Ever experienced that heart-wrenching episode that occurs when you delete a valuable file by mistake? Or have you ever woken up to see your life’s work lost to an electronic virus?
If yes, then you understand one of the benefits of backup software. Backup software is an application that makes sure that you never have to worry about losing a file, document, or even your entire computer server!
They work by capturing a copy of your file and storing the original copy in a storage facility for when you need it. Let’s look at some other perks of backup software.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Backup Software?
We’ve already seen one of the usefulness of backup software -- securing files and data against unforeseen circumstances. Let’s analyze some other benefits of backup software.
Cloud Storage
Consider the convenience of easy retrieval of your documents or files anywhere and anytime.
Most backup software stores files in cloud storage. This means that they store your original documents and files in servers you can access through the internet.
When you have a backup for your documents, you can access them as long as there is an internet connection. This is possible even if you don’t have your computer or gadgets with you.
Antivirus Protection
You can never tell what sites you visit on your computer that will usher computer viruses into your device. You can lose important files and data.
With backup software, you are also covered by antivirus protection. Not only will the backup software keep your files stored away, but it will also create a barricade that prevents electronic viruses from corrupting your files.
Backup for Malfunctioning Hard Drive
Most people find hard drives efficient due to their large capacity and double as a backup for files. However, hard drives are not immune to malfunctions or viruses, and you still stand the risk of losing your documents.
With backup software, you can be sure that those documents in your hardware are secure even when the hardware malfunctions -- no need to lose your cool over malfunctioning hardware.
File-Sharing Privacy
If you want to secure your private data, then you should consider backup software.
Backup software makes sure that you can share documents with colleagues or employees with no risk of intrusion.
Convenient Backup Frequency
Backup software gives the option to schedule the frequency of your backup. You can choose to backup your files monthly, weekly, or daily.
What to Look for in the Best Backup Software
Whether you want the best free backup software or you’re willing to pay a token to make sure you never lose a file, you must make the right choice to ensure the best user experience.
Now, what are those criteria you should consider before choosing the best backup software?
Data Compression
The best backup software ensures that your files are not too heavy for storage or retrieval. This is possible by compressing the data to take up less storage space.
Most backup software allows for data compression. This means that they can reduce the volume of space that your file occupies without lowering the quality or efficiency of the data or server.
Encryption
The best backup software offers data encryption. This means that if it gets into the hands of unauthorized users, the software will hide the data. This keeps confidential materials genuinely private.
Differential and Incremental Backups
Backup software should give you the option for differential and incremental backups. Differential back ups will only back up files that were changed since your most recent backup. Incremental back ups will only back up the changed data, but will only backup the data that was changed.
Volume for Price
The best backup software offers you value for your money. Or better put, volume for your money. Ensure that the storage capacity that the software offers is worth the price.
Automated Scheduled Backup
It is risky and impractical to rely on reminders to initiate your backup. Choose a backup software that allows for an automated scheduled backup.
The software should make provision for you to decide how often you want to back up your files. They should also be able to initiate that backup without your active involvement.
The 5 Best Backup Software Options
With so much backup software calling for exploration, how do you decide which to subscribe to?
Maybe you are already familiar with cloud backup software such as Microsoft OneDrive, GoogleOne (previously Google Drive), and Dropbox. These are good for general use, but they limit the features you can customize to meet your needs.
We’ve listed some of the best backup software and what to consider before you make a choice.
The combination of easy useability, grand online backup and protection against malware makes Acronis True Image one of the best backup softwares. It also offers full-disk backup, encryption, synchronization and data sharing.
Pros
- Backup options are flexible
- Allows backup and restoration of full disk image
- Offers protection against antivirus and malware
- Provides local and cloud storage
- Offers encryption, data sharing, and folder synchronizing
Cons
- Slow upload performance in testing
- Poor phishing
- Clumsy web interface
- Performance problem in mobile version
- Not available on Linux-based devices
Best For
- Security
- Cloud options
Pricing
Pricing starts at a yearly subscription of $49.99 for the Essential Tier with no hidden charges.
If you require backup software that assures you of speed and reliability, and full data protection, StorageCraft ShadowProtect Desktop is your best suit. It has been built with a single assignment to build a disk image -- photograph-like copies of your files. You can retrieve and use them when you need to.
Pros
- Splits disk-image into multiple files if it’s too large for one
- Scheduling options available.
- Multiple options to view or restore files
- Fast performance for full disk-image backup
- Enables smooth recovery of data to different machines
Cons
- Old interface
- No online storage
- Advanced features are not well explained
- Expensive
- Cannot backup up new or sectioned files -- it’s all or nothing
Best For
- Disk Imaging
- Disaster recovery
Pricing
$99.99 per license
Star rating
4.5/5
Paragon Backup and Recovery just launched their newest version (16th version). This backup software has advanced backup options giving you more flexibility -- ideal for individual users.
Pros
- Option to restore only needed or specific folders
- Consumer-friendly and simplified interface.
- Upgraded disk space management feature
- Allows control over backup
- Allows incremental backup
Cons
- No continuous backup available
- No online storage
Best For
- Disk space management
- Advanced backup options
Pricing
$39.95 with no hidden charges
Star rating
3.5/5
NovaBackup is ideal if you need backup software that backs up your data both online and locally. It is a bit costly for online storage space, but will keep your data secure.
Pros
- Highly secure
- Unlimited file version retention for local and online backups
- Supports disk-imaging
- Allows for quick local backup
Cons
- Poor user interface for desktop
- Costly online storage
- Slow upload performance
- Cluttered, confusing interface
- Only available for Windows devices
- No option to integrate File Explorer
- No file-sharing or folder-syncing capabilities
Best For
- Security
- Customizability
Pricing
Starts at $49.59 for one license.
Star rating
2.5/5
EaseUS ToDo Backup is a great management platform that allows businesses and their IT departments to recover lost data. It is an on-premise backup management platform.
Pros
- Supports incremental backup
- Supports Windows and Mac devices
- Offers one-time fees or installments for home edition
- Beginner-friendly
- Disaster recovery
Cons
- Expensive premium offers
Best For
- Disc Cloning/Imaging
Pricing
- Free version
- Personal license start price at $29.95
Star rating
4.5/5
Where to Go From Here
Losing an important document or experiencing a system crash can be devastating for your business. If you have sensitive documents or data that you don’t want to lose, you should consider backing up your files.
Such backup software will not only ensure you never worry about losing a file, but it will also assist you in retrieving them whenever and wherever you are. It also provides security to your files.
Identify what your storage demands are and subscribe to a backup software that meets your needs.
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