I once lost a lot of data because I simply trusted my hard drive and I was thinking that "it can't happen to me". Now, I can't do anything to bring back all the data I lost! I have sworn that such disasters won't happen again, and now I am now backing up my data on a regular basis...
To be honest, I tried a lot of backup programs, but I always try to see what's new on the market and how these new products suit my expectations. Today we'll see what one ca get from Backup Platinum, a backup application from SoftLogica.
The version we have here is labeled 3.0, and the setup package has only 2.3MB in size, so it should be easy for everyone to download it, even those with a slow modem connection. Setting up the application is really easy, and it only involves pressing some "Next" buttons and choosing some basic options, then you're ready to go!
Although a commercial software, Backup Platinum has a 30 days trial version that allows you to explore all the features of the full program, priced at 67$. I know this may seem a high price, especially now, when an external drive for backup is a really cheap solution, but things are not as simple as that.
Just like the other products from SoftLogica, Backup Platinum has a friendly interface, with nice graphics and well organized. The Toolbar has all the options you need to get started (New, Open and Properties for backup tasks, Refresh, Backup/Restore, Synchronize and Stop), but when you start the program for the first time, you don't even have to use them, because the New Item Wizard pops up.
From here on, everything flows naturally. First, you have to give a name to your new backup task, then choose what and where to backup (you can even backup to DVD). Backup Platinum supports encryption for individual files, or you can compress your files to a ZIP archive and encrypt it. Even more, various settings for Windows and some applications, such as Outlook, can be saved easily.
Enter backup name
Select what to backup
Select where to save your backup
The available backup destinations are local folders, FTP servers and, of course, CD/DVD discs. There's nothing more to mention here, at least from my point of view.
The configuration of the program can be also saved and restored, using the Import/Export features available in the Tools menu, from the Configuration area. If you worry about your time, then you should know that the "fire and forget" approach to data backup is possible. All you have to do is remember to set scheduling options properly when running the New Item Wizard, and then you can simply forget about this program.
These being said, I am sure you'll be interested in giving this program a try, because I really think it's worth your time. If it's worthy of its price or not, that's only your decision, but I hope this review will help you decide.
The Good
Backup Platinum is a useful application that can be easily used by all users, even absolute beginners, and is packed with most features that you'll need from a backup program.
The Bad
I would really like to see support for saving backups as encrypted RAR archives in the future and maybe a slightly smaller price.
Conclusion
If you think that your work is worth something, backing it up is "a must", and one of the best choices available is called Backup Platinum. After checking out the last version of the program, I must confess I have nothing really bad to say about it, so... you're free to try it, it won't cost you a thing for an entire month!
This is a paid review. Get Reviewed by this blog for $60 at ReviewMe!
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