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Disk imaging can back up and restore all data on your hard drive. hard drive interior image by Curtis Sorrentino from Fotolia.com Imaging a computer disk creates a full copy of any information on that disk. Creating a disk image differs from other backup methods. Rather than backing up subsets of data or single files, imaging takes a snapshot of all data on your disk--including installed software--allowing you to restore the exact, original state of your computer.
Integrated Disk Imaging
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Windows operating systems released after Vista include the Complete PC Backup utility, which is a simple disk imaging tool. You can access it by clicking "Start," then "All Programs." Next, select "Maintenance," then click "Backup and Restore." Finally, select "Create System Image."
Free Open Source Software
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Clonezilla and DuBaron DiskImage are provided as free open source software (FOSS), which means developers volunteer their time to create it. Often a group of developers work on a project. These programs may have more or different features than free software provided by a for-profit company. FOSS may not offer customer support at the level of a for-profit organization, however, since the developers create these software applications without pay.
Free From Companies
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Macrium Reflect and DriveImageXML provide free disc imaging software for personal use. They do charge, however, for their business-level products. Since these are continually updated and maintained by the companies, you may have greater compatibility with these options. Keep in mind that you may not receive access to some of the premium features--i.e., server integration--with their free options.
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