Handy Backup is a comprehensive backup and recovery software solution designed to protect data by automating the backup process. It is developed by Novosoft LLC and is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. Handy Backup allows users to create and manage backups of important files, folders, systems, databases, and other critical data. It also supports cloud storage integration, ensuring that data is stored safely and can be easily restored if needed.
Key Features of Handy Backup:
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Automated Backup:
- Handy Backup allows users to automate the backup process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Users can set scheduled backup tasks to run daily, weekly, monthly, or at custom intervals.
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Flexible Backup Types:
- The software supports a variety of backup types, including full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups. This flexibility helps to optimize backup storage and time.
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Cloud Backup:
- Handy Backup integrates with popular cloud storage services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and others, enabling users to back up their data to the cloud for added security and off-site storage.
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Backup of Files, Folders, and System Data:
- Users can back up individual files and folders or entire system drives. Handy Backup can create backups of operating systems, applications, settings, and all other files, ensuring that users can restore their system to its previous state in case of failure.
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Backup for Databases and Emails:
- The software supports backup for various database systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and others. It also allows users to back up email data from platforms like Microsoft Outlook, IMAP, and Microsoft Exchange.
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Encryption and Compression:
- To ensure the safety and security of data, Handy Backup offers 256-bit AES encryption to encrypt backup files. It also supports compression to reduce the size of backup files, optimizing storage usage.
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Disk Image Backup:
- Handy Backup supports creating disk images, which capture the entire contents of a hard drive, including the operating system, installed programs, and user files. This feature is ideal for system recovery and migration.
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Versioning:
- Handy Backup allows users to keep multiple versions of backup files. This versioning feature helps users recover previous versions of files in case they need to revert to an earlier state.
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Restoration and Recovery:
- The software provides easy restoration options, allowing users to restore their files or system to a specific point in time. It supports bare-metal recovery, enabling users to restore an entire system to a new drive.
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File Synchronization:
- Handy Backup includes a synchronization feature, allowing users to synchronize files and folders between different locations, such as between a local computer and cloud storage, ensuring that the latest version of files is always available.
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Backup to External Devices:
- In addition to cloud storage, Handy Backup supports backing up data to external devices, including external hard drives, USB drives, and NAS (Network-Attached Storage).
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User-Friendly Interface:
- Handy Backup features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for both beginners and advanced users to configure and manage backup tasks.
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Cross-Platform Support:
- In addition to Windows, Handy Backup also supports Mac OS X and offers a cross-platform solution for backing up data across different operating systems.
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Backup Monitoring and Notifications:
- The software allows users to monitor the progress of backup tasks and receive notifications regarding task status or errors. This feature ensures that users are always informed about the status of their backups.
Pros of Handy Backup:
- Flexible Backup Options: The ability to back up files, system data, emails, databases, and even entire disks gives users comprehensive protection.
- Cloud Integration: Integration with popular cloud services ensures safe off-site backups.
- Strong Encryption and Compression: Data security is enhanced with AES encryption, and backup files are compressed to save space.
- Automated Scheduling: Users can automate backups to run on a schedule, reducing the need for manual intervention.
- Cross-Platform Support: Available for both Windows and Mac, Handy Backup allows users to back up data on different operating systems.
Cons of Handy Backup:
- Paid Software: Handy Backup is not free. While it offers a free trial version, users need to purchase a license to access its full features.
- Limited Cloud Services: Although it supports major cloud storage platforms, some niche services may not be compatible.
- Learning Curve: New users may need some time to fully explore the advanced features of the software, though it is generally user-friendly.
Conclusion:
Handy Backup is a powerful and versatile backup solution that provides a wide range of backup options for both personal and professional use. With support for automated backups, cloud storage integration, disk imaging, and data encryption, it ensures that important files and system data are securely backed up and can be easily restored. Whether you need to back up files, emails, databases, or the entire system, Handy Backup offers a comprehensive solution. However, the paid license may be a consideration for users who are looking for a free alternative, though its wide array of features justifies the investment for users looking for reliable and secure backup software.