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Image Backup Software
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File Backup Software
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Time and frequency
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Image backup usually takes comparatively more time. That is why you will not be able to backup your data very often. (-)
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Fast and small backups. You can quickly backup the most important files without wasting time on others. (+)
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Completeness
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Image backup guarantees that ALL the files and settings have been backed up. (+)
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With file backups there is always a chance to forget an important file. (-)
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System restore
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You can easily restore system state to the moment of the last backup without need to reinstall your operational system. (+)
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Global system restore is not possible. In case of global system crash, file backups may be insufficient to restore your system to working condition. (-)
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Reinstalls
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Image has a copy of everything, so you do not have to reinstall any applications. (+)
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Registry and applications settings are not saved, so you may need to reinstall applications and reconfigure system settings. (-)
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Backups portability
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An imaged system may not work on other hardware configuration. (-)
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You can restore your data on a new computer, regardless of its hardware configuration. (+)
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You can also have all the strengths and avoid weaknesses if you use both types. Combination of daily file backup for some frequently changing data and monthly image-based backup to prevent serious system disasters will provide complete security of your data.
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