The best system backup and restore program. Free software for backup. What files to copy

Why does every computer user need an automatic backup?

Automatic backup will protect
files from virus damage

Working at a computer, you are constantly creating or editing many documents, writing work reports, creating diagrams, presentations, database files, storing photos and home videos (they are your whole life) and their value is usually high. All this data is your files that are stored on a hard, removable or network drive, which, like any device, can break at any time. A sudden failure of the storage medium (hard drive, flash drive) will inevitably lead to loss of critical files which took a lot of time and effort to create.

In this article, I will show how to protect yourself immediately from all causes of file loss.

The reasons for the failure can be very different.:

• Damaged PC hard drive or flash drive, where files are stored, sooner or later happens to everyone. According to statistics, the life of modern media is in the range from 1 month to 5 years. The collapse of a hard drive or flash drive can come suddenly, making it impossible to back up working documents.
• crash file system is also possible and may cause the total or partial destruction of documents.
• File damage by a virus is one of the most common reasons. Even if you are using modern versions antivirus programs and regularly update anti-virus databases, the possibility of damage is still not to be ruled out.
• Unwanted changes by the user. On purpose or by accident, you or your loved ones may mistakenly make changes to an important document.
• It's not uncommon to accidentally delete files by the user past the Recycle Bin and you need to restore them.
• Fire, earthquake, flood and other troubles can also destroy all your documents.

Sometimes deleted files cannot be recovered at all. Unfortunately, most of us start thinking about automatic backup (backup) only after we have experienced data loss at least once.

How to protect files from loss?

Buy an expensive and reliable hard drive? Update antivirus? These measures can only delay file loss. The most reliable and correct solution is a regular automatic backup of files on a schedule, that is, the creation of copies of important data. Regular - because corrections are made to files, new ones appear, old ones are deleted, and backups must be updated by recreating them again.

Of course, copying files automatically every day is better, easier, and faster than making manual copies. Manual copying requires your intervention and it can be easy to forget to create a copy of the accumulated changes in time. Regular auto-backup will reliably protect your files from loss and provide confidence in their safety.

Take care of backup automation in advance!

A simple utility Exiland Backup for Windows allows you not only to create an automatic backup files on schedule, but safely copy files from one company office to another (or others) on local network or via FTP, SFTP, FTPS (SSH). You can easily set up automatic copying of files from the source folder to the destination folder, even if the destination folder is located on a remote server. Moreover, Exiland Backup provides the ability to both create backup copies of a folder by month and day, and synchronize folders, making their contents the same.

Synchronization or scheduled backup - what to choose?

The difference is that when backing up the entire history of changes is saved source folder stored on a daily basis (backups), while during synchronization, the destination folder is always the same and contains exact copy source folder. In other words, if a file becomes corrupted in the source folder, then after synchronization it will also be corrupted in the destination folder.

Comparison of timing and Reserve copy Scheduled

To set up a task, the program provides a convenient step-by-step wizard, so even an inexperienced PC user can set up automatic copying of files according to a schedule.

At the Backup type step in the wizard, you can choose one of the types of backups (full backup , incremental backup - copying only changed files and new ones, differential backup) or folder synchronization.

Scheduled backup. How to set up in Exiland Backup?

The program has a built-in scheduler that allows you to automatically start backup according to the configured backup schedule. The start time can be configured quite flexibly, for example:

• Every hour from 8:00 to 17:00
• From Monday to Friday at 8:10 and 15:00, and on Saturday only at 8:10
• Once a day when turning on the PC or connecting a removable device (HDD, flash drives)

Setting up a backup schedule

The program also allows you to run tasks manually (at the request of the User).

In addition, the launch of tasks is provided:

• From the command Windows strings
• When turning on the PC
• When turning off the PC
• When plugging a removable device into a USB port

The program is easy to learn, does not require any special knowledge and is designed for both system administrators and ordinary users with minimal PC experience. You can learn how to work with Exiland Backup in a few minutes. It is enough to install the program and create at least one task in it, in which to set up a schedule for automatic backup.

