Review of backup programs. Online backup

Review of the best data backup programs. Download the best free and paid programs for data backup.

Everyone knows that it is necessary to constantly back up our data. Most often, we postpone this procedure “for later” and sometimes find ourselves in a situation where valuable photos and documents are impossible or extremely expensive to restore. I suggest you spend 5 minutes reading my article and another 10 minutes installing one of 5 backup programs to set up data backup to external hard drive or "cloud". You will never regret spending 15 minutes of your life, because such a short time will guarantee the safety of your photos and important data. Of course, you can manually save the necessary data to external media, but why not entrust this routine procedure to the program? Moreover, many of the backup programs mentioned in the review are absolutely free.

Best Backup Software

EaseuS Todo Backup Free

Acronis True Image

Acronis products are extremely famous in our country. The program is good for everyone, perhaps, except for a few high price. In all other respects, it is an excellent program for careful backup of your data or operating system.

• Full backup of a disk or selected area.
• Universal Restore— the ability to restore a copy of the operating system even to a computer with a different configuration.
• Incredibly fast backup and recovery.
• You can restore both the entire image and specific folders or files

Price: 1 device - 1700 rub.

R-Drive Image

R-Drive Image is a small but multifunctional program for on-the-fly disk backup. The program can recover both entire disks and separate files. Also with using R-Drive Image you can easily clone disks. In general, the program has many small but successful functions, but its price for Russian market somewhat scary, given the dollar exchange rate.

Price: 1 device – $44.95

CrashPlan

Quite often, free backup programs have limited functionality, but not in in this case. Free version CrashPlan has everything you need to regularly create backups to a variety of media, including unique feature creating a backup copy of your data on specific computer network (for example, on a friend’s computer).

• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Saving backups to other computers
• Saving a backup to an external drive
• Automatic daily backups
• 448-bit file encryption

Overall, extremely interesting program for backup, worthy of attention.

Aomei Backupper

AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free software for data backup and recovery, functional and easy to use. The program contains everything necessary tools for backup and recovery of system, disks, partitions and disk cloning. With support for VSS technology, AOMEI Backupper can do full backup your system and any data even while the OS is running, without interfering in any way with running processes.
Even though this program is at the end of the list, I recommend paying close attention to it. The program is really good, and how many times has the function helped me out? Universal restore- can't be counted.

P.S. Universal restore ( universal recovery) - allows you to restore and run a copy of the system on a computer with different characteristics.

Action Backup

The last place (but not in quality) in our selection is occupied by the development of domestic programmers -. The program is actively developing and has several of its own features that distinguish this product from foreign competitors. Before purchasing you can download a 15-day trial version programs.

Here are the main features of Action Backup:

• Easy to set up and use: the program is extremely easy to understand, especially since there are instructions in Russian on the website. After initial setup The utility will backup the necessary data on a schedule, relieving you of worries about data safety.
• Rich functionality: Action Backup really can do a lot - it can make backups to a remote FTP server and network drives, to external hard drives, “cut” the data into optical drives, create " shadow copies", work as a service 24/365 and much more!
• Unpretentious: Action Backup consumes extremely few system resources and can work even on weak machines. This is especially true for budget organizations, many of which cannot boast of a modern fleet of equipment.
• Excellent compatibility: Action Backup works perfectly on any modern version Windows: 7, 8, 10, Server and supports 32 and 64 bit editions.

Price: from 560 to 960 rub. depending on the number of licenses purchased. You can use the program completely free for 15 days!

So today we met the best programs for data recovery. Yes, there are only 5 of them, but why make the top 10, 20, 30 - after all, the functions of all these programs are almost similar. I recommend you free program AOMEI Backupper Standard. If you are confused by the lack of Russian language in this program, pay attention to Acronis True Image. All the best, I hope my article helped you choose a data recovery program.

IN lately we are so used to deciding daily tasks by using computer technology that they began to forget how easily information stored on a computer can be lost. Imagine what would happen if your computer was replaced, damaged, or even stolen. Will you lose important documents, photos, music and other files?

While your computer can be restored or repaired, your files may be lost forever. You can protect your files from accidental loss by creating a backup copy on an external hard drive or online backup service. Even if something happens to your computer, you can rest assured that your files are not damaged and are safe.

One of the most simple ways create a backup copy – copy files to an external hard drive. To do this, first you need to purchase an external hard drive. Western Digital, Lenovo and Seagate produce the most popular external hard disks. Read the characteristics of the discs and choose the one that suits you, or ask a consultant at the store to help you choose.

Remember that an external drive is subject to the same risks as your computer, including burnout, theft, and accidental damage. Therefore, it is important to store it in safe place(as far away from the computer as possible), for example, in a small fireproof safe for additional protection.

