User manual

A sector-based backup operates with an image (or a snapshot) of the whole disk system or its separate partitions. It not

only includes the contents of all user-made files, but additionally contains the exact structure of directories, information

about file allocation, file attributes and other related data. Thus it enables to successfully process system or encrypted

partitions of any file system type, no matter what kind of information they contain.

In contrast, a file-based backup takes into account a file system structure and only functions on a file or folder level. So

it is very efficient when archiving separate files or folders, but in no way will help you back up a system partition.

You should understand pretty well that each of the two approaches is only good when properly chosen. In the

comparison table below you can see when this or that approach will suit you at most.

Sector-Based Backup File-Based Backup

Merits

It does not dependent on a particular file system.

Thus it can successfully process system or

encrypted partitions of any file system type, no

matter what kind of information they contain.

Functioning on a file/folder level, it is ideal for

archiving separate files or folders.

It can create an exact image of a partition,

including its service data. Thus it is ideal for a

backup/restore of a system partition or a fast

deployment to a bunch of identical computers.

It enables to automatically build up contents of

the future backup image by using an advanced

system of filters.

It allows archiving data of the same volume with

different backup policies.

It is easy and efficient when creating backup

chains.

Demerits

Resulted backup images may contain a lot of

redundant data.

It depends on a file system structure, so you

won’t be able to process unknown file systems.

It is ineffective when trying to maintain a backup

chain, especially when little amount of data is

being changed.

It cannot be used to back up a system partition.

It is much slower when processing large amount

of data.

Backup Types

At the present moment the market is offering various types of backup imaging to meet the needs of any user. Besides

supporting them all, our program offers a unique backup type, called File Increment to a Sector Backup.

Full and Differential Sector Backups

A full sector-based backup image includes all contents of a partition or a hard disk at the moment of its creation. If you

roll back your system to the initial state on a regular basis, that’s exactly what you’re looking for. But if you want to have

multiple backup archives of the same partition reflecting certain time stamps, unchanged data will inevitable be