Second Copy revisited

Most often after convincing a novice that hard drives can fail without notice, they do have irreplaceable “Stuff” on their hard drive and they do need to consider a backup regimen, I’m asked to recommend both the best method of backing up their Stuff and the software they should consider to accomplish the backup.

Traditionally any recommendation I make to a novice is based on the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) principle.

Select a software program that will backup in standard format to an external device such as a CD/DVD or preferable an external hard drive.

For most novices should their hard drive fail it will be necessary for then to reinstall Windows and their software programs. If this be the case, I suggest a novice should only be concerned with backing up their irreplaceable Stuff. And this can be done with inexpensive, user friendly software.

I’ve mentioned my favorite backup software program Second Copy many times, but in my opinion it’s well worth mentioning again as it has all the features a novice needs to insure successful backups.

Second Copy:
1. Is inexpensive (29.95)
2. Is appropriate for all versions of Windows to include Window 7, 32 and 64-bit.
3. Places a shortcut in the Taskbar Notification Area that’s both an effective reminder to backup and a single click quick trip to its backup profiles.
4. Will pop up a reminder and pause for 30 seconds should a file in use need to be closed.
5. Provides both manual and scheduled backups.
6. Backs up files in standard format rather than proprietary format.

Note: Many backup software programs backup files in a proprietary format requiring it’s program to be installed to restore files. Because Second Copy’s backup files are in standard format you can view the file and if you wish, relocate a file or files using a simple copy and paste from the backup source device.

7. Allows you to configure as many profiles as you want to backup in any way you want.

For example: You may want to create an “Exact Copy” backup profile that purges files on your backup device that you’ve deleted from your current Documents/My Documents and other folders and/or a “Simple Copy” that just adds new files from your Documents/My Documents and other folders creating an on going, just in case archive of all your Stuff.

Go to www.centered.com for additional information and excellent video tutorials.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.