Backup Now Deluxe 3.0

Backup Now Deluxe 3.0

There is nothing sexy about backup software. It either works or it doesn’t. The hallmarks of good backup tools are speed and ease of use. In this case, NewTech Infosystems Inc., has brought a solid tool to the marketplace with Backup Now Deluxe 3.0.

The program is easy to install. All you have to do is slide the CD into your computer and the auto-install routine appears. Follow the onscreen instructions and you are all set.

The program is divided into two separate tools — DriveBackup is a drive-imaging tool, while Backup Now is a file-level backup tool. What is the difference between the two tools?

If you want a bit-by-bit picture of your drive so you can move everything to another computer, including the Windows Registry, use DriveBackup. This tool would be the choice in forensic discovery since it captures everything on the drive. On the other hand, if you are worried about losing the “Great American Brief” you have been slaving over for the past week, or all your time and billing records, then Backup Now is the right tool. Backup Now is the tool for periodic backups of your data, whether manual or running on an unattended schedule.

The installation process is short and simple. However, each program requires a separate installation, and a reboot before use. As has been my practice for years, as soon as I install new software on my computer, I go to the “Help” menu to find the link to the vendor’s Web site for any updates or patches, and sure enough, the link to NTI was right there. There was a small update, and it also installed without any problems.

I ran a quick test by backing up a few selected folders. The on-screen instructions were clear and concise. The menu structure clearly labels each step. The responding dialog boxes assure the novice that avoiding sins is easy if you read the prompts. The true test is running the restore routine. Again, this process was smooth as silk. Just click the button, read the simple prompts, select the files or folders to be resurrected, and they arise from the grave.

Next, I conducted a few tests with more bulky files and folders, backing up from my portable computer to my network file server. Boy, is this program fast. Sure, speed in this case is subjective, but I have used a lot of backup tools in the past, and the NTI program really flew.

The software has the ability to handle full, selective, incremental and differential backups. If you don’t know the function of each tool, don’t worry. The manual offers plenty of explanations on how and when to use each one. Best of all, the manual comes in print form and is installed with the program in Adobe Portable Document Format. All of the help tools are well-documented and easily accessible.

For those moving into the DVD realm for storage, NTI reports the software supports DVD-R/RW/-RAM and DVD+R/+RW, CDs and other removeable media. Additionally, the software handles multiple drives during unattended backup.

For example, if you have two CD burners on your computer, you can put a disk in each and instruct the software to start with the first and go to the second when the data needs more space. With file compression, you can get quite a bit of data on two disks. Depending on your network configuration, you might be able to reach across a network to a CD drive on another machine.

Also, the scheduler program allows you to establish an orderly pattern of automated tasks to ensure you have all your critical files safely archived.

The DriveBackup software facilitates the creation of an emergency recovery disk. That is the one feature you really need close at hand when your computer totally blows up and you can’t recover critical information. The recovery disk can be coupled with an image backup to completely restore the computer.

The bottom line is NTI Backup Now Deluxe 3.0 is a solid performer for the solo- and small-firm attorney.

NewTech Infosystems Inc.
(949) 421-0720

www.ntibackupnow.com

Price: $79.99

Windows 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP

Reviewed by Bruce L. Dorner, a solo attorney with his main office in Londonderry, N.H. He is the chairman of the Technology Board of the ABA General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section and a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practitioners (callmylawyer@
attglobal.net).

Oct/Nov '03 Issue

PROS
It works smoothly. The price of the product is fair for a quality product.

CONS
You have to install the two applications separately.

VERDICT
I recommend it. It’s reliable and easy to use.