Computer Backups

[JakeMD 107]

Hey everyone,

I was noticing lately that my laptops battery has been dilapidating to the point where I can un-plug the unit and it dies within minutes. No problem, it's under warranty. I am also getting my screen replaced, also under warranty. I have an Asus N73Jn Core i5, 2.4ghz with 4GB memory and a Nvidia GeForce GT 335m.

Before I send it in I wanted to back up my system - including all drives and partitions. I tried using Windows backup by creating an image of my computer and copying it onto my portable hard drive. The output file size was less than that of the total data I have on my drives: ~165gb. I then used Comodo Backup and got about the same size. I have about 183gb of data stored on various partitions and drives on board.

My question is: Is the backup compressed in any way? I want to be absolutely sure before I send my unit off to California and who knows where else. Thanks for any help, I really do appreciate it!

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Hey everyone,

I was noticing lately that my laptops battery has been dilapidating to the point where I can un-plug the unit and it dies within minutes. No problem, it's under warranty. I am also getting my screen replaced, also under warranty. I have an Asus N73Jn Core i5, 2.4ghz with 4GB memory and a Nvidia GeForce GT 335m.

Before I send it in I wanted to back up my system - including all drives and partitions. I tried using Windows backup by creating an image of my computer and copying it onto my portable hard drive. The output file size was less than that of the total data I have on my drives: ~165gb. I then used Comodo Backup and got about the same size. I have about 183gb of data stored on various partitions and drives on board.

My question is: Is the backup compressed in any way? I want to be absolutely sure before I send my unit off to California and who knows where else. Thanks for any help, I really do appreciate it!

Generally speaking, backups are compressed. I don't use a custom backup program, but the standard archiving program on my O/S. What I usually create is a .tar.gz compressed file. I do not try to save my operating system, but only my user data to a free standing HDD, then I copy the result to a second free standing HDD. All my data is in one partition plus some linked files on the free standing HDD. This operating system (linux) does not have the concept of drives as in windows. My second partition is a test version of the operating system. All of my operating software can be recovered free, on-line, and I have backup installation CD's.

The problem with custom backup systems is that the format sometimes changes between updates, and then you may not be able to retrieve your save.

Considering the cost of laptops, you might consider getting a desktop for home use, and save the laptop for portable requirements such as school or office work.