Data Backup Digest

When it comes to data backup, you’re going to want to ensure that you’ve got a reliable service. Besides, this is your precious data and it’s important to use software that isn’t going to conk out on you unexpectedly. On choosing your backup software, you’ll have to answer the question of whether you want to pay for the software. This article will explore what the common differences are between the two price tags and whether or not it’s worth shelling out cash for the software.
Bear in mind when reading this article that there’s no set features that free backup software has when compared to the paid alternatives. Some of the functionality mentioned below as usually only being on paid software you may indeed find for free. However, these are just things that are more often than not paid privileges.
First of all, perhaps the most common feature for paid backup software is the level of support offered. Although there are other avenues that offer revenue than simply charging for the software, it’s very likely that producing the free software isn’t a particularly financially lucrative venture for the developer. As such, it won’t make much sense for them to put in too much of their time offering support. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen and indeed a lot of free backup software will come with a comprehensive help guide. Some websites will also offer community helpdesks or forums, where users can help each other out from their own good will.
However, users of paid software should expect to receive a much better and more direct support service. It’s usual for those parting with their money to be offered, at the very least, email support. Things like phone support and live chats are an additional added bonus.
Another branch of support that free users might not get is updates. Whether it be fixing bugs, adding features or supporting new operating systems, free software is unlikely to be as updated as often as the paid alternative. Developers will want to keep encouraging people to purchase their software and to do so they will need to stay relevant; there’s less of a draw here if the software is free.
Moving away from support, other feature differences you might notice is that free software will offer only basic backup functionality. If you’re paying then you should come to expect features like automated and scheduled backups, file specific backup, hard disk imaging and hot database backup. Indeed, whether or not these advanced features are needed will depend on the user, but automatic backup is almost a necessity for most.
Ultimately, whether or not you want to pay for your backup utility depends entirely on your needs and what’s being offered by the free program. Do you need all the advanced features that come with paid software? Will you require better support from the developers, or are you capable of fixing things yourself? A lot of paid software comes with a free trial, so it’s definitely worth trying this out first to see whether it’s worth departing with your cash for.