How To Lose All Your Data Part 3
Writing about backup software I like is not that easy. Over time, nearly every backup program I like has either gotten worse, failed to improve, or just fallen into my disfavor for one reason or another. So, first let me tell you about a couple of pieces of software that I really dislike.
Symantec's Norton 360 looks like it should be a great piece of software, but it really isn't. It has a good degree of flexibility, provides detailed reports, and it is coupled with the anti-virus solution that I have been recommending without reserve for more than a decade.
Unfortunately, it's kludgy and unreliable. Symantec's documentation is pretty awful too. This is actually a product that is pretty well reviewed, but I think backup software in particular requires real world experience and a real world time frame to evaluate. Tech journalism may not always allow for that.
Nova Backup is a program that I recommended left and right for years. What I liked about Nova in particular was that it sent me detailed backup reports by email. I'm yet to come across a good SOHO product that does this. Nova was difficult to setup, but once it was in place, it was a champ. Unfortunately, later versions (8+) were not nearly as stable and their support site was always awful.
Of the products below, none of them are perfect either. Nonetheless, they are the best tools in my kit right now.My reservations about them and general distrust of products in this category is one of the reasons I think that multiple backups are essential.
Windows 7 Backup & OS X's Time Machine
Built in to Windows 7 and OS X, these products are actually pretty good for basic backup of a single computer or two. Neither sends backup reports via email (very valuable if someone remotely wants to monitor backup) or provides much advanced functionality, but they are light years ahead of what you used to get bundled with your OS, nothing or next to it.
Retrospect
Retrospect has been around for a very long time because it has been one of the best. Unfortunately, it is not updated frequently. For a small to medium sized Mac and/or PC environment,or for someone who needs more versatility than the Windows 7 and OS X options offer; Retrospect is still a valuable choice. On the Mac side, it is one of very few options.
Acronis
Another company that has been making backup products for a very long time, but one which I didn't really pay much attention to until recently. Primarily, I install Acronis in very small offices and individuals PCs that are not running Windows 7. It's friendlier than Retrospect, but not quite as robust.
Lacie 1-Click Backup PC) and Silverkeeper (Mac)
Neither of these are really full fledged backup products, but they are both very useful in certain situations; particularly computers that require very minimal backup or for a quick ancillary backup. Very often, I will use these to supplement one of the other programs or for a very specific job. They fall into the category of good tools to have in your toolkit.
Next time out, we'll wrap up this puppy with a look at a couple of good online backup services...if we can find some!