Exiland Backup is a combination of simple interface and flexible functionality for automatic copy according to a schedule in the local network, via FTP (SFTP, SSH), to external media (HDD, flash drive), etc. Differential backup supported ( only modified files compared to the previous backup), which significantly speeds up the backup process and significantly saves hard disk space. The program has a completely Russian interface, competent error handling in exceptional situations, fault tolerance in case of communication breaks with a remote PC. Exiland Backup is located in the notification area (System Tray) and copies files in the background without interfering with other programs.

You can download the free version of Exiland Backup Free to try on your data before you want to purchase a license for the Standard or Professional version.

Most users have a maximum of useful and useful information stored on their computer. necessary information, which, often, is presented in a single copy, that is, it is only on this PC.

Therefore, as a result of a technical failure, human factor or unpredictable actions of any programs or spyware, such information may be lost forever.

To avoid this, backup programs are used to help copy information for further recovery if necessary.

Features of choice

What is the main principle of operation of such programs?

They create a recovery backup file - this is a file that contains all the information necessary to restore data on a computer after a technical failure (for example, when the operating system crashes) or accidental manual deletion.

This file does not copy the information itself, but only the data for its recovery and search for leftovers on the PC, therefore such a file weighs relatively little.

The principles of operation of such programs are different.- some of them create files on their own automatically with a configured or set frequency. Others generate them forcibly or on demand, while others implement both of these methods.

Some programs work only with a certain type of files, while others work with all data on a PC.

Thus, among all this diversity It is important to choose the program that suits you best.

Such a program will not slow down your work at the computer, take up a lot of memory, place a significant load on the processor and generate excessively large files backup recovery with information you don't need.

Specifications

For the simplest and fastest orientation among the variety of programs described in this TOP, below is a table with the main features of each of them.

These features can influence the final choice.

Aomei Backupper

An easy-to-manage free backup software that doesn't take up much space on your PC.

It features high efficiency, stability and functionality with minimum weight and high ease of operation.

Allows not only copying, but also saving, encrypting data, etc.

Simply select a disk and start creating a backup.

• Simple interface;
• Minimum weight;
• Several types of work with files.

• The inability to automatically start copying;
• Slightly narrowed functionality compared to other programs in this TOP;
• Too simplistic aesthetically unattractive design.

User reviews about this program are as follows: “Great program”, “The utility is great! No worse than Acronix, not complicated and works quickly. Files are restored easily, creates archives with adequate compression. I had to test it "in battle" - I was satisfied.

EASEUS Todo Backup Free

This is a free version of the commercial, distributed for a fee, EASEUS Todo Backup.

It can be described as a fairly good budget option for copying software with high stability.

Works in automatic or forced mode.

Creates copies of all information or only specific files, or information from specific locations, directories, sources.

• The presence of a paid deployed version with advanced functionality;
• The ability to both start manual and configure automatic copy creation;
• Generation of a total or selective copy, that is, with an indication of materials for preservation;
• The ability to limit the rate of copy generation to reduce the load on the hardware.

Negative:

• The functionality of the free version of the software is slightly narrowed compared to the paid version;
• Lack of data encryption;
• Quite a significant load on the system at a high copy write speed.

Here is what users say about this utility: “The utility is super - for generating copies for dummies! Creates backup files in two clicks. Not as fast as Acronis, but free and understandable. Almost anyone will be able to figure it out, even despite the lack of the Russian language.”

Redo Backup and Recovery

This is an application that is an ISO file that needs to be burned to a virtual or real disk.

To create a copy, you need to start from this disk, which is inconvenient.

Very functional software, at the same time, with a minimum load on the hardware of the device.

Has "in the asset" even own browser, which allows you to run it, for example, immediately after reinstalling the operating system.

• Does not take up space on the computer;
• Quite functional;
• Suitable for PC masters and tuners, as it can be launched without installation from any computer;
• Works quickly and minimally slows down the system.

Negative:

• The need to write the image to disk, while the image is quite large (249 MB);
• Lack of automatic start of copying, it works exclusively by force;
• Pretty inconvenient to use.

