Re: Backup Software rcommendation

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Bill in Co. wrote:

> PD43 wrote:

>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>>

>>> PD43 wrote:

>>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>>>>

>>>>> Just for complete system backups, and only considering that, I wonder

>>>>> how

>>>>> much practical difference there is in restoring a backup disk image,

>>>>> vs

>>>>> restoring a backup disk-to-disk clone (and not physically moving any

>>>>> drives).

>>>>

>>>> What does "restoring a backup disk-to-disk clone" mean?

>>>>

>>>> One doesn't [normally] clone a drive to use it as a restoration

>>>> source, but to use it either in another computer or to use it in the

>>>> current computer as a backup to the system drive (as I have it) or

>>>> when one wants to copy everything from a smaller drive or a larger

>>>> drive for use in the same computer.

>>>

>>> I was under the (perhaps false) impression that Anna's Casper program

>>> could do that too.

>>

>> You didn't answer the question: What does "restoring a backup

>> disk-to-disk clone" mean?

>

> Are you saying it can't be done?

It's slang for transferring what's on the clone back to the source drive.

Get it?

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>>>>> One doesn't [normally] clone a drive to use it as a restoration

>>>>> source, but to use it either in another computer or to use it in the

>>>>> current computer as a backup to the system drive (as I have it) or

>>>>> when one wants to copy everything from a smaller drive or a larger

>>>>> drive for use in the same computer.

>>>>

>>>> I was under the (perhaps false) impression that Anna's Casper program

>>>> could do that too.

>>>

>>> You didn't answer the question: What does "restoring a backup

>>> disk-to-disk clone" mean?

>>

>> Are you saying it can't be done?

>

>It's slang for transferring what's on the clone back to the source drive.

>Get it?

You might be the only person here who would clone a disk - rather than

image it - so that the cloned disk would be available for restoring.

Buh-bye bucko.

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

PD43 wrote:

> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>

>>>>>> One doesn't [normally] clone a drive to use it as a restoration

>>>>>> source, but to use it either in another computer or to use it in the

>>>>>> current computer as a backup to the system drive (as I have it) or

>>>>>> when one wants to copy everything from a smaller drive or a larger

>>>>>> drive for use in the same computer.

>>>>>

>>>>> I was under the (perhaps false) impression that Anna's Casper program

>>>>> could do that too.

>>>>

>>>> You didn't answer the question: What does "restoring a backup

>>>> disk-to-disk clone" mean?

>>>

>>> Are you saying it can't be done?

>>

>> It's slang for transferring what's on the clone back to the source drive.

>> Get it?

>

> You might be the only person here who would clone a disk - rather than

> image it - so that the cloned disk would be available for restoring.

>

> Buh-bye bucko.

Nope. Anna might too, for all you know.

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>> You might be the only person here who would clone a disk - rather than

>> image it - so that the cloned disk would be available for restoring.

>

>Nope. Anna might too, for all you know.

IF that's true, that makes two (Anna and you).

Wow.

I'm impressed.

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

PD43 wrote:

> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>

>>> You might be the only person here who would clone a disk - rather than

>>> image it - so that the cloned disk would be available for restoring.

>>

>> Nope. Anna might too, for all you know.

>

> IF that's true, that makes two (Anna and you).

>

> Wow.

>

> I'm impressed.

That won't take much, LOL.

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

>> "PD43" <pauld1943@comcast.net> wrote in message

>> You might be the only person here who would clone a disk - rather than

>> image it - so that the cloned disk would be available for restoring.

>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>> Nope. Anna might too, for all you know.

"PD43" <pauld1943@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:j7b8u3lrghgvdojp7tj1os853pr7ponup1@4ax.com...

>> IF that's true, that makes two (Anna and you).

>> Wow.

>> I'm impressed.

Well, since my name has arisen more than once in this rather incredible

exchange of views (if one can call these absurd comments an "exchange of

views"), allow me to insert the following comment...

