How else can you back up computer files?
Hard drive or disk cloning is a method of copying or duplicating the exact content of one computer’s hard drive to another hard drive using cloning software. This process can be made directly from one hard disk to another hard disk. The main purpose of this is to retrieve or restore any lost data or to save the entire content of the disk to another disk.
The traditional way of copying or moving one’s document to another is by dragging files to other location or folder. But by doing that, you’re only copying the visible content and not including those hidden files. On the other hand, disk cloning includes copying even the hidden files.
There are lots of cloning disk software available on the internet, some are free to download (freeware) and some you have to purchase depending on the brand.
But before you choose what software to use, consider the following important issues:
- What are the common uses of a cloning software that you’re going to buy? Is it capable of rebooting and restoring files, of upgrading hard drive and doing full system backup and full system recovery?
- How does this software works? Is it easy to use or not?
- What is the history of the software? Do some research if possible.
- What is its post-cloning operations and its operating environment?
- Is it capable of image transfer and manipulation?
The above must be considered before choosing the best cloning software that will work for you. But for me if you’re going to ask me what the best cloning software is, I have picked four popular cloning software such as Clonezilla, ODIN (Open Disk Imager in a Nutshell), Paragon Backup & Recovery, and Acronis True Image Home (free trial available).
Clonezilla
Clonezilla is a free software used in cloning hard drive. It can create a copy of your hard drive literally in about 15 minutes per 40 gigabyte hard drive. This process can save you time instead of reinstalling the operating system if ever there will be a problem in your computer system. There are two forms of Clonezilla software, the Clonezilla Server Edition (SE) and Clonezilla live.
ODIN
ODIN, acronym for Open Disk Imager in a Nutshell is an open source software used for cloning hard disk. It is open source because it is free to be used by anyone without paying any bucks. It completely supports all kinds of windows system whether 32 bit or 64 bit. This software doesn’t need to be installed because it can run even from the external hard drive.
Paragon & Acronis
Paragon Backup and Recovery & Acronis True Image have almost same processes in doing backups. They create exact copy of any parts of the computer files whether a system file, partition, or folders are selected. They also duplicate and transfer the whole contents of the hard drive from one hard drive disk to another.
All hard drive cloning software will be a wonderful tool for you to back up computer files and safe keep your important data in case of loss.