And here is what people who already use this software say: “Many thanks to the developers. How many troubles did she save me from?

Cobian Backup

A very versatile and convenient copying tool that allows you to carry out a wide range of jobs.

Possible manual and automatic start process, differential or general copying of information.

Has over 100 different customizable copy options.

• The ability to fine-tune absolutely any component;
• Ability to copy servers;
• The presence of filters for copying.

Negative:

• The program has a very complex control due to the wide functionality and may be inconvenient for beginners;
• The installation file itself weighs a lot;
• With active work, such software puts a significant load on the hardware resources of the system.

What are the opinions of users about the program? “Used it for two years. I was very pleased: good functionality, ease of use.”

Macrium Reflect Free

This is another non-commercial version of a paid utility, which has a significantly narrowed functionality than that implemented in the paid version.

Allows you to generate a disk image from which you want to backup.

Well suited for a novice user and those who do not want to understand the program settings for a long time.

• Almost all the functionality of the program is available from the main interface, which is quite simple and visually pleasing;
• Very simple interface;
• Minimum load on hardware resources, both when stored on a PC and when the program is running.

Negative:

• You must have a burned disk image to get started;
• The software is not capable of both differential and general copying;
• Cannot carry out encryption, copy password protection, etc.

What do users say about the action this application? “A stable utility for interacting with hard disk images, the ability to backup has been implemented. This software has a significant difference from alternatives, it is able to generate disk images right during the operation of the OS itself.”

DriveImage XML

Easy to use, but quite functional and productive alternative to complex programs with a paid license.

It has a fairly stable operation and sufficient functionality for such small programs.

You can choose where to save the data and the level of compression.

A significant difference from analogues is the ability to copy and transfer data from one disk to another.

• Differential and total copying;
• Modes of manual and automatic start of copying;
• Ability to move from disk to disk.

Negative:

• It is quite difficult to set up automatic start of copying;
• The functionality is a little narrower compared to other programs;
• During operation, it may slightly slow down the performance of the computer.

The reaction of users to this program: “Unfortunately, not in Russian, there would be no price for it. The only negative is the inclusion of the hard disk of the restored system. But maybe it's not so scary."

FBackup

A simple backup tool that is free for both personal and commercial use.

Is different simple interface and sufficient functionality.

The program is able to create copies without any compression at all.

On the one hand, they take up much more space, but on the other - the recovery process becomes as simple as possible.

A fairly complex and functional program for one that is distributed free of charge.

It has standard wide functionality - filters, scheduling, compression, addition of existing copies, etc.

A significant difference is the ability to automatically copy servers online.

Such an opportunity is formed in such software infrequently.

• Availability of encryption and password protection;
• Selective and general copying;
• Automatic and manual start of the process;
• Fairly small installation package.

Negative:

• The installation package comes in a compressed format and must be unpacked;
• In the process of copying, it slows down the computer a little;
• It takes up a lot of space and puts a load on the hardware of the computer.

An overview of the best data backup software. Download the best free and paid programs for data backup.

Everyone knows that it is necessary to make constant backups of our data. Most often, we postpone this procedure “for later” and sometimes find ourselves in a situation where it is impossible or extremely expensive to restore valuable photos and documents. I suggest you take 5 minutes to read my article and another 10 minutes to install one of the 5 backup software to set up data backup to external HDD or "cloud". You will never regret spending 15 minutes of your life, because such a short time will guarantee the safety of your photos and important data. Of course, you can manually save the desired data to external media, but why not entrust this routine procedure to the program? Moreover, many of the backup programs mentioned in the review are absolutely free.

The best backup software

EaseuS Todo Backup Free

Acronis True Image

Products from Acronis are extremely famous in our country. The program is good for everyone, perhaps, except for a somewhat high price. In all other respects, it is an excellent program for careful backup of your data or operating system.