Actually my comment is really directed at "PT", the OP, who no doubt has

(understandably) long departed this thread. But also to others, like "PT"

who are interested in establishing & maintaining a comprehensive backup

system that they can use on a routine basis to effectively (and reasonably

quickly) back up the *entire* contents of their day-to-day working HDD,

including the operating system, all programs & applications, and

user-created data. In short *everything* - repeat, *everything* - that's on

their working HDD. So that they would have at hand a copy of their "source"

HDD, one where all the data on that "destination" drive would be immediately

accessible and potentially bootable.

This can be achieved through the use of a disk-to-disk cloning program such

as the Acronis True Image program that has been mentioned a number of times

during this thread. The ATI program also has "disk imaging" capability as

well. In essence, a disk image is kind of a snapshot of one's system - the

program creates a single file (generally compressed) that ordinarily needs a

restoration process to return the data in that file (or "archive" as ATI

calls it) to a bootable data-accessible state. Generally after the initial

"snapshot" is taken, the user subsequently uses the program to create

incremental or differential "archives" to keep the backups up-to-date.

As "regular" readers of this newsgroup's posts probably know, our preference

for a comprehensive backup program along the lines mentioned above is the

Casper 4 program. The Casper 4 program does *not* have disk-imaging

capability; rather it is strictly a disk-cloning type of program. In our

view it is *substantially* superior to the ATI disk-cloning program for

reasons I've detailed a number of times in previous posts re this subject.

And based upon my experience - for the vast amount of PC users - in most

cases a disk-cloning program rather than a disk-imaging program is the

superior methodology for undertaking comprehensive systematic backups of

one's system.

So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior way to

go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

Anna

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Anna wrote:

> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior

> way to go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

I'm all ears.

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Anna wrote:

>>> "PD43" <pauld1943@comcast.net> wrote in message

>>> You might be the only person here who would clone a disk - rather than

>>> image it - so that the cloned disk would be available for restoring.

>

>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>>> Nope. Anna might too, for all you know.

>

> "PD43" <pauld1943@comcast.net> wrote in message

> news:j7b8u3lrghgvdojp7tj1os853pr7ponup1@4ax.com...

>>> IF that's true, that makes two (Anna and you).

>>> Wow.

>>> I'm impressed.

>

> Well, since my name has arisen more than once in this rather incredible

> exchange of views (if one can call these absurd comments an "exchange of

> views"), allow me to insert the following comment...

I would say it's more an exchange of "opinions". :-)

> Actually my comment is really directed at "PT", the OP, who no doubt has

> (understandably) long departed this thread. But also to others, like "PT"

> who are interested in establishing & maintaining a comprehensive backup

> system that they can use on a routine basis to effectively (and reasonably

> quickly) back up the *entire* contents of their day-to-day working HDD,

> including the operating system, all programs & applications, and

> user-created data. In short *everything* - repeat, *everything* - that's

> on

> their working HDD. So that they would have at hand a copy of their

> "source"

> HDD, one where all the data on that "destination" drive would be

> immediately

> accessible and potentially bootable.

>

> This can be achieved through the use of a disk-to-disk cloning program

> such

> as the Acronis True Image program that has been mentioned a number of

> times

> during this thread. The ATI program also has "disk imaging" capability as

> well. In essence, a disk image is kind of a snapshot of one's system - the

> program creates a single file (generally compressed) that ordinarily needs

> a

> restoration process to return the data in that file (or "archive" as ATI

> calls it) to a bootable data-accessible state.

Except that as I have mentioned before, Anna (at least with Acronis True

Image 11), that data IS accessible in Windows Explorer, in that you can copy

a file from it back to your normal drive. So even though it's an image,

its a bit more than that, in that you can access the individual files within

it. But what you can't do is directly boot up on it - that's true.

However, you can do a very easy restore operation. I'm not sure what you

do in Casper if you want to do THAT, specifically, unless you choose the

image option (presumably that's available in Casper), instead.

> Generally after the initial

> "snapshot" is taken, the user subsequently uses the program to create

> incremental or differential "archives" to keep the backups up-to-date.

