the ZIP archive. Comodo Backup supports the choice of compression ratio, as well as adding a password to open the file. For convenience in the archive title, changing data, such as the date and time, can be used. The same applies to the name of the folder in which backup copies are saved. Comodo Backup tasks can be associated with the launch of other applications. For example, you can select an application that must be run before backup or immediately after it is completed. To make sure that all backup parameters are entered correctly, you can check the task on the Test tab. If any data is missing, for example, not specified where you want to save copies, the program will give the appropriate message, and you can correct the error.

Conclusion

Among free programs for backup without difficulty, you can choose the one that is suitable for you. From the applications discussed in the review, fewer features that relate to backup, in File Backup Watcher Free 2.8, but this program has tools for recording CDs and create ISO files. Back2zip will be good decisionif you do not have a lot important files To copy. In this case, the limitations associated with the impossibility of starting tasks individually and selecting different destination folders will not seem critical. The Copier has a slightly confusing work scheme, but makes it possible to organize backups of large amounts of data. Having created several tasks within a single database, you can set your copy parameters for each of them. It also deserves attention and the ability to create an additional copy of the archive with data. Finally, Comodo Backup can be called professional decision For backup. This program has and download copies to the FTP server, and recording on CDs, and select files for backup based on their attributes, size and type.

From viruses and software errors, hardware failure or human error, there are many potential hazards infecting your files.

And it may happen even worse - for example, losing personal photos, a music library, important business documents - what can be real valuable. That is why it is necessary to create a backup of your computer in automatic mode.

It is very difficult to do it very much, but with the right of software that it will be much easier than you think. Without any cash costs because there are some free Backup and Cloning Programs.

If you want to, copy the contents of your documents somewhere , cloning one disk to another, or create a backup copy of your entire systemI found many programs that can help.

Action Backup.

Action Backup - Perhaps best files on schedule for home and work computers. The program is very convenient, as it combines ease of use, as well as a wide functionality for backing up. With Action Backup, you get: support full, difference, extension backup, automated * Saving backups on the FTP server, CD / DVD, deleted network resources, Support for ZIP64 format, support for the "Shadow Copying" function, operation in Windows * service mode, automated deleting previous (outdated) archives *, sending a report on e-mail and much more (a detailed description of the functionality is available on the official developer's official website).

The Action Backup program is perfect for both beginners and experienced users, which makes it an excellent tool for backing up files on home computers, as well as workstations and servers.

* - Available only in a paid version. On the official site there is a comparison of versions.

Aomei Backupper.

If you like backup programs, Aomei is a simple interface. Select a disk or section for backup, destination disc, and click Backupper There will be an image creation.

The program has good enough tools if you need it. There are options to encrypt or squeeze backups. You can create incremental or differential backups to increase speed. You can restore separate files and folders, or all image, and there are even disks and partitions cloning tools.

What you can not do is unfortunately Scheduled backup - They must be running manually. But otherwise Aomei Backupper. It is an excellent tool, with a huge number of functions, but also easy to use.

Easeus Todo Backup Free

Like most free (for personal use) commercial products, Easeus Todo Backup Free He has several restrictions - but the package still has more than enough opportunities for most people.

The program can work as a file and a backup file based, for example, manually or on a schedule. You are able to work with full or incremental backups.

The ability to limit the write speed reduces the effect of backup to system performance. This is possible in separate files or folders, or the entire image using a program recovery disk. And there are tools to clone and format discs too.

With a negative side, you will not receive encryption, there is no differential backup, and you will only receive a Linux based disk (not Windows PE). But Easeus Todo backup still looks like a big program for us.

Redo Backup and Recovery

Redo Backup and Recovery — it is a visualization tool for backups with honors. Instead of installing the program, you must download the large (249MB) ISO file and record it on a CD or on a USB disk. Then just boot from it to run a simple tool that can back up hard disk and restore them later.

There is also a recovery tool, and even a web browser, if you need to contact a problem with PC.

The program is not very convenient. You cannot schedule backup, all of them must be running manually, and there are very few options.

But it is also easy to use and free for everyone, so if you want to start backups sometimes, you can use on any computer without installing software - then this product is suitable for you.

Cobian Backup.

Cobian Backup. It is an excellent tool for backup, with a large number of functions. You get a complete, differential and additional backup, for example; Zip or 7zip compression; AES 256-bit encryption; include and exclude filters; Planner, backup or ftp serversAnd the list can be continued. Each aspect of the program is extremely customizing (there are more than 100 parameters you can configure).

PC or backup, beginners most likely seem that it is very difficult. If you are more experienced you will love the number of tools Cobian Backup. gives you the ability to manage the backup process over each aspect.

