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Compare Backup Software

    
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Backup Media
Backup media indicates the device on which the backup data is stored.
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Security Features
Backup software typically includes security features that enable the user to protect files, keep them private and secure.
Open Source
Open source software enables the user to access and edit the program's code.
  • Smart Rating
  • Security Features
  • Software Features
  • Data Repository Models
  • Backup Media
  • What to Watch for in Backup Software

Guide to Choosing Backup Software

Backup software creates copies of the data on your computer so that the information can be restored in case your computer encounters a system failure.

As you shop for backup software, think about:

  • How you want to store your information. Use the Backup Media filter to understand what kind of storage is best for companies, small business and individuals. Use the Deployment Model filter to find on-site or online software options.

  • How frequently you need to backup your system. Most backup software allows you to customize the frequency in which you backup your computer. Be aware that certain services charge more money for frequent backups.

  • The special features you need. Certain security features, archiving and continuous data protection are important for companies, but most specific features are user dependent.


It's important to backup your hard drive in advance, as almost 67% of users have suffered a data loss or corruption at some point. With 309 backup software programs to choose from, we can help you find the best one for your needs.

How to Find Backup Software

Smart Rating
The Smart Rating is a single rating that reflects the weighted average of scores from the most trusted experts. The expert sources used in this comparison are: PC Magazine and Cnet. Software without a rating indicates that it was not rated by any of the expert reviewers.
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Security Features
Backup software typically includes security features that enable the user to protect files, keep them private and secure. Security is especially crucial if you are using a remote backup option such as an online storage facility, an FTP server or another computer on a network. If you are only copying files to a hard disk or CD-RW in your possession, security features are not as important and could be an extraneous cost.
Software Features
Data Repository Models
This feature dictates how data is stored and organized on the system.
  • Continuous Data Protection backups are made on a schedule that is predefined or continuous.
  • Differential Backup stores new and modified files since your last full backup.
  • Incremental Backup updates changes made after every type of backup.
  • Reverse Delta Backup keeps track of ongoing changes and differences between current and previous versions of the data and allows older versions to be reconstructed.
  • A Full System Backup copies all the information on your computer to allow for complete recovery of that information.
  • An Unstructured Backup of information could just involve copying important files to a CD. For example: Companies need to backup data on a regularly scheduled calendar such as every night from every computer and ever server in the company to assure they don’t lose data.
Backup Media
Backup media indicates the device on which the backup data is stored. When using this filter, consider:
  • Storage type, which ranges from 3.5 inch floppy disks through zip drives, USB flash drives, portable hard drives and others. External hard drives store data in a physical device, while online backups store information in the cloud.
  • The amount of data or the volume of information you will need to store. What you plan to do with the information, and how often you plan to back up your information influences your necessary media type. For example, companies that require a large amount of backup storage space might prefer storage in the cloud, in order to lessen the burden on their on-premise servers.

What to Watch for in Backup Software

The best solution for you depends on a variety of considerations. For example, someone who uses the backup software for his or her home computer has different requirements than a system administrator running one or more servers for a large company. For many people, inexpensive, basic backup software is more than adequate; don't pay for a software package that has features you will never use.
Popular Questions & Answers for Backup SoftwarePopular Side-by-Sides for Backup Software
This data was collected from company websites and data sheets.
Ratings Sources: CNET.com, PCMag.com
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