• Full disk or selected area backup.
• Universal Restore- the ability to restore a copy of the operating system even on a computer with a different configuration.
• Incredibly fast backup and restore.
• You can restore the entire image or specific folders or files

Price: 1 device - 1700 rubles.

R Drive Image

R-Drive Image is a small but powerful disk backup software on the fly. The program can recover both entire disks and individual files. Also with R-Drive Image can easily clone disks. In general, the program has many small but successful functions, but its price for the Russian market is somewhat frightening, given the dollar exchange rate.

Price: 1 device - $44.95

crash plan

Quite often, free backup software has limited functionality, but not in this case. Free version CrashPlan has everything you need to make regular backups to various media, including the unique ability to back up your data to specific computer network (for example, on a friend's computer).

• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Saving a backup to other computers
• Saving a backup to an external drive
• Automatic daily backup
• 448-bit file encryption

In general, extremely interesting program for backup, noteworthy.

Aomei Backupper

AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free backup and restore software that is functional and easy to use. The program contains everything necessary tools to backup and restore the system, disks, partitions and disk cloning. With the support of VSS technology, AOMEI Backupper can make full backup your system and any data even while the OS is running, without interfering with running processes in any way.
Despite the fact that this program is at the end of the list, I recommend paying close attention to it. The program is really good, and how many times the Universal restore function helped me out - do not count.

P.S. Universal restore (universal recovery) - allows you to restore and run a copy of the system on a computer with different characteristics.

Price: free

Action Backup

The last place (but not in terms of quality) in our selection is occupied by the development of domestic programmers - . The program is actively developing and has several of its own features that distinguish this product from foreign competitors. Before buying, you can download a 15-day trial version of the program.

Here are the main features of Action Backup:

• Easy to set up and use: the program is extremely easy to understand, especially on the offsite there are instructions in Russian. After the initial setup, the utility will perform scheduled backups of the necessary data, saving you from worrying about data safety.
• Rich functionality: Action Backup really does a lot - it can backup to a remote FTP server and network drives, to external hard drives, "slicing" the data into optical drives, create shadow copies, run as a service 24/365, and more!
• Unpretentious: Action Backup consumes very few system resources and can work even on weak machines. This is especially true for budget organizations, many of which cannot boast of a modern fleet of equipment.
• Excellent compatibility: Action Backup works perfectly on any modern Windows versions: 7, 8, 10, Server and supports 32 and 64 bit editions.

Price: from 560 to 960 rubles. depending on the number of licenses purchased. You can use the program for 15 days absolutely free!

So, today we got acquainted with the best data recovery programs. Yes, there are only 5 of them, but why make the top 10, 20, 30 - after all, the functions of all these programs are almost similar. I recommend you the free AOMEI Backupper Standard program. If you are confused by the absence of the Russian language in this program, pay attention to Acronis True Image. All the best, I hope my article helped you choose a data recovery program.

Most of the applications used to create a backup and restore files have similar functionality. Therefore, when choosing a program, you should focus on its reliability, confirmed by reviews from other users. An important criterion is also the amount of system resources consumed. Applications perform the same tasks in different time, depending on internal optimization. We have compiled a list of three the best utilities according to the editors.

Handy Backup

A paid program with wide functionality for creating backups and restoring information from them. Has the ability free testing within the first 30 days after installation. At this time, the user is provided with an unlimited utility functionality. Handy Backup has two versions for home use- Standard and Professional, as well as three different corporate editions.

A convenient feature of the application is that all its editions are installed through a single executable file. The program's functions change depending on the specified license key. Among the main features of Handy Backup are:

1. Creating backups various kinds(full, incremental);
2. Using a program to back up registry data and Windows libraries;
3. Saving the created copies to any medium and sending to a remote server via FTP/FTPS;
4. Simplified configuration of sending to popular cloud storages;
5. Encryption and compression of information;
6. Synchronization and data recovery.

Important! An incremental backup is one of the modern ways of copying information. When using it, only those files that have been changed since the previous copy were created are added to the spare media. Using this function will help speed up data processing and save system resources computer.

