A file backup creates a backup of files and folders, or even complete drives with the included files. All files are copied individually to the backup media and can be restored from there at any time by the user without additional software.
The backed up files are located on the backup in a folder. The advantage of a file backup is that the backup program itself finds out which files are new or have changed since the last backup. Without the user having to laboriously pick out all the new files, the backup tool can automatically detect any files that have changed or are new and copy them to the backup media.
An image backup, however, copies a complete partition and thus all bits and bytes that are on a hard disk partition.
An image backup is executed faster if you backup a complete partition. When restoring, the complete partition is restored, or the image is mounted in the Windows workspace as a drive. In this way, individual files and folders can be restored from the image backup. An image backup can also be used to reload 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 complete computer in order to restore a quick backup in case 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 them from a previously backed up image. If necessary, software downloaded from the Internet can be downloaded from the manufacturer and thus freshly installed. As an advantage, 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. the My Documents and downloads , should be backed up with a file backup - this is the default data backup mode with the Langmeier Backup software. You back up the operating system partition C: with the help of the image backup. In Langmeier Backup, image backup is also called hard disk image backup. Read here how to create an image backup of the whole Windows operating system.
About the Author Urs Langmeier 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 maintain full control and focus on growing your business. Simplicity and reliability are my guiding principles and inspire me every day.
But an image also makes sense for me in the private sector, not only for servers. For example, in case of a serious virus attack or if a hard drive is defective.
To protect yourself from mirroring a virus attack, you can always create an image of a fresh installation with all necessary application programs - that is, before you let the computer on the Internet. And after that you only make incremental images.
I think file backups and images serve different purposes and one is as important as the other. It's good when backup software can do both.
But an image also makes sense for me in the private sector, not only for servers. For example, in case of a serious virus attack or if a hard drive is defective.
To protect yourself from mirroring a virus attack, you can always create an image of a fresh installation with all necessary application programs - that is, before you let the computer on the Internet. And after that you only make incremental images.
I think file backups and images serve different purposes and one is as important as the other. It's good when backup software can do both.