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LI Utilities WinBackup
Just last week we took a look at LI Utilities' SpeedUpMyPC and determined that it should be called SlowDownMyPC. Today we are looking at another software title from LI Utilities, one that actually proves useful. The Package When I received the package from LI Utilities, WinBackup was inside a padded envelope. Upon opening the envelope I found a very attractive CD case with the logo and title, as well as the features which can be found on the back side. When you pry open the CD case you will find inside a User's Manual, your Registration Information, and the CD. The User's Manual has all the information inside that you could need. If you have any questions while using the software, you can easily find the answer inside this manual. The Registration Information sticker is very important, without this you can not install the software, so make sure you keep it in a safe place. I chose to stick it on the front of the User's Manual inside the CD case, where I would likely look for it later. Now that we know the package looks good, and we know what is inside, let's install the software!     Installation Installation is extremely easy, you will be prompted for information step by step. I have included some pictures of the setup process for those who need it. For those who don't, skip to the next section...           Using WinBackup Now that WinBackup is installed, open 'er up! When I start WinBackup, it takes me a little less than a minute to get it up and ready. I am testing this software on a system with the following specs: M7VIG, XP 2100+, 512MB PC2100, Seagate Barracuda IV 80GB 2MB cache, GF4 TI4200, SB Live! 5.1. I can not say for sure that you will have slow start times, but don't worry if it takes a couple minutes to load, it isn't frozen. It would be nice if it would start faster, but it's not a huge deal so let's move on... Once WinBackup has loaded, you will see a wizard pop up. I have a barrage of images below, showing you each step the wizard points out. To get a better view of each step in the wizard, click on the thumbnails and a 1280x1024 image will open up.                Features WinBackup comes packed with plenty of features to make backing up your files as easy and stress-free as possible. If you so chose, you may set a password so you can not restore a backup without that password. You may also schedule backups so that you do not have to be present. This is great for small businesses that need to be up important data on a weekly basis. You can set the schedule so that it backs up your files when you are out of the office, or while you are sleeping at your desk at nap-time. The program is very easy to use and even makes it easy to backup hard to find data such as emails, address book, internet favorites, and more. WinBackup also displays real-time size estimations of folder sizes and backup size to help you optimize your backup. Yet another great feature is the optional password protection that lets you keep your data secure and the built-in 128 or 256 bit AES Encryption. In case something goes wrong during the backup process, the software even has detailed backup and error logs. Testing To test WinBackup, I decided to backup the most important thing on my computer, all TheTechlounge files! I have dozens of reviews on my HDD, and a lot of pictures as well. If I was to lose this information I would not have another copy other than the ones online. Having important files online is never something you want to have to count on, hosts go down and have problems at the worst times, you should always have a local copy of your important files. Locating and selecting which files I wanted to backup took me just a few seconds, and then I chose to burn the backup onto CD. Depending on the amount and size of the files you need to backup, you may want to backup to a DVD, or even better, a tape drive. Next, I clicked on Run Backup. Now you just sit back and wait. The backup process is relatively short, considering I backed up all my important files (127MB on disk) in just over 4 minutes, including encryption and burning on CD. Once the CD was burned, I decided to test the other end of backing up, restoring. To restore the files, I put the CD back in, opened ThetechLounge.wbb, and selected the folders I wanted to restore. I then went to the settings and chose to overwrite all files, and then I hit the restore button. In no time at all, my files were fully restored. Conclusion WinBackup has proven to be a very useful program that quickly and effectively backs up your important data. WinBackup is packed with features such as step-by-step wizards, eye-pleasing graphical user interface, Password Protection and Encryption, Backup and Error logs. and a Built-in Scheduler. If you are looking for a great way to backup your data at a great price, I would very highly recommend LI Utilities' WinBackup. Pros Intuitive design with eye-pleasing graphics Step-by-step wizard Backup scheduler Password protection 128 or 256 bit AES encryption Real-time size estimations for backup optimization Money-back guarantee Cons May load slowly Doesn't make you cookies while it slowly loads
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