>

> As "regular" readers of this newsgroup's posts probably know, our

> preference

> for a comprehensive backup program along the lines mentioned above is the

> Casper 4 program. The Casper 4 program does *not* have disk-imaging

> capability; rather it is strictly a disk-cloning type of program. In our

> view it is *substantially* superior to the ATI disk-cloning program for

> reasons I've detailed a number of times in previous posts re this subject.

> And based upon my experience - for the vast amount of PC users - in most

> cases a disk-cloning program rather than a disk-imaging program is the

> superior methodology for undertaking comprehensive systematic backups of

> one's system.

>

> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior way

> to

> go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

> Anna

March 21, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

I'd respectfully suggest you look at both of them, and see which suits your

needs better.

Daave wrote:

> Anna wrote:

>

>> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

>> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior

>> way to go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

>

> I'm all ears.

March 22, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

> Anna wrote:

>> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

>> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior

>> way to go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

"Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

news:eMegOf6iIHA.5280@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

> I'm all ears.

Daave:

Well, we'll assume you're also all eyes...

The following is predicated on the basis that a user is seeking a reliable

program to backup his or her *entire* day-to-day booting HDD, including the

XP OS, all the user's programs & applications, as well as user-created data,

in short - *everything* that's on one's "source" HDD. And wants an effective

simple-to-use program to do this on a systematic routine basis and do so

reasonably quickly. So that if & when the day comes when the user's primary

HDD fails to boot or otherwise dysfunctions because of a corrupted OS or

becomes physically/electronically defective the user will be able to easily

and reasonably quickly restore his or her system. To that end we've found

this Casper 4.0 program really fills the bill in this regard.

This type of comprehensive backup system can be achieved through the use of

a disk-cloning (or disk-imaging program). A backup program that one could

use on a daily basis should the user want. A program that will create a

precise copy of one's day-to-day HDD so that should that HDD fail or the

system becomes unbootable because of a corrupt OS, the user would have the

wherewithal to restore his/her system to a bootable, functional state with

a minimum of fuss. What better backup system can one have?

The disk-to-disk cloning program we greatly prefer is the Casper 4 program -

see

http://www.fssdev.com

The program is extremely simple to use even for an inexperienced user,

reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. There's virtually no

learning curve in undertaking the disk cloning process as one navigates

through the few easy-to-understand screens with a final mouse-click on the

button on the screen which will trigger the disk-cloning process. After

undertaking one or two disk-cloning operations it should take the user no

more than 20 seconds or so to get to that point.

But the truly significant advantage of the Casper 4.0 disk cloning program

compared with other disk cloning programs that we're familiar with, e.g.,

Acronis True Image, is its ability to create *incremental* disk clones

following the creation of the original (first) disk clone. Employing what

Casper calls its "SmartClone" technology the program can create subsequent

disk clones of the source HDD usually at a fraction of the time it takes to

create a "full" disk clone. This results in a decided incentive for the user

to undertake frequent complete backups of his or her system knowing that

they can create "incremental" disk clones in a relatively short period of

time. Understand that this "incremental disk clone" is a *complete* clone

(copy) of the "source" HDD.

So, as an example...

Let's say the user's interest is in backing up their system on a daily basis

or perhaps every two or three days or so. Following the first time the user

would use the Casper 4 program to clone the contents of their internal

(boot) HDD to another HDD (internal or external), it would probably take no

more than three minutes or so to thereafter perform the disk-cloning

operation. Obviously the amount of time would, of course, be dependent upon

the amount of data being cloned. But because of Casper's "SmartClone"

capability the amount of time to complete the disk-cloning operation is

extremely short in comparison with other disk-cloning programs such as the

Acronis one. Again, bear in mind that the recipient of the clone - the

"destination" HDD (internal or external) - would contain the *complete*

contents of one's internal HDD (presumably the boot drive). Since that

destination drive would be a copy of the source HDD, its contents would be

immediately accessible and potentially bootable. Naturally its contents

could be cloned back to a internal HDD should a restoration of the system be

necessary. Again, what better backup system can one have? And again -

because the Casper 4 disk-cloning operation takes a relatively short period

of time to complete there's a strong incentive for the user to more

frequently keep their backups up-to-date than they might otherwise do.

