Don,
Do you happen to know what is the difference between an image copy
and window system backup? I usually run the window system backup
twice a month and I also use it to backup my documents at least
weekly. I have two external hard drive that I make my backups so if
one fails, the other one would be available. It is like having a
backup for a backup.
I have done some restore from the window system backup mainly for my
personal files, but I never have to
use it to restore my computer. In fact, if I have to I wouldn't know
how to bring my computer back to the point of the most recent backup.
I also have Karen's replicator which use for my Word and Excel files.
I usually do a backup whenever I do a lot of changes to my files.
Anyway, I am curious what you or anyone else on the list thinks of
using window system backup. I listened to David's tutorial on image
copy and I have been toying around with the idea to purchase the
software and do an image copy of my computer.
Thanks for any comments,
Lennie
At 04:05 PM 4/22/2009, you wrote:
To be completely safe, you should backup your personal data files on
a regular basis AND also have a baseline full image of your entire
hard disk. The frequency of backing up your personal files depends
on how often the data changes and its importance.
I use Karen's Replicator to backup my personal files each night. It
is free and is located on the Programs page. Each night I copy my
JAWS scripts directories to my Documents folder, copy a folder of
downloads and archives, my Documents folder, and my mail directories
to another computer in our house. Of course, you could also backup
to an external hard drive or an on-line storage service. On-line
storage services are a great idea for dependable storage that is off
site in case off a fire or a natural disaster. It might be a good
idea to keep of your valuable data for safety, even if you make a
local copy. This storage is normally encrypted automatically. Many
services are free for a limited amount of storage and a monthly fee
for more or unlimited storage.
Making a complete image copy of the entire hard disk can make
recovering from a hard disk disaster much easier. You should make
an image of a baseline system. This ideally would be at a time when
your computer has all of your desired programs installed and the
system is stable. With a program like Image for Windows, recovery
can take less than an hour. That includes all programs and settings
back exactly as they were at the time the baseline was taken! Then
you can restore any new personal data from your nightly data backups
performed with Karen's Replicator. You should only need to make a
full image backup when their have been significant changes made to
the system. I anticipate doing this about twice a year. If you
like to experiment with new software, it would be a great idea to
make a baseline before installing the new experimental
software. Then you don't have to worry too much about destroying
your configuration, since it easily can be rolled back in less than
an hour. Some software like from GiveAwayOfTheDay or in my case my
daughter's installation of Spore can not just simply be installed
again. An image restore eliminates these issues. It also is the
best way to get rid of nasty Spyware and Viruses that fight from being removed.
Personally, I have been putting this off for years! There is no
longer any good reasons not to backup anymore with external drives
being so cheap. It is fairly easy to find a 1 Terabyte external
hard disk for less than $100. Normally, creating the image is
easy. Traditionally, the recovery process can be troublesome for a
blind person. The recovery from the backup image files, like an
external hard disk, to your internal hard drive requires booting
from another source, like DOS from a CD. Most of the time there is
no speech available for this process. Dave has a very good tutorial
for using Image for Windows for making there image and performing
the recovery process on the website.
I purchased Image for Windows this week. It includes a copy of
Image for DOS and Image for Linux. The recent Image for Linux
includes a utility to create a Recovery CD that has SpeakUp built
into its Linux kernel. The CD is used to boot from in case of
disaster. With a boot parameter to enable the speech at startup the
recovery process can be accomplished through an easy to use program
which is very similar to the Windows program where the image was
created. It is possible to customize the Recovery CD to make the
speech automatic on boot. I am currently playing with this and
merging Image for Linux with Vinux. Vinux is an amazing
distribution of Linux. Specifically Vinux is a customized
distribution of Ubuntu that is preconfigured for the blind and
visually impaired. I view this as a major breakthrough! Many PC
experts have stated vigorously that the newest Ubuntu is the first
distribution of Linux where it is a viable replacement for Windows!
An ISO file of a complete Vinux Live CD can be downloaded at the
address below. If you burn this to a disk, you can boot and run
this Version of Linux with speech and magnification automatically
enabled without installing any software on your hard drive and test
it out. It also includes a utility to install a copy to a hard
disk, USB drive, or make a customized CD/DVD.
http://vinux.org.uk/
Remember that backing up will save a tremendous amount of headaches later!
Don Marang
----- Original Message ----- From: "Job Hunter" <jobhun...@box547.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Backing Up Files
Try Image for Windows at www.terabyteunlimited.com.
Very good program and works well with Jaws.
John
----- Original Message ----- From: "Rogelio Terrazas"
<rogelio.terra...@gmail.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 3:08 AM
Subject: [Blind-Computing] Backing Up Files
How can I back up all my files in my C drive? In case I ever have
to reinstall my computer. Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.
rogelio.terra...@gmail.com
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To post to this group, send email to
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For help from Mailman with your account Put the word help in the subject
or body of a blank message to:
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Use the following address in order to contact the management team
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If you wish to join the JAWS Users List send a blank email to the
following address:
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Visit the JAWS Users List home page at:
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Address for the list archives:
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or body of a blank message to:
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