Full Backup

[Azazello1313]

for backing up programs...the best thing to do is just always keep track of the original installation files. back those up and you can always reinstall in case of data loss. backing up the program files directories won't allow you to reinstall the programs, BUT you should back those up to because user files and program data often get stashed away in there.

 

one option, and a good one to look at for continuous back-up is to set up a raid 1 array. which is basically a situation where you have two drives that are constantly identical to one another. if one fails, everything up to the moment of failure is on the other drive. you just put in a new, empty drive, and once everything copies over you're already completely backed up again. now, to do raid 1 internally, you have to have two drives of the same size and speed AND a raid controller. but another option is to buy an external hard drive enclosure with two drives and raid support.

 

raid is unnecessary for most people, but it would solve your problem of continuously backing up your whole "system" (installed programs included). but if you've got all of your installation files saved, you can just get a cheap external USB hard drive or something, which will usually come with software for backing up selected folders that can run either nightly, weekly, or whatever.

 

edit to add: the downside of raid 1 is if you get some sort of virus that infects the hell out of one drive, well, it infects your "backup" too.

Edited March 1, 2010 by Azazello1313

[Ursa Majoris]

You need to figure out what you want your backup strategy to be. Do you want to protect data files that can't be replaced or entire drives and all configured options?

I think Sky has comprehensively answered that. He wants to protect the entire boot drive including OS and all installed programs.

Edited March 1, 2010 by Ursa Majoris