Best backup software 2020

Best backup software 2020

Over the past week 11 back-up packages were tested especially for home users with a Windows operating system. It had been a long time since the previous backup test, which took place in September 2016. The backup software was tested on the Windows 7 SP1, 8.1 and Windows 10 operating system with the most recent updates installed.

There is a new winner this year. Acronis True Image 2020 knocked Genie Backup Manager Home 9.0 from first place. NovaBACKUP dropped down to third place. NovaBACKUP scored a little higher in terms of business options. Genie Backup Manager, on the other hand, offers all options interesting to home users, and is more attractive in terms of pricing.

All suppliers put out various versions of their product. The home users version and the professional version for the small and medium-sized enterprises. These versions are intended to be run on Windows desktop computers. The standalone server versions are suitable for Windows Server and the Business version for Windows server with Exchange and SQL.

All backup packages were carefully tested on various points, such as:

• Installation procedure and configuration
• Data recovery & restore
• Functions and options
• Stability & speed
• Ease of operation

Do you need a backup programme?

A serious computer user knows that every time he boots up his computer, there is a small chance something will go wrong. An unexpected systems crash without a backup of your personal data, such as photographs and videos, is a downright nightmare. Apart from hardware that could malfunction, your computer could get infected with a virus, or other malware. Unfortunately there is malware going around that can lock files on your computer, making you unable to open them.

If you’re looking to secure your personal files and data, the best way is to regularly create backups and keep these separate from your computer. The most ideal method is to create a backup on an external hard drive, and then store it somewhere separately.
What you should pay attention to when purchasing back-up software.
There are many backup packages on the market. Just like with any other product, there are products that are good, bad and/or mediocre. On this page, we discuss the best backup software available right now. If you experience a systems crash or if you’ve lost data and it really matters, that one backup package can make all the difference. The software shouldn’t just back up files, but also have good and stable Recovery and Restore options.
The points mentioned below are some of the things we took into account when testing the backup software packages.

Installation/configuration procedure

It should not take all day to install a backup package. From downloading the software to the first backup you create, everything should be simple and clear. Configuring backup schedules should not be difficult either.

Recovery & Restore

After backing up your data, Recovery & Restore of data is the most important function. If you are dealing with a systems crash, lost files or a virus, you want to be able to restore your data quickly. That is why it is important that the software in these unpleasant situations is user-friendly and does its work well.

Functions and options;

A backup programme can offer a wealth of options and functions. However, the question remains: ‘are these functions actually relevant to the target group of home users?’. Too many functions that do not apply to home users, such as Exchange and SQL backup options, can make the programme less clear and less user-friendly. More functions that are not applicable do not make the backup package better.

Stability & Speed

Programmes have to run smoothly. After all, it’s not pleasant when software is slow to react or freezes up regularly. Apart from stability in a backup package, you want it to be able to quickly back up large amounts of data.

Frequently used terms:

Full backup

Complete backup of all files and data on your computer. Not just of files that were altered since the last backup.

Differential backup

Backup method where only those files are copied and backed up that are new or have been altered since the previous backup. In order to put a complete backup back on the computer, you need the most recent full backup as well as the last differential backup.

Incremental backup

Backup method where only new or altered files are copied since the last full backup. In order to put a complete backup back on the computer, you require the most recent full backup as well as all the separate incremental backups.

Mirror backup

A mirror backup is a 1-on-1 copy of selected files and folders at a given time. Mirror backup is the fastest backup method because it copies files and folders to the target destination without any type of compression.

AES Encryption

AES is an algorithm for data encryption. This allows (confidential) information to remain a secret, even if someone intercepts or steals the information. The intruder will not be able to see the contents of the original file. Only the person with the key can view the contents. This inscription comes in three different options for: 128, 192 or 256 bits AES.

Compression

Large files can be made smaller (compressed) by compacting computer information. The advantage for recording backup data is that it requires less disk space.

FTP

Protocol for sending files over a network/the internet. FTP allows for files to be transported to another device and is most frequently used over the internet.