How do you backup your important data?

[jelson]

I know freewares cant match the power of Norton Ghost, but still , It would be helpful it if you guys mentioned some free alternatives

How about 3 of them.

First, Paragon Backup & Recovery 2010 Free Advanced, page

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Some of it's features:

• Update Support for the latest Windows 7
  
  
• Differential Backup - backup only changed data
  
  
• Complete Restore - restore your computer to an earlier state without losing data and reinstalling and reconfiguring your programs
  
  
• NEW Restore an entire disk, separate partitions or only files you need from the previously created backup image
  
  
• NEW Restore with Shrink to restore a backup image to a free block of smaller size taking into account only the amount of actual data of the image
  
  
• Create a bootable USB Flash drive - recover your PC on demand
  
  
• Access Secure and Proven Paragon Technology - Our Disk Imaging and Professional Recovery applications are used by millions of satisfied customers worldwide
  
  
• Update Linux/DOS bootable recovery environments - Our Disk Imaging and Professional Recovery applications are used by millions of satisfied customers worldwide
  
  
• NEW P2V Adjust OS - Recover the OS startup ability after an unsuccessful virtualization by a 3rd party tool

Also, 2 different hardware-specific re-brands of Acronis TrueImage 2009

Seagate Disk Wizard 11 Build 8326 (Digital Sig == Oct. 2009)

Download & Manual page is

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It requires:

• At least one Seagate Technology or Maxtor disc drive

1.3.2 Supported operating systems

• Windows® 2000 Professional SP 4
• Windows® XP SP 2
• Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition
• Windows® Vista

NOTE WELL: I've used it when only the attached Seagate drive was an external one.

Updated rebrand: Acronis True Image WD Edition Software

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File Size: 100 MB (approx.)
Version: 14010
Publish Date: June, 2010

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7

Supported Languages

Version 14010 is an English Only release.
Versions in all other WD supported languages will be provided shortly.

Manual

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, notice that it states under:

1.3.1 Minimum system requirement

• Attached Western Digital device

Important UPDATE

Just found the

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to a very good comparison of 5 imaging apps done a year ago by Ashraf. He includes a feature comparison chart as well as a performance chart (including speed and compression):

1. Paragon Backup & Restore Free 10 build 8927
2. Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2082
3. EASEUS Todo Backup 1.0
4. DriveImage XML 2.12
5. Acronis True Image Home 2010 build 5055