Choosing Recovery Software

Choosing Backup Software

Many options exist for backing up the data on your computer. Some products simply copy files to a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM for archiving. Some products copy files to a facility accessed through the Internet, also known as the "cloud." And some products include convenience and automation to simplify the process.

When evaluating backup software options, some common features may or may not be suitable to your needs. For example, if you need to plan for disaster recovery you will need an option for offsite storage of your information. Here are some important features to consider:

Incremental Backup vs. Continuous Data Protection (CDP)

Incremental backups allow you to copy only the files that have changed recently to another location, whether that location is a CD-ROM or shared network drive. This approach is typically in combination with a weekly full backup, and these activities can either be manually initiated or scheduled to run automatically. Most incremental backup applications slow the computer performance while copying and are scheduled to run at night.

Continuous Data Protection (CDP) backs up files that have changed almost instantaneously. With a small number of files to copy at a given time, the CDP operation is not noticeable and provides optimal protection for data files that change throughout the day.

Backup Sets vs. Full System Protection

Backup Sets are subsets of files and folders that will be copied during backup. Many backup applications use pre-defined backup sets to reduce the number of files copied, and this may or may not include all the files that are important to you. If a new application is installed, the location and file type used by the application may not be included in the backup set.

Full System Protection is a more recent approach that backs up the entire computer hard disk drive, usually to an external hard disk drive. Reduced hard disk drive prices have made it economical to copy the entire contents of the computer instead of configuring and managing the backup software. With every file protected, nothing it missed, and a full system restore can actually permit a replacement hard disk drive to start and run your applications just as it did previously.

Onsite vs. Offsite Backup

Offsite backup involves copying files through a network, usually the Internet, to a location other than your home or office. While this option enables disaster recovery planning, copying files takes considerably longer than with directly attached devices and also involves a third party facility usually requiring a subscription.

Onsite backup includes backing up to CD-ROM, flash memory devices, and external hard disk drives. The main advantages with onsite backup are performance and security. Files can be copied quickly and then stored in a location within your control.

Ridiculously Simple Software

Rebit products are designed with our customers in mind. Easy to use backup software can be full featured, highly beneficial, and remarkably affordable. Try the Rebit 5 software with your USB hard disk drive and learn how simple full system, continuous data protection can be