Backup Freeware Review

Backup freeware is indispensable for all pc users, backup your system, file, folders, and even network shared files to CD, DVD, or other removable storage device. Restore the backup image file to get back your data when your computer suffers from various disasters.

Having tested several different backup freeware I decided to write this review. The review below will give you some personal use experience of several backup freeware.

Macrium Reflect Free

This freeware is about 31 MB, it's small and exquisite. The GUI is simple and professional, but little hard to make decisions when operate with it. It supports Windows XP/Vista/7.

When I install the program, it did confuse me a bit. First, this freeware gave me a confirmation number which was supposed to be of a purchasing program. The interface is intuitive, you can easily find options for disk images, partitions, XML definitions, and scheduled backups. The whole backup process is smooth. It can support backing up to local hard disk, CD, DVD, and network. Before processing, you can make a general survey of your backup including backup type, destination, compression type, and password protection. Since it has been free, I can have a good understanding of the limited functionality.

The most frustrating thing is that this program slows my computer while it works. I can't even to do simple browse. All I can do is to stare at the backup process and wait till the end of the backup.

Refer to the difference in feature between Macrium Reflect Free and EaseUS Todo Backup Free.

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free

This freeware is over 90 MB, I wait quite a long period of time to download it. It has relatively less downloads on download site. Its newest version offers some features which have already been released by other freeware. Anyway, it can meet your basic demand to make control of your PC's safety.

Personally I think the installing process is a tedious work. If it's really a freeware, why do I need to give you email to get the product key and serial number. I feel cheated when I register to get the serial number.

The program is well-designed and good looking, while, besides a plain vanilla backup/restore, other features are complicated to understand. I feel a little confused that what if I want to backup single files and folders? I only find partition backup at the interface. However, the wizard of each feature is intuitive and the whole program is easy to use.

EaseUS Todo Backup Free

EaseUS Todo Backup Free is the most-downloaded backup freeware on the download site comparing with the last two backup freeware. I download its newest version which is declared that it is the world's first freeware for both home and business users with complete and powerful functions.

Comparing with its former Home version, this free version adds many advanced functions for business users. But I think it's not so good for business. This freeware still needs improvement on some details. Such as the backup image file name, difficult to understand.

Anyway it is excellent for personal use, it has friendly user interface. The basic backup and restore feature can be easily found. The separation of file backup and disk/partition backup is the most convenient setting for me. Two things set this freeware apart from many other backup utilities: easy-to-use interface and its wizard-based operation. Colorful, large, clearly labeled buttons and icons make it easy for even new computer owners to use.

Tips to choose a good backup freeware

Ease of use - simplified GUI, easy to understand terminology, wizards that help select commonly backed up files, etc.
Can you easily find what you need at the interface?
Good balance of functionality and features without over burdening the user.
Backups should be automatically verified for integrity, and the user should be notified.