The Casper 4.0 program is also capable of scheduling the disk-cloning

process on a daily, weekly, or other time period selected by the user so

that should the user prefer he or she could arrange for automatic backups at

pre-determined times.

There's a trial version available (see above link) although it's somewhat

crippled but it should give one a good idea as to how the program works.

The downside to the Casper 4 program as compared with the Acronis and most

other disk-cloning programs is the cost of the program which comes to $49.95

for the program + $9.95 for the "Casper Startup Disk" (the program to create

the bootable CD containing the Casper program - needed to access the program

in the event of a failed HDD). So it's more expensive than the others. But

in our view, well worth the additional cost considering its overall

effectiveness and the fact that one will be using the program many, many

times over the weeks & months ahead. We've introduced the program to many

users and I can't recall a single person who regretted his/her purchase.

AFAIK, the program is available only through download from the developer.

Another possible downside to the Casper 4 program (depending upon one's

interests) is that it's really not designed to create "generational" copies

of one's system. Some users like to maintain complete copies of their system

at various points in time. To that end a disk-imaging program (such as the

Acronis one) is more practical since to accomplish that objective using a

disk-cloning program such as Casper 4 the user would obviously need a fair

number of HDDs to serve as the recipients of the clones at these various

points in time. But based on our experience I would say that the vast number

of users are simply interested in maintaining only a current up-to-date copy

of their system and have little or no interest in maintaining "generational"

copies of such. But that may be a consideration for some users.

So I would recommend that any user who is interested in a comprehensive

backup program should try the Casper 4 program to determine if that program

meets their needs.

Anna

March 22, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

I wanted to add some comments and questions in here too, Anna, if you don't

mind (in addition to my previous post, which apparently you haven't seen

yet).

Anna wrote:

>> Anna wrote:

>>> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

>>> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior

>>> way to go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

>

> "Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

> news:eMegOf6iIHA.5280@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>> I'm all ears.

>

> Daave:

> Well, we'll assume you're also all eyes...

>

> The following is predicated on the basis that a user is seeking a reliable

> program to backup his or her *entire* day-to-day booting HDD, including

> the

> XP OS, all the user's programs & applications, as well as user-created

> data,

> in short - *everything* that's on one's "source" HDD. And wants an

> effective

> simple-to-use program to do this on a systematic routine basis and do so

> reasonably quickly. So that if & when the day comes when the user's

> primary

> HDD fails to boot or otherwise dysfunctions because of a corrupted OS or

> becomes physically/electronically defective the user will be able to

> easily

> and reasonably quickly restore his or her system. To that end we've found

> this Casper 4.0 program really fills the bill in this regard.

>

> This type of comprehensive backup system can be achieved through the use

> of

> a disk-cloning (or disk-imaging program). A backup program that one could

> use on a daily basis should the user want. A program that will create a

> precise copy of one's day-to-day HDD so that should that HDD fail or the

> system becomes unbootable because of a corrupt OS, the user would have the

> wherewithal to restore his/her system to a bootable, functional state

> with

> a minimum of fuss. What better backup system can one have?

>

> The disk-to-disk cloning program we greatly prefer is the Casper 4

> program -

> see

> http://www.fssdev.com

>

> The program is extremely simple to use even for an inexperienced user,

> reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. There's virtually no

> learning curve in undertaking the disk cloning process as one navigates

> through the few easy-to-understand screens with a final mouse-click on the

> button on the screen which will trigger the disk-cloning process. After

> undertaking one or two disk-cloning operations it should take the user no

> more than 20 seconds or so to get to that point.

>

> But the truly significant advantage of the Casper 4.0 disk cloning program

> compared with other disk cloning programs that we're familiar with, e.g.,

> Acronis True Image, is its ability to create *incremental* disk clones

> following the creation of the original (first) disk clone. Employing what

> Casper calls its "SmartClone" technology the program can create subsequent

> disk clones of the source HDD usually at a fraction of the time it takes

> to

> create a "full" disk clone. This results in a decided incentive for the

> user

> to undertake frequent complete backups of his or her system knowing that

> they can create "incremental" disk clones in a relatively short period of

> time. Understand that this "incremental disk clone" is a *complete* clone

> (copy) of the "source" HDD.

