The Importance of Data Backup on Your Used Laptop
A Barebones Backup Software Review
Imation, the world's leading removable data storage products provide, released an interesting study that noted PC owners had a bad habit of not backing up their data. A sad 25% claimed to complete frequent backups of data on their PC. New or used, backing up the data on your PC is really important. But if you own an economical cheap refurbished laptop or used laptop, data backup is even more critical. Your machine is probably just as, if not more stable than the next guy’s but if there is a problem buried in your used laptop, you don’t want to be the victim of complete data loss.
We’ve all probably been the victim of a system crash at some point or another. Just last week as my mom installed a wireless router in her home and connected her laptop to high speed internet for the first time her whole hard drive went caput. She has spent hundreds of dollars on the repairs and thankfully she backs up her system every year in December. She now plans to back her data up in December and June!
In fact, I am as guilty as the next person. I had a Eudora e-mail problem on my home machine, a refurbished laptop that has treated me well for years, and the mail problem wiped out my stored messages. Although my work laptop is backed up on our server in the office, it raised a red flag for me that made me want to publicize the importance of backing up your data on a new machine, used laptop, refurbished laptop or any PC you use with regularity.
What are the best backup software packages you say? I have done some interesting research to dig up just that kind of information. Although most of us have access to the free windows backup utility installed through our operating system, I still thought you might appreciate hearing about your options – since that one isn’t as user friendly or as efficient as I would like.
First, let me tell you about the Argentum Backup 2.1, a bargain at $25.00, and rated by PC World as a best buy. I found this product very easy to use and efficient – taking up very little of my system resources as I completed other tasks while the backup took place on my used laptop. The best part is you have the option to back up manually or automatically so you can schedule a backup for once a month, once a week or once a day depending on your needs. It really is user friendly and designed for any level of computer user.
Some other solid product options out there are the Genie Backup Manager Professional 6.0 and NTI Backup Now programs which have both received positive product reviews online.
The Genie-soft product is reviewed as being user friendly and feature rich in both its profession and home user forms. You can set up Genie-Soft to run manually or automatically, you can work on other applications during backup without causing backup failure (a common problem) and you can compress the files or not depending on the medium to which you are backing up. Additionally, Genie-soft can let you back up literally almost any medium possible. If you have an older refurbished laptop, this flexibility is key! The only issue with the Genie-soft backup manager is its daunting initial setup. If you are too computer savvy, this may appear more complex as it is and give you some headaches.
The NTI Backup Now program is rated as having probably the best user interface. It’s simple, clear and cogent design really makes it a pleasure to use. Ironically though, you need to know the ins and outs of some of your programs, like your mail client, to direct Backup Now to the right files to back up – and this can cause major headaches for non-beginners. Backup Now is also amazing at compressing files, so although it may use up some of your PC resources during the backup, the result is a tiny amount of memory used on your backup medium.
This is just a barebones review of some of the backup software products out there. Mostly, as a public service I just want to take the time to publicize the importance of backing up your computer, whether it is brand spanking new or an older used laptop, used desktop or refurbished laptop. Maintaining your data is incredibly important – something you won’t know until it’s gone, so back up today!
About the Author
David Perlmutter is a successful entrepreneur dedicated to helping his customers maximize the benefits of refurbished laptops and refurbished notebooks. His business, UsedLaptops.com helps consumers get the technology they need without the cost of new hardware. Learn about maximizing your investment in refurbished laptops and used notebook computers with David’s free articles at: http://www.cheap-refurbished-used-laptops.com/
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