Iperius Backup

Iperius Backup is a professional application for saving user data. It is distinguished by the possibility of extensive customization and convenient management of the created backups. The program is distributed on a paid basis with a trial period of 21 days. Works on all versions of Windows, starting with XP. Supports shadow copy (VSS). This function creates copies of all files opened by the user. When using it, the risk of losing up-to-date information is significantly reduced.

You can specify the backup path manually. The choice of computer drives and external drives. In addition to them, you can use popular cloud storages from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, as well as Dropbox and Azure Storage services. It is also possible to upload data to any server that supports FTP protocol.


The maximum number of saved versions of each file is limited only by the free space on the selected drive. To save disk space, you can use compressed copying to ZIP format. When restoring information, the files will be automatically extracted from the created archive.

A modern AES protocol is available for data encryption. When Iperius Backup is installed on Windows, a special service is activated that ensures the application runs in the background. To simplify remote administration the program also has the function of sending notifications to e-mail.

Acronis True Image

Like Handy Backup, this utility is a powerful backup tool. Interesting feature applications - the presence of the "Try & Decide" mode. In it, you can install new drivers or software with the possibility of subsequently rolling back all the changes made. This mode can be used when installing programs from dubious sources. By installing the application through Try & Decide, you can uninstall it at any time and undo all changes in the system.


All versions of True Image also have additional functionality:

• Wide possibilities of the program for information recovery;
• Protecting the system from ransomware;
• A tool for creating boot drives for system recovery;
• A utility for full cloning of disks and individual partitions.

Acronis True Image also has mobile versions for operating Android systems and iOS. With their help, you can create a backup of your smartphone and tablet data. Device images are then uploaded to a computer or network attached storage (NAS) via Wi-Fi. Backup management implemented on high level: Data backup and restore processes can be started directly from the PC. The only condition is mobile device must be connected to a wireless network.

Note! Acronis provides a free month of access to cloud storage after registering the program. The user receives a significant amount of disk space - 1 terabyte.

Why copy and save backups

The need for backup is caused by the imperfection of modern storage devices. The surface of hard drives is subject to mechanical wear, and solid state drives (SSDs) have a limited number of write cycles. You can create backups (backup copies) in manual mode. To do this, you need to regularly transfer important information to an external source - a separate hard drive or online storage. But it is much more convenient not to copy the files yourself, but to use special programs for backing up data. Another common name for such tools is programs for restoring information from backups.

Why do we need data recovery programs

Often, users do not think about the need to save data until they are lost. And when a failure occurs, it's too late, and you have to pay for specialists to recover information from a problematic disk. In some cases, recovering lost data is not possible. Therefore, it is better to make a backup in advance. To do this, you can use any of the presented programs.

Such utilities are needed to create and regularly update copies of important files. You can set the copy mode and frequency by yourself. You can also use the option to create a backup when the computer is idle. In this mode, information will be copied only when the computer is turned on but not in use. Data recovery in these programs is usually done in a few clicks. All saved information is returned to its place without the need to specify the unpacking path manually.

What files to copy

The choice of backed up directories depends on the needs of the user and the available disk space on the external drive. Back up the most important data first. For example, working papers and family photos kept in a single copy. Then, if there is still space left on the media, you can copy the data of the programs with which you work most often. This can be a backup of browser bookmarks or save files created by games.

Copying home media archives (movies, images, and music) is only appropriate if these materials are difficult to find on the Internet, and if the disk breaks, you will not be able to download them again. Since media files are large, you can usually just save a list of them. It will help to reload the information in case of its loss.

As for games and programs, they usually do not need to be backed up. Setup files almost always can be downloaded from official sites. You should also remember that applications during installation make changes to system registry. Simply copying the folder with the program may cause it to become inoperable after restoration. At the same time, it is necessary to keep license keys in a separate document. This action will help restore the license after reinstallation software.

Important advice! Create a copy of all operating system files only if you have sufficient disk space. Modern versions of Windows provide the ability to restore the OS without having a bulky backup. Therefore, it is better to use free space for copying personal files.