>

> So, as an example...

>

> Let's say the user's interest is in backing up their system on a daily

> basis

> or perhaps every two or three days or so. Following the first time the

> user

> would use the Casper 4 program to clone the contents of their internal

> (boot) HDD to another HDD (internal or external), it would probably take

> no

> more than three minutes or so to thereafter perform the disk-cloning

> operation. Obviously the amount of time would, of course, be dependent

> upon

> the amount of data being cloned. But because of Casper's "SmartClone"

> capability the amount of time to complete the disk-cloning operation is

> extremely short in comparison with other disk-cloning programs such as the

> Acronis one.

Admitedly that IS an advantage. :-)

> Again, bear in mind that the recipient of the clone - the

> "destination" HDD (internal or external) - would contain the *complete*

> contents of one's internal HDD (presumably the boot drive). Since that

> destination drive would be a copy of the source HDD, its contents would be

> immediately accessible and potentially bootable. Naturally its contents

> could be cloned back to a internal HDD should a restoration of the system

> be

> necessary.

That is good, and pretty much a necessity, I feel. Since I can't install

it with Acronis True Image already being installed (w/o the probability of

potential low-level conflicts, according to the PC Magazine article), I am

curious as to what is the restoration procedure? Like in imaging, you

just click on something like "restore clone", and it reboots the system to

complete the cloning of the system drive?)

> Again, what better backup system can one have? And again -

> because the Casper 4 disk-cloning operation takes a relatively short

> period

> of time to complete there's a strong incentive for the user to more

> frequently keep their backups up-to-date than they might otherwise do.

>

> The Casper 4.0 program is also capable of scheduling the disk-cloning

> process on a daily, weekly, or other time period selected by the user so

> that should the user prefer he or she could arrange for automatic backups

> at

> pre-determined times.

>

> There's a trial version available (see above link) although it's somewhat

> crippled but it should give one a good idea as to how the program works.

>

> The downside to the Casper 4 program as compared with the Acronis and

> most

> other disk-cloning programs is the cost of the program which comes to

> $49.95

> for the program + $9.95 for the "Casper Startup Disk" (the program to

> create

> the bootable CD containing the Casper program - needed to access the

> program

> in the event of a failed HDD). So it's more expensive than the others.

I personally feel the costs are comparable enough that that's almost a non

issue. However, it would be NICE if Casper came on a bootable CD itself,

like True Image does. If I read you right, it doesn't.

> But in our view, well worth the additional cost considering its overall

> effectiveness and the fact that one will be using the program many, many

> times over the weeks & months ahead. We've introduced the program to many

> users and I can't recall a single person who regretted his/her purchase.

> AFAIK, the program is available only through download from the developer.

>

> Another possible downside to the Casper 4 program (depending upon one's

> interests) is that it's really not designed to create "generational"

> copies

> of one's system. Some users like to maintain complete copies of their

> system

> at various points in time. To that end a disk-imaging program (such as the

> Acronis one) is more practical since to accomplish that objective using a

> disk-cloning program such as Casper 4 the user would obviously need a fair

> number of HDDs to serve as the recipients of the clones at these various

> points in time. But based on our experience I would say that the vast

> number

> of users are simply interested in maintaining only a current up-to-date

> copy

> of their system and have little or no interest in maintaining

> "generational"

> copies of such. But that may be a consideration for some users.

>

> So I would recommend that any user who is interested in a comprehensive

> backup program should try the Casper 4 program to determine if that

> program

> meets their needs.

> Anna

March 22, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Anna wrote:

>> Anna wrote:

>>> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

>>> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior

>>> way to go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

>

> "Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

> news:eMegOf6iIHA.5280@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>> I'm all ears.

>

> Daave:

> Well, we'll assume you're also all eyes...

