If you’re not familiar with those terms, incremental only backs up files that have changed since the last backup, while differential targets those that have changed since the last full backup. This latest version of the software sports a new, more modern interface, and introduces support for both incremental and differential backups. It’s also possible to create a Windows-based recovery environment on a CD or USB flash drive, which can be used to start your computer for maintenance or recovery purposes. Paragon even lets you save backups to multiple destinations, which is handy in case one backup gets corrupted or fails.

You can run a backup on demand or schedule automatic backups for a date, time and frequency that suits you. Your backups can be saved to various destinations, such as external drives, CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs, and networked locations. It can also create an exact copy of your PC (including all drives), lets you back up recently changed data only and exclude certain file types – such as large videos. Although it’s a cut-down version of the company’s Hard Disk Manager, the program offers a comprehensive collection of backup tools, and can back up entire drives, partitions and personal data – you can select individual files and folders or choose a particular file type.

If you don’t already have a backup plan in place, Paragon’s excellent free software can help. It’s important to back up your personal files, just in case disaster should strike.

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