No matter how many backup programs I review, there always seems to be another one coming down the pike. Some, such as Backup4All, are even worthwhile. A capable and nicely thought out application, Backup4All backs up files on the file-level, i.e., using the operating system’s file structure. It also avoids the normal file-level gotcha by utilizing the Windows Volume Shadow Copy service to back up all those Word, Excel, and email files you may have left open when you called it a day.
Though it’s a bit technical in spots, Backup4All’s interface is friendly without being pedantic. You can design jobs yourself or have a wizard hold your hand. It also has nearly all the features you’ll find in products such as Retrospect and NovaBackup Professional: variable compression, AES encryption, full, incremental, and differential backups, as well as support for FTP and CD/DVD.
My only issue is with Backup4All is the price. With NovaBackup Professional offering both file-level backup and imaging at the same price point, it’s difficult to recommend a one-trick pony like this. However, backup programs are like shoes: Some fit some people better than others. I like Backup4All. Take it for a spin before you decide on a backup strategy.