>

> The following is predicated on the basis that a user is seeking a

> reliable program to backup his or her *entire* day-to-day booting

> HDD, including the XP OS, all the user's programs & applications, as

> well as user-created data, in short - *everything* that's on one's

> "source" HDD. And wants an effective simple-to-use program to do this

> on a systematic routine basis and do so reasonably quickly. So that

> if & when the day comes when the user's primary HDD fails to boot or

> otherwise dysfunctions because of a corrupted OS or becomes

> physically/electronically defective the user will be able to easily

> and reasonably quickly restore his or her system. To that end we've

> found this Casper 4.0 program really fills the bill in this regard.

>

> This type of comprehensive backup system can be achieved through the

> use of a disk-cloning (or disk-imaging program). A backup program

> that one could use on a daily basis should the user want. A program

> that will create a precise copy of one's day-to-day HDD so that

> should that HDD fail or the system becomes unbootable because of a

> corrupt OS, the user would have the wherewithal to restore his/her

> system to a bootable, functional state with a minimum of fuss. What

> better backup system can one have?

>

> The disk-to-disk cloning program we greatly prefer is the Casper 4

> program - see

> http://www.fssdev.com

>

> The program is extremely simple to use even for an inexperienced user,

> reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. There's virtually

> no learning curve in undertaking the disk cloning process as one

> navigates through the few easy-to-understand screens with a final

> mouse-click on the button on the screen which will trigger the

> disk-cloning process. After undertaking one or two disk-cloning

> operations it should take the user no more than 20 seconds or so to

> get to that point.

>

> But the truly significant advantage of the Casper 4.0 disk cloning

> program compared with other disk cloning programs that we're familiar

> with, e.g., Acronis True Image, is its ability to create

> *incremental* disk clones following the creation of the original

> (first) disk clone. Employing what Casper calls its "SmartClone"

> technology the program can create subsequent disk clones of the

> source HDD usually at a fraction of the time it takes to create a

> "full" disk clone. This results in a decided incentive for the user

> to undertake frequent complete backups of his or her system knowing

> that they can create "incremental" disk clones in a relatively short

> period of time. Understand that this "incremental disk clone" is a

> *complete* clone (copy) of the "source" HDD.

>

> So, as an example...

>

> Let's say the user's interest is in backing up their system on a

> daily basis or perhaps every two or three days or so. Following the

> first time the user would use the Casper 4 program to clone the

> contents of their internal (boot) HDD to another HDD (internal or

> external), it would probably take no more than three minutes or so to

> thereafter perform the disk-cloning operation. Obviously the amount

> of time would, of course, be dependent upon the amount of data being

> cloned. But because of Casper's "SmartClone" capability the amount of

> time to complete the disk-cloning operation is extremely short in

> comparison with other disk-cloning programs such as the Acronis one.

> Again, bear in mind that the recipient of the clone - the

> "destination" HDD (internal or external) - would contain the

> *complete* contents of one's internal HDD (presumably the boot

> drive). Since that destination drive would be a copy of the source

> HDD, its contents would be immediately accessible and potentially

> bootable. Naturally its contents could be cloned back to a internal

> HDD should a restoration of the system be necessary. Again, what

> better backup system can one have? And again - because the Casper 4

> disk-cloning operation takes a relatively short period of time to

> complete there's a strong incentive for the user to more frequently

> keep their backups up-to-date than they might otherwise do.

>

> The Casper 4.0 program is also capable of scheduling the disk-cloning

> process on a daily, weekly, or other time period selected by the user

> so that should the user prefer he or she could arrange for automatic

> backups at pre-determined times.

>

> There's a trial version available (see above link) although it's

> somewhat crippled but it should give one a good idea as to how the

> program works.

>

> The downside to the Casper 4 program as compared with the Acronis and

> most other disk-cloning programs is the cost of the program which

> comes to $49.95 for the program + $9.95 for the "Casper Startup Disk"

> (the program to create the bootable CD containing the Casper program

> - needed to access the program in the event of a failed HDD). So it's

> more expensive than the others. But in our view, well worth the

> additional cost considering its overall effectiveness and the fact

> that one will be using the program many, many times over the weeks &

> months ahead. We've introduced the program to many users and I can't

> recall a single person who regretted his/her purchase. AFAIK, the

> program is available only through download from the developer.