Where to write backups

You can store your backups on separate devices or in the "cloud" - a special distributed online storage provided by third-party companies. The first way allows you to write more files for their further recovery. However, it requires the presence of a device on which the information will be stored. The second copy method has significant storage limits. Bypassing them usually requires the purchase of a paid subscription to cloud services.

It is believed that home storage of data provides more protection against unauthorized access to them. However, modern cloud storages are equipped with strong encryption. In addition, information can be additionally encrypted in your own way before it is sent to the server. Some backup programs support this feature.

Cloud storage

Free versions of services often provide from 2 to 10 GB of disk space on their servers. This space may be enough to backup and then restore the most important data on your computer. The cost of a monthly subscription on most of these sites is about 2-5 dollars. Using the paid option allows you to expand the available space to several tens or hundreds of gigabytes, and in some cases up to 1 terabyte. The following repositories are the most popular:

• Dropbox
• Google Drive;
• OneDrive;
• iCloud;
• Cloud Mail.Ru;
• Yandex.Disk.

Home devices

When saving information to any home media, follow the main rule: it should be as isolated as possible from the main drive. This will help not to lose the backup in case of loss of access to the original data. For example, at a critical jump mains voltage both media can burn if they are always connected to the same computer. It's best to use a spare drive only when you're making a backup, and keep it separate the rest of the time.

Important video: Backup using Acronis True Image

From viruses and software bugs, hardware failure or human error, there are many potential dangers infecting your files.

And it can happen even worse - for example, losing personal photos, a music library, important business documents - something that can be really valuable. That is why it is necessary to create a backup copy of your computer automatically.

Doing it yourself is very difficult, but with the right software it will be a lot easier than you think. Without any cash costs, because there are some free disk backup and cloning software.

If you want to, copy the contents of your documents somewhere , clone one drive to another, or back up your entire system I have found many programs that can help.

Action Backup

Action Backup - perhaps best files scheduled for home and work computers. The program is very convenient, as it combines ease of use, as well as wide functionality for performing backups. With Action Backup you get: support for full, differential, incremental backups, automated* saving of backups to FTP servers, CD/DVD, remote network resources, support for zip64 format, support for the "shadow copy" function, work in windows services*, automated removal of previous (obsolete) archives*, sending a report to e-mail and much more (a detailed description of the functionality is available on the official website of the developer).

Action Backup is perfect for both beginners and experienced users, making it an excellent tool for backing up files on home computers, as well as workstations and servers.

* - available only in the paid version. There is a version comparison on the official website.

Aomei Backupper

If you like backup software, Aomei has a simple interface. Select the drive or partition to be backed up, the destination drive, and click Backupper will create an image.

The program has good enough tools if you need it. There are options to encrypt or compress backups. You can create incremental or differential backups to increase speed. You can restore individual files and folders, or the entire image and there are even disk and partition cloning tools.

What you can't do unfortunately Scheduled backup- they must be started manually. But otherwise Aomei Backupper is a great tool, with a huge number of features, but also easy to use.

EASEUS Todo Backup Free

Like most free (for personal use) programs of commercial products, EASEUS Todo Backup Free has a few limitations - but the package still has more than enough features for most people.

The program can run both file and file based backup, such as manually or scheduled. Are you able to work with full or incremental backups.

The ability to limit the write speed reduces the impact of backup on system performance. This is possible in individual files or folders, or the entire image using the recovery disk program. And there are tools to clone and format drives too.

On the negative side, you get no encryption, no differential backup, and you only get a disk-based Linux (not Windows PE). But EASEUS Todo Backup Free still looks like a great program for us.

Redo Backup and Recovery

Redo Backup and Recovery — is a visualization backup tool with a difference. Instead of installing the program, you need to download a large (249MB) ISO file and burn it to CD or USB drive . Then just boot from it to launch a simple tool that can backup your hard drive and restore them later.

There's also a recovery tool, and even a web browser if you need help with a PC problem.

The program is not very user friendly. You can't schedule backups, they all have to be started manually and there are very few options.

