Users should be aware that there are 2 versions of Handy Backup out there, due to a 10 year trademark battle over the Handy Backup name. The bottom line is this: make sure you’re getting it from handybackup.net and not handybackup.com (unless you like using 6 year old software!). The newer version is much, much better…as you can see in this review.
Pros
- Supports file and folder backup
- Supports full disk imaging (Pro version only)
- Multiple online backup providers to choose from
- Good for small business and those with MySQL, Oracle, and MS Exchange (server editions only)
Cons
- Default online backup service is expensive
The Bottom Line
Handy Backup can backup just about anything, including your entire hard drive. And with multi-cloud, you can choose your own online backup provider.
Backing Up
When first started, the Handy Backup startup wizard will guide you through your first backup.
I liked how the software automatically selected the most common folders for backup: Desktop, Documents, Music, etc.
Handy Backup automatically selects the most common folders.
You can select more, but those are just the defaults. You can then choose to back up now or do it later.
Handy Backup supports incremental backups by default, which only back up changes to files rather than the whole file. It can also do full backups and differential backups.
Compression and encryption are supported, as is scheduling the backups. There are a number of advanced settings available, for those that want them.
Advanced settings include version rotation settings to delete old backups.
In testing, Handy Backup had no trouble backing up my files. How about restoring?
Restoring
To restore files, I right clicked on the folder I wanted to restore and clicked “Restore”. You can also create a restore task using File > New Task, but this way is much faster.
Before restoring, Handy Backup warned me: “Some recent modifications can be lost. Are you sure you want to perform restore operation?” – whatever that means.
Vague error message notwithstanding, the software restored my files quickly and easily.
Features
Synchronization
You can synchronize data between two locations. For instance, your home and office computer. Data can be copied in one direction, or mirrored between both locations.
Recovery Drive Creation
This lets you create a USB recovery drive so you can perform disaster recovery – restoring data outside of your operating system. Handy Backup makes it easy to create one, just a few clicks and it’s done. Note: CD/DVD is not supported, only flash and USB drives.
Full Disk Imaging
Backup and recover your entire hard drive. The software needs to be run as administrator, a minor annoyance.
Online Backup
Handy Backup uses their own HBDrive.com as the default online backup service. The price is $44/month for 100GB of storage, which is extremely expensive. You can also choose from: Amazon S3, Box, iDrive, and others.
Support
The Handy Backup website includes a user manual and a FAQ. I like that Novosoft doesn’t charge extra for support. If you buy the software, you get free support for life. You can contact them via:
- Phone
- MSN/Skype/ICQ
Novosoft has a guaranteed response time of 2 days for trial users. Users of the paid software get support in 24 hours. Premium support (+$59/year) subscribers get a response within 12 hours, along with the option to get help via remote desktop.
P.S. If you decide to buy Handy Backup, mention the keyword backupreview42 to Novosoft after ordering, will you? It gives me a small commission (don’t worry – it doesn’t affect your price) and helps support this site. I would appreciate it!
| Specifications | |
| Product