>

> Another possible downside to the Casper 4 program (depending upon

> one's interests) is that it's really not designed to create

> "generational" copies of one's system. Some users like to maintain

> complete copies of their system at various points in time. To that

> end a disk-imaging program (such as the Acronis one) is more

> practical since to accomplish that objective using a disk-cloning

> program such as Casper 4 the user would obviously need a fair number

> of HDDs to serve as the recipients of the clones at these various

> points in time. But based on our experience I would say that the vast

> number of users are simply interested in maintaining only a current

> up-to-date copy of their system and have little or no interest in

> maintaining "generational" copies of such. But that may be a

> consideration for some users.

>

> So I would recommend that any user who is interested in a

> comprehensive backup program should try the Casper 4 program to

> determine if that program meets their needs.

I always thought the reason to choose cloning was it would give you a

perfect copy of the hard drive on another hard drive that you could

simply swap. If instead one chooses to clone those contents again back

to the original drive, I'm not quite sure how this would be seen as

preferable to restoring an image.

March 22, 2008

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

Re: Backup Software rcommendation

"Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

news:umprgQBjIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> Anna wrote:

>>> Anna wrote:

>>>> So should "PT" or for that matter anyone else desire more detailed

>>>> information as to why I believe the Casper 4 program is the superior

>>>> way to go, I'll provide add'l info on the program.

>>

>> "Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

>> news:eMegOf6iIHA.5280@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>>> I'm all ears.

>>

>> Daave:

>> Well, we'll assume you're also all eyes...

>>

>> The following is predicated on the basis that a user is seeking a

>> reliable program to backup his or her *entire* day-to-day booting

>> HDD, including the XP OS, all the user's programs & applications, as

>> well as user-created data, in short - *everything* that's on one's

>> "source" HDD. And wants an effective simple-to-use program to do this

>> on a systematic routine basis and do so reasonably quickly. So that

>> if & when the day comes when the user's primary HDD fails to boot or

>> otherwise dysfunctions because of a corrupted OS or becomes

>> physically/electronically defective the user will be able to easily

>> and reasonably quickly restore his or her system. To that end we've

>> found this Casper 4.0 program really fills the bill in this regard.

>>

>> This type of comprehensive backup system can be achieved through the

>> use of a disk-cloning (or disk-imaging program). A backup program

>> that one could use on a daily basis should the user want. A program

>> that will create a precise copy of one's day-to-day HDD so that

>> should that HDD fail or the system becomes unbootable because of a

>> corrupt OS, the user would have the wherewithal to restore his/her

>> system to a bootable, functional state with a minimum of fuss. What

>> better backup system can one have?

>>

>> The disk-to-disk cloning program we greatly prefer is the Casper 4

>> program - see

>> http://www.fssdev.com

>>

>> The program is extremely simple to use even for an inexperienced user,

>> reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. There's virtually

>> no learning curve in undertaking the disk cloning process as one

>> navigates through the few easy-to-understand screens with a final

>> mouse-click on the button on the screen which will trigger the

>> disk-cloning process. After undertaking one or two disk-cloning

>> operations it should take the user no more than 20 seconds or so to

>> get to that point.

>>

>> But the truly significant advantage of the Casper 4.0 disk cloning

>> program compared with other disk cloning programs that we're familiar

>> with, e.g., Acronis True Image, is its ability to create

>> *incremental* disk clones following the creation of the original

>> (first) disk clone. Employing what Casper calls its "SmartClone"

>> technology the program can create subsequent disk clones of the

>> source HDD usually at a fraction of the time it takes to create a

>> "full" disk clone. This results in a decided incentive for the user

>> to undertake frequent complete backups of his or her system knowing

>> that they can create "incremental" disk clones in a relatively short

>> period of time. Understand that this "incremental disk clone" is a

>> *complete* clone (copy) of the "source" HDD.

>>

>> So, as an example...