But it's also easy to use and free for everyone, so if you want to run a backup sometimes, you can use it on any computer without installing software, then this is the product for you.

Cobian Backup

Cobian Backup is an excellent software backup tool, with a lot of features. You get full, differential and incremental backups, for example; ZIP or 7zip compression; AES 256-bit encryption; include and exclude filters; scheduler, backup or FTP servers, and the list goes on. Every aspect of the program is extremely customizable (there are over 100 settings you can customize).

PC or backup, beginners will most likely find it very difficult. If you are more experienced you will love the number of tools Cobian Backup gives you control over every aspect of the backup process.

Macrium Reflect Free

One of the most popular free (for home use) disk imaging programs, Macrium Reflect Free the main set of functions through the interface is easy to use.

The program does not have incremental or differential backups. And you won't get encryption or password protection. This makes creating a backup very easy though (choose source disk and set the compression ratio, done).

There is a scheduler; You can mount images in Windows Explorer or completely restore them both from Linux and disks Windows recovery PE. And in general Macrium Reflect Free An excellent choice for those who want a simple yet reliable image backup tool.

DriveImage XML

Free for personal use, DriveImage XM is an easy alternative to more advanced competitors. Backing up is as easy as choosing a source drive, a destination and (optionally) setting a compression level.

Recovery is just as simple, and the only significant extra is the ability to copy directly from one drive to another.

There are some complications elsewhere. Click the "Task Scheduler" button and you will receive instructions on how to manually configure Windows Task Scheduler to start the backup. But if you only need a basic visualization tool then give DriveImage XML process.

FBackup

FBackup is a good file backup tool, free for personal and commercial use. The interface is simple and clear, and there are a number of features.

Plugins allow you to create backup copies of individual programs with one click; there is support for including and excluding filters; and you can run "Mirror" backups which just copy everything without compressing it (which makes file recovery very easy).

The compression isn't as good though (it's a weak Zip2), and the scheduler is also simpler than you'll find in other programs. But if your needs are simple then FBackup should suit you.

Backup Maker

First free for personal use BackupMaker seems like any other backup file tool program, with additional or full backups available, scheduling, compression, encryption, include and exclude filters, and so on.

But interesting extras include support for online backups to FTP servers, and when doing backup automatically when a USB device is connected.

Program data is stored in Zip files, too, which makes them very easy to access. AND BackUp Maker comes in a small 6.5Mb installation package, much more manageable than some of the bulky competitors.

If you are a home user looking for file backup method, then backup Maker could be perfect.

clonezilla

Just like repeat backup and restore, clonezilla not installer: it is dos boot environment which can be run from a CD or USB flash drive.

And it's seriously powerful, too: you'll be able to create a disk image; restore the image (to one disk, or to several at the same time); clone a drive (copy one drive to another), with a lot of control.

While Repeat Backup and Restore focuses on ease of use, however, clonezilla more about providing additional options like "unattended clonezilla using PXE boot." It is not difficult, probably the best free disk cloning software, but the program is aimed at advanced users and backups, for beginners it is better to find a more suitable option.

Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free

Another free program for personal use, Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free
is a good tool, with some limitations.

Strong support for the foundation: you can create an image backup(full or differential), compress and encrypt them, use exclusion filters to help determine what is included, do scheduled backups, and then restore individual files and folders or all of them.

Optional includes a separate section to help keep your backups safe. And a nice set of basic section tools are included.

Problems? You won't get incremental backups; You can't clone drives or partitions, and the interface doesn't feel very good at times. However Paragon Backup & Recovery 20134 Free quality tool, and worth your attention.

Duplicati

If you need online backups, then Duplicati is one of the most versatile tools, with support for saving files SkyDrive, Google Docs, FTP servers, Amazon S3, Rackspace Cloudfiles and WebDAV.

The program can also save on local and network drives , although it includes many useful options (AES-256 encryption, password protection, scheduler, full and incremental backups, support regular expressions to enable/disable filters, even upload and download rate limits to reduce the impact on your system).

So whether you save files online or locally, then this program is for you.