For most computer users, backing up your files can be quite a chore. So we tend to put it off until we really have to. By then, it's often too late and the damage may have already been done. Because no matter how careful you are. There is a good chance that a harmful virus or spyware will get into your system and possibly destroy your important data.
The good news is that that NTI has some excellent Windows backup software products available that make backing up fairly easy and fast. So easy that computer users at all levels can routinely and automatically protect their important data from disaster. This is the latest version of backup software from NewTech Infosystems. It contains all four versions of NTI BACKUP NOW 5 backup programs. The interface is similar to that used in their CD/DVD burning software. I have used earlier versions of NTI's backup software and find version 5 to be much improved and much easier to use.
NTI BACKUP NOW 5 ADVANCED EDITION Includes:
All Four Editions of NTI Backup Now 5
NTI Backup Now 5 Advanced -- A complete solution for file-based and drive-based backup as well as continuous and open file backup. A test drive utility and a label maker with LightScribe and LabelFlash support are also included.
NTI Backup Now 5 Standard -- Backup files and folders or everything.
NTI Backup Now 5 Image -- Backup file-level or an image of the entire hard drive(s) or hard drive partition; saves all data and Windows settings. For complete volume recovery, a bootable emergency recovery disc can be created that automatically restores the system. Users also have the tools they need to create partitioning on a blank disc.
NTI Backup Now 5 Shadow -- Continuous backup. Select the drives, files and/or folders to be backed up by schedule or non-stop in native format. Includes version control to restore from previous saves
Features Include :
File and Folder Backup - Backup all or selected files and folders from local and mapped drives NTI's EasyStep interface to Backup, Restore, and Migrate Data Extensive Backup Device Support - CD-R/RW, DVD-R/-RW/-RAM, DVD+R/+RW, internal/external/network hard drives, FTP servers, MO, Zip, Jaz, USB pen drives, and more Drive Spanning - Use multiple CD/DVD drives for unattended backup jobs Hard Drive Spanning - Use multiple hard drives or partitions to accommodate large backups.
Using NTI BACKUP NOW 5
Installation and setup of NTI Backup NOW 5 went well. The opening screen was clear and easy to understand. It shows you exactly what step to go to next. All steps are clearly marked. You simply cannot get lost in this backup program.
If you have more than one DVD burner on your computer. NTI is able to successfully rollover as many DVDs as necessary to backup many gigabytes of data. For this one specific feature you generally have to buy a much more expensive corporate product.
It can also backup other machines over a network. The network backup could have been implemented better - in it's current form you cannot drill down into the folders on a remote machine using UNCs (not mapping a drive letter) - and hidden shares. The limitation seems to stem from being forced to pick locations from a browser that does not display hidden shares. It would be nice to be able to manually path a location to a hidden share or use a browse dialog that exposes them.
The first thing I recommend doing is make a master bootable backup of the partition containing all the programs. Because the partition may be very large, you should use a DVD to avoid having to use multi CD's. If you do have to use more than one CD or DVD. You will get a message to remove the current CD/DVD and insert a new one. In the case of a restore, the program tells you which one to install next,and will alert you if you inadvertently insert the wrong one.
The next thing to do is perform a backup of the data files. Backup NOW 5 lets you select between Image and File level backups. I selected the File level backup to do the data files. If you select a partition, the program automatically selects all files in the partition. This way you can go back and exclude those you do not want backed up. Another nice feature is the Exclude files function. You can exclude certain file types from the backup, either by extension or by filespec, including wildcards.
I have found that only having to change media during backup one time, means I have a much greater motivation to actually complete the backup. If I have to visit the computer many, many times over the course of a day to complete a backup - it just won't happen. So if you are having trouble maintaining motivation - it might be worth it to pickup a couple extra DVD / CD burning drives and this software.
The product is easy to use and let's you schedule jobs as well. You can also setup file and folder inclusions and exclusions - which can save a lot of time selecting files and folders in the UI.
Backups can be password protected and encrypted with up to 256 bit keys and you can set it to automatically overwrite media if there is pre-existing files on it. The list of supported drives can be updated without upgrading the software.
Ease of Use: Any backing up data requires you to make some technical choices; I was impressed with the way NTI Backup NOW 5 presented these. Instead of overly confusing you with information, this program only reveals only the information needed for your situation. If you choose a partial backup, the brief descriptions that appear for each type are written so that even beginners can understand which choice will fit their needs. Automatic backup scheduling is simple, as is copying to a (CD or DVD). I found no faults in NTI Backup NOW 5 operation.
Backup/Restore: The entire backup and restore process was smooth and fast. NTI Backup NOW! backed up and then restored all my original file paths to the folders, the folders themselves, and all the files. I didn't have a single error or complaint.
Conclusion:
NTI Backup NOW 5 Advanced is simple to use yet very effective. The various programs included in the Advanced edition make it the perfect choice backup software for computer novices or professional users. Without any doubt, NTI BACKUP NOW 5 is the product that best suits your needs. Whether they be big or small backup jobs. NTI Backup Now 5 Advanced has what you need. NTI Backup Now 5 Advanced edition is produced by NewTech Info Systems. It has a retail price of $99.99 for a boxed version with a CD.
By- Stuart Feibusch NYSOFTWAREMAN@AOL.COM