Macrium Reflect FREE.

One of the most popular free (for home use) of the disk image creation program, Macrium Reflect FREE. The main set of functions through the interface is easy to use.

The program does not have incremental or differential backup copies. And you will not receive encryption or password protection. It makes backup creation is very easy, although (select the source disk and set the compression ratio, ready).

There is a planner; You can mount images in Windows Explorer or fully restore them and with Linux and disc windows restoration PE. And in general Macrium Reflect FREE. Excellent choice for those who want a simple, but reliable image backup tool.

Driveimage XML.

Free for personal use Driveimage XM. It is an easy alternative to more advanced competitors. Backup is as easy as selecting the source disk, destination and (optional) setting the compression level.

Restoration is as simple, and the only essential extra ability to copy directly from one disk to another.

There are some complications elsewhere. Click the "Task Scheduler" button, and you will receive instructions on how to manually configure Windows Task. Scheduler To start backup. But if you only need the main visualization tool then give Driveimage XML. process.

Fbackup.

Fbackup. It is a good file backup tool, free for personal and commercial use. The interface is simple and understandable, and there are a number of features.

Plugins allow you to create backup copies of individual programs with one click; There is support for the inclusion and exclusion of filters; And you can run the "mirror" backups that simply copy everything without compressing it (which makes the recovery of files very simple).

The compression is not so good, although it is a weak Zip2), and the scheduler is also simpler than you will see in other programs. But if your needs are simple Fbackup. must come to you.

Backup maker

First free for personal use Backupmaker It seems like any other backup tool file program, with additional or full backup copies of existing, planning, compression, encryption, enable and exclude filters, and so on.

But interesting additional services include online backup support FTP servers, and when performing backup automaticallyWhen the USB device is connected.

Program data is stored in ZIP files, also, which makes them very convenient for access. AND Backup maker Comes in small installation package 6.5MB, much more manageable than some of cumbersome competitors.

If you are a home user looking for file backup method, then backup Maker Maybe perfect.

Clonezilla.

Just like repeating backup and restore, Clonezilla. not installation program: it's boot Wednesday DOSwhich can be launched from a CD or USB flash drive.

And it is serious powerful program, too: You can create a disk image; restore the image (per disc, or somewhat simultaneously); Close the disk (copy one disc to another), with a lot of control.

While repeating backup and restore focuses on ease of use, however, Clonezilla. More about providing additional parameters as "unattended Clonezilla. Using PXE download. It is not difficult, probably the best free program for cloning discs - but the program is aimed at experienced users and backups, it is better to find a more appropriate option for beginners.

Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free

Another free personal program program Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free
it is a good tool with some limitations.

Strong support for the base: you can create backup image(full or differential), compress and encrypt them, use filters exceptionto help determine what is included, do backups on scheduleAnd then restore individual files and folders or all full.

Additionally includes a separate section, help save your backups safely. And a good set of basic tools section included.

Problems? You will not receive incremental backup; You cannot clone discs or sections, and the interface sometimes feels not very good. However Paragon Backup & Recovery 20134 Free High-quality tool, and costs your attention.

Duplicati.

If you need online backups, then Duplicati. is one of the most versatile tools, with support for saving files SkyDrive, Google Docs, FTP Servers, Amazon S3, Rackspace CloudFiles and WebDAV.

The program can also save on local and network drivesAlthough it includes many useful options (AES-256 encryption, password protection, scheduler, full and incremental backups, supporting regular expressions to enable / exclude filters, even download and download speed limits to reduce the effect on your system).

So you save the files on the Internet, or locally, then this program is for you.

In its article "Automation of reserves" or "Console Basics: Bat-nickname", I already wrote about how to make BAT files to create valuable data reserves. Method of this old, worker and, so to speak, manual.

Today, I want to tell you about a program that will greatly simplify the creation of backup copies, as well as allow you to automate the process on the schedule.

Download, Installation, Setup and Use

As you already understood from my text - this is a program for creating, and it is about it that will be discussed in this article. Main features of the program: Free, support for the Russian language, the possibility of encryption "OV, creating backup copies on a schedule (once a hour \\ day \\ week, etc.), as well as toast on your own format, which is quite convenient in terms of visibility on External media.

Actually, you can download the program from the developer site or.
The installation is extremely simple, and I will not stop on it.

As for use .. Everything, in general, is also easy:

All the components of the backups are the file name.FKC, where the name is the name you specified. In the program window, it is displayed in the list on the left. Click the left button on the desired backup allows you to call a menu in which there are all sorts of functions, starting from launching the recovery and to call the menu of very useful properties in which you can set compression, see the sources folders, set the schedule, etc. etc.