If you want to back up only certain files, then you can simply copy them to your external hard drive. This is a simple way to protect the most important files and folders.

• To back up a file or folder, connect your hard drive to your computer, then highlight required files and folders and drag them to the external drive. Copies of the selected objects will appear on the external drive.

On the one hand, it’s easy to copy files and folders to an external drive, but on the other hand, it’s very easy to forget about it. You never know when you might need to access your files, so you'll want to make backups regularly to ensure you always have the best latest versions files. To simplify this process, most computers or even external drives can automatically create backup copies of certain files.

• Backup on Windows
  Windows Backup(also known as File History in Windows 8) allows you to create automatic copies specific files and folders. You can also use Windows Backup to save a system image, which means backing up your entire drive, including all files and installed applications.
• Backup on Mac OS X
  Active Time Machine automatically backs up your entire drive, including files and applications. If something goes wrong, you can easily restore your computer to a previous stable state.

If you decide to make a copy of the entire disk, the first copy may take several hours. Choose a time when you don't need your computer, such as night time. Additional copying should be regular, but it usually takes less time since only updated files are copied.

Online backup

Even if you regularly copy files to an external hard drive, there is a possibility of losing information. For added security, you can copy files to the cloud. When you copy any files to the cloud, they are saved on servers on the Internet, not on an external drive. The main benefit of storing files in the cloud is that they are less likely to be stolen or accidentally destroyed.

Backing up files manually

If you want to save several files or folders online, then you need to log in to some cloud storage service. Most services give you a small amount of storage space for free, which should be enough for your most important files. You can also pay monthly for additional space.

One of the main advantages of such storage is the ability to access files from any device connected to the Internet, and the ability to share files with family, friends, and colleagues. The most popular ones are described below cloud services storage:

is a data storage service from Yandex. You are given 10 GB free space.

Dropbox allows you to easily back up specific files online. Dropbox provides 2 GB (gigabytes) of free storage and lets you share files and even entire folders with anyone.

Google Drive is a cloud storage service from Google that provides 15 GB of free space. From Drive you can access Google Docs, which lets you create, share, and collaborate on documents, presentations, and more. Check out our tutorials to learn more.

OneDrive(formerly SkyDrive) is a cloud storage service from Microsoft that provides 15 GB of free storage. You also have access to Office Online - free online Microsoft versions Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Automatic backup

Simple cloud services are good for storing copies of certain files, but they make it easy to forget to regularly update copies. If you want to automatically create backups of many files or your entire computer, then you need to buy space on an online storage service.

The amount of storage provided by such services varies, and you will need to pay monthly or annual fees for sufficient quantity places. On the one hand, this may seem like an expensive pleasure, on the other hand, the price may be comparable to the cost external drive but you get additional security, storing files in the cloud. The most popular online cloud storage services are described below:

Carbonite
If you don't want to think about backup files, the Carbonite automatic backup service will provide timely update all files. Carbonite does not limit file space, starting with basic level for $59.99 per year.

Mozy
If you want more control over when your files are copied, Mozy offers automatic copy and scheduled copying. The service offers various tariff plans free 2GB of storage and additional storage starting at 125GB for $9.99 per month.

iCloud
Unlike Mozy and Carbonite, iCloud is designed specifically for backup Apple applications, including documents created in iWork applications (Pages, Numbers and Keynote), content from iTunes and App Store. All the apps, music, movies, TV shows you've purchased are automatically saved. You can also use iCloud to back up content and settings of any iOS devices, such as iPhone and iPad.

One of the disadvantages online services backup storage is that the first backup can be very slow - taking days, weeks or even months. However, subsequent copies will take much less time.

Recently, my friend asked me to explain to her how to backup data. She's a humanitarian, so she wanted options that didn't require any customization. Since she is not a stupid person who likes to understand the problem herself and make decisions, I decided to collect the basic principles for her and describe the pros and cons of certain options (as I see them). I decided to publish it here in case some of you find it useful - to help a friend or relative. I would be very glad to receive comments on how the text could be made simpler and clearer.

Basic principles

1. Regularity and frequency

Separateness

Double check

Discrimination

Often backup programs create so-called “images”. They look like one single file. So, it is better to save various data in each such image.

