Langmeier Backup FAQ

Difference between file backup and image backup?

File backup

A file backup creates a backup of files and folders, or even complete drives with the files they contain. All files are copied individually to the backup medium and can be restored from there at any time by the user without additional software.

The backed up files are stored in a folder on the backup. The advantage of a file backup is that the backup program itself searches out which files are new or have changed since the last backup. Without the user having to laboriously search for all new files, the backup tool can automatically recognize all changed or newly added files and copy them to the backup medium.

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Image backup

An image backup, however, copies a complete partition and thus all bits and bytes that are stored on a hard disk partition.

An image backup is executed more quickly if a complete partition is backed up. When restoring, the complete partition is restored or the image is mounted as a drive in the Windows workstation. In this way, individual files and folders can be restored from the image backup. An image backup can also be used to reinstall the operating system after a system crash. To do this, the PC must be booted using a bootable emergency medium.

An image backup is suitable for backing up the data of the entire computer in order to restore a quick backup in the event of operating system problems. With an image backup, even crashed servers can be made available again within a short time. However, if you have bought a new computer, it is better to reinstall the operating system and the software used from the original CD instead of importing it from a previously backed up image. If necessary, software downloaded from the Internet can be downloaded from the manufacturer and freshly installed. The advantage is that you get an unfragmented, fresh system that runs faster and is free of viruses and malware.

Conclusion: The self-created and collected data, i.e. your own files and downloads, should be backed up with a file backup - this is the standard data backup mode for Langmeier Backup software. The operating system partition C: is backed up using the image backup. In Langmeier Backup the image backup is also called hard disk image backup. Read here how to create an image backup of the entire Windows operating system.

about the author
Founder and CEO of Langmeier Software

I don't want to complicate anything. I don't want to develop the ultimate business software. I don't want to be listed in a top technology list. Because that's not what business applications are about. It's about making sure your data is seamlessly protected. And it's about making sure everything runs smoothly while you retain full control and can focus on growing your business. Simplicity and reliability are my guiding principles and inspire me every day.
 

Look it up further: Data backup, Backup, Image backup, Restore data

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Reader comments on Langmeier Backup:

For me, an image also makes sense for private use, not just for servers. For example, in the event of a serious virus attack or if a hard disk is defective.

To protect yourself from mirroring a virus attack, you can always create an image of a fresh installation with all the necessary application programs - i.e. before you let the computer onto the Internet. And then only make incremental images.

I think file backups and images simply serve different purposes and one is as important as the other. It's good when backup software can do both.

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This article covers the topics:
Image Backup
What is an image
Difference between backup and image
Image backup