>>

>> Let's say the user's interest is in backing up their system on a

>> daily basis or perhaps every two or three days or so. Following the

>> first time the user would use the Casper 4 program to clone the

>> contents of their internal (boot) HDD to another HDD (internal or

>> external), it would probably take no more than three minutes or so to

>> thereafter perform the disk-cloning operation. Obviously the amount

>> of time would, of course, be dependent upon the amount of data being

>> cloned. But because of Casper's "SmartClone" capability the amount of

>> time to complete the disk-cloning operation is extremely short in

>> comparison with other disk-cloning programs such as the Acronis one.

>> Again, bear in mind that the recipient of the clone - the

>> "destination" HDD (internal or external) - would contain the

>> *complete* contents of one's internal HDD (presumably the boot

>> drive). Since that destination drive would be a copy of the source

>> HDD, its contents would be immediately accessible and potentially

>> bootable. Naturally its contents could be cloned back to a internal

>> HDD should a restoration of the system be necessary. Again, what

>> better backup system can one have? And again - because the Casper 4

>> disk-cloning operation takes a relatively short period of time to

>> complete there's a strong incentive for the user to more frequently

>> keep their backups up-to-date than they might otherwise do.

>>

>> The Casper 4.0 program is also capable of scheduling the disk-cloning

>> process on a daily, weekly, or other time period selected by the user

>> so that should the user prefer he or she could arrange for automatic

>> backups at pre-determined times.

>>

>> There's a trial version available (see above link) although it's

>> somewhat crippled but it should give one a good idea as to how the

>> program works.

>>

>> The downside to the Casper 4 program as compared with the Acronis and

>> most other disk-cloning programs is the cost of the program which

>> comes to $49.95 for the program + $9.95 for the "Casper Startup Disk"

>> (the program to create the bootable CD containing the Casper program

>> - needed to access the program in the event of a failed HDD). So it's

>> more expensive than the others. But in our view, well worth the

>> additional cost considering its overall effectiveness and the fact

>> that one will be using the program many, many times over the weeks &

>> months ahead. We've introduced the program to many users and I can't

>> recall a single person who regretted his/her purchase. AFAIK, the

>> program is available only through download from the developer.

>>

>> Another possible downside to the Casper 4 program (depending upon

>> one's interests) is that it's really not designed to create

>> "generational" copies of one's system. Some users like to maintain

>> complete copies of their system at various points in time. To that

>> end a disk-imaging program (such as the Acronis one) is more

>> practical since to accomplish that objective using a disk-cloning

>> program such as Casper 4 the user would obviously need a fair number

>> of HDDs to serve as the recipients of the clones at these various

>> points in time. But based on our experience I would say that the vast

>> number of users are simply interested in maintaining only a current

>> up-to-date copy of their system and have little or no interest in

>> maintaining "generational" copies of such. But that may be a

>> consideration for some users.

>>

>> So I would recommend that any user who is interested in a

>> comprehensive backup program should try the Casper 4 program to

>> determine if that program meets their needs.

>

> I always thought the reason to choose cloning was it would give you a

> perfect copy of the hard drive on another hard drive that you could

> simply swap. If instead one chooses to clone those contents again back

> to the original drive, I'm not quite sure how this would be seen as

> preferable to restoring an image.

>

IMO it's a stack of Casper hype. Both Acronis True Image and Norton Ghost can do

the same job and much more for an approximate same cost. Cloned drives are not meant

to be used as restore/recovery disks. They are as stated by many, an "exact" disk

copy of another disk that is interchangeable "of the moment" should the original fail

for any number of reasons. It would be a senseless waste of time to use a cloned

drive for restore.

Images are created for the purpose of restoring a disk volume, partition,

directory, folder or file should the need arise for any number of reasons. One

doesn't need more than a single disk volume/partition with enough space to

accommodate 2 copies of an image while it is being created. One can choose if they

so wish to replace aka overwrite a present image with one they manually start or one

that's scheduled, which brings it to the reason for space accommodation. The

previous image is left untouched until the new image is created, once the new image

is completed the previous copy is deleted to accommodate space for the next

replacement aka overwrite.

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }

Conflicts start where information lacks.

http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

March 22, 2008