What is this for? Data of different importance requires different handling, this is obvious. You will probably want to store your important documents more carefully than, say, a collection of films. By dividing the data by update frequency, you can, for example, save time spent on backups. Topic - what data is desirable to recover together in one step? A striking example two types of backup, which should be done separately:

Data backup

System backup

Where to make a backup

Fairly reliable (as long as you don't drop or shake excessively)
+ Relatively inexpensive

You must remember to connect the backup disk yourself.
-Not very convenient to carry (does not apply to laptop drives)

2. USB stick - suitable as additional remedy when you would like to transfer data from one computer to another and/or have it at hand. Also, if you don’t want to store the data itself on your computer.
There is one big but - a flash drive has a limited number of records, so if you store data from an application on it that will write intensively, then the flash drive (usb stick) will quickly die out. In addition, in my personal impression, they break quite often. A friend of mine, buying the most expensive flash drives, which were positioned as “unbreakable”, received a broken flash drive within a month or two. To be fair, I must say that I still haven’t had a single flash drive break; some have been working for 5 years already. However, I wouldn’t store data on a USB stick alone.

Mobile storage
+Takes up 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 and while traveling.
+Local separation of main data and backup copies (for example, if, God forbid, a fire happens, the data survives)
+There is no need to connect a hard drive for backup; as a rule, everything is done completely automatically.

It is advisable to encrypt the data, since it is unknown who can access it
-A large amount of traffic is wasted (if it is limited, problems arise)
-Often you can only store data up to 2 GB for free. So, such a backup is an additional expense item

List with good description services can be found

How to make a backup

Here is a list of applications that are worth paying attention to (in my opinion) when backing up to your hard drive.

Popular among the free ones

1. Genie Backup Manager - very convenient program, but is a little slow when working
2. Handy Backup - simple interface, works quickly.

Additionally

Incremental backup allows you to roll back to any point in the past when the backup was made. However, especially if changes in data occur frequently, the space will be consumed quickly.

A simple, convenient and long-proven program for backing up files and synchronizing folders on a schedule. Russian developer. The program has a simple, clear interface, but at the same time has wide possibilities And flexible settings. Allows you to copy all or only new/changed files between local, network, removable drives, FTP/SFTP, NAS servers.

The program has 3 editions:

• Exiland Backup Free(free, basic features, Windows application)
• Exiland Backup Standard (paid, advanced functionality, Windows application)
• Exiland Backup Professional (paid, maximum possibilities, Windows service)

Key features of the program:

• 4 types of file copying: Full, Differential, Incremental, Synchronization.
• Flexible configuration of task launch schedule
• Compression to standard ZIP format, AES-256 encryption, archive separation, integrity check
• The program works as a service (Windows service)
• Copying files from multiple PCs on a local network
• Fast copying of files to multiple threads (in parallel)
• Support FTP protocols, SFTP (SSH), copying files from Linux systems
• Maintaining a detailed log
• Notification of results by E-mail, SMS
• View backup and restore files if they are lost
• Launch external applications, command line(before and after completing tasks)
• Grouping tasks

Built-in scheduler

You can use the built-in scheduler, launch tasks using a button in the program, or assign tasks to the Windows Scheduler ( Task Manager) – in this case, you do not have to keep the program running all the time. Windows Scheduler will launch a program that will complete the task and the program will be unloaded from memory.

Duplicate backups

To be safe, you can store backups in several places. The program allows you to specify an unlimited number of places to store backups.

Safety

To prevent access to ZIP archives, set a password, specify the AES-256 encryption algorithm, and save backup copies to network folder, access to which is limited ( Exiland program Backup allows you to specify a login/password to access a network folder). All settings and passwords in the program are stored in encrypted form. Access to program settings can be restricted by setting a password to enter the program.

Reliability

The program has existed since 2005 and over the years of service has shown its reliability and resistance to emergency situations, such as a connection breakdown (network failure) during backup, incorrect names files, disk problems, etc. If the connection is broken, the program will wait for the connection to appear within the specified time and will continue copying when a connection appears. network drive or the Internet. About everyone problematic files And emergency situations user ( system administrator) will receive an SMS or email notification.

Create a task

Creating a task is very simple. To do this, click the Create -> New task button located on top panel. Next, specify the name of the task, for example, “Working Documents”, select the copy type, folders and files to be copied, compression/encryption, select a folder to save backups and specify a launch schedule.

Now you can minimize it to the Notification Area on the System Tray and wait for it to launch as scheduled. You can also run the task by button on the top panel.

Backup- the process of creating a copy of data on a storage medium ( hard drive, floppy disk, etc.), intended for their original or new location in case of damage or destruction. Procedure backup or backup very simple, but can become a big headache if not done. The business of many companies directly depends on the manipulation of information stored on servers: databases, source code repositories, web projects, etc.. All this needs to be saved daily on backup media. If information is lost and cannot be restored, the company may suffer large losses.

Copying data from the production server to the backup server

Production server– this is a working server that performs any services for users.

backup server– this is the server to which content is copied from the production server. The only purpose of such a server is to store data from other servers. Usually it does not perform any services itself. The main requirement is large disk space. Speed disk drives does not matter much, since access to data is not frequent - write a backup to disk and read it if necessary.

The downside of this solution is the need for a separate server for backup, which means additional costs. Small and medium-sized companies usually try to save money on purchasing support equipment.

Cross data copying

When two or more production servers copy their data to each other. In the case when the production servers have a sufficient number disk space to store data from other servers, they can be used as backup servers. We copy data from server1 to server2 and data from server2 to server1.

Plus, we save money on equipment. As I wrote above, small and medium-sized organizations may not allocate money for auxiliary equipment, even if it is necessary for backup copies. In this case, this backup method can help you.

Storage systems

“Classic” servers for storing backups are good at relatively small volumes. Now it's several hundred gigabytes. When the volumes are much larger, storage systems and data storage systems come to the rescue.

Disk arrays

Essentially the same server, but designed specifically for data storage. Has a lot of HDD larger size. For example, disk array Sun Storage J4500. Scalability – from 24 to 192 TB. Supported OS: Solaris, RedHat, Suse, Windows

Tape drives

They're streamers. Data, as in the case of tape libraries, is recorded on special cartridges. As a rule, a cartridge is a magnetic tape in a plastic case. For example, HP StorageWorks DAT 160 SAS tape drive. Cartridge for HP StorageWorks DAT 160 SAS. 160 GB.

Tape Libraries

Designed for automated data backup. Simultaneous use Multiple tape drives increase library performance and reduce the time required to write and read backup copies. One of the most serious decisions SUN. Sun StorageTek SL8500 Tape Library. Up to 56 petabytes of data. Up to 70 thousand cartridges.

Other storage media

• optical disc (CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW);
• flash drives;
• ZIP, Jaz, MO drives.

Types of backup

Full backup

A full backup typically affects your entire system and all files. Weekly, monthly and quarterly reservations imply full reservations. The first weekly backup should be a full backup, usually performed on Fridays or over the weekend, during which all desired files are copied. Subsequent reservations, running Monday through Thursday until the next full reservation, may be incremental or differential, primarily to save time and storage space. Full backup should be carried out according to at least, weekly.

Differential backup

With a differential backup, every file that has changed since the last full backup is backed up each time. Differential redundancy speeds up the recovery process. All you need is the latest full and latest differential backup. The popularity of differential backup is growing, since all copies of files are made at certain points in time, which, for example, is very important when infected with viruses.

Incremental backup

With an additional (“incremental”) backup, only those files that have been changed since the backup are copied. last time A full or incremental backup was performed. A subsequent incremental backup only adds files that have changed since the previous incremental backup. On average, incremental backups take less time because fewer files are copied. However, the data recovery process takes longer because the data from the last full backup must be restored, plus the data from all subsequent incremental backups. In this case, unlike differential backup, changed or new files do not replace old ones, but are added to the media independently.

Redundancy by cloning

Cloning allows you to copy an entire partition or media (device) with all files and directories to another partition or to another media. If the partition is bootable, then the cloned partition will also be bootable.

Backup as an image

Image - exact copy the entire partition or media (device), stored in one file.

Real-time backup

Real-time backup allows you to create copies of files, directories and volumes without interrupting your work, without restarting your computer

Backup rotation schemes

Rotation is the policy by which backups are made. How often will we make backups, how long will we keep the backups. All this is described by the rotation policy.

One-time copy– the administrator makes the copy manually. Usually done full data backup.

Simple Rotation– it is implied that a certain set of media is used cyclically. For example, 5 tapes for each day of the week. On Friday we make a full backup of data and on the remaining days of the week we make an incremental one.

“Grandfather, father, son” (GFS)– has a hierarchical rotation structure.

Three sets of media are used. A full data backup is made once a week. On other days of the week - incremental. Once a month another full backup of the system is made. A set of media for daily incremental backups is the son, a set for a weekly full backup is the father, a set for a monthly full backup is the grandfather.

“Tower of Hanoi”– the name comes from an ancient Chinese game. The point of the game is as follows. There are three rods and some set of disks. The disks must be moved from rod to rod, but so that each new disk lay on a disk of larger diameter. This backup method is quite complicated and is practically not used at present.

“10 sets”– the method is designed for 10 sets of media. The period of 40 weeks is divided into ten cycles. During the cycle, each set is assigned one day of the week. After a four-week cycle, the dial number shifts. That is, in the first cycle, set N1 was responsible for Monday, N2 for Tuesday, N3 for Wednesday, etc. In the second cycle, set N2 will be responsible for Monday, N3 for Tuesday, N4 for Wednesday, etc. This scheme allows you to evenly distribute the load between the carriers, but due to its complexity it is practically not used.

Database backup methods

• hotbackup– hot database backup. This is when a backup is made while the database server is running.
• coldbackup– cold database backup. This is when the database server needs to be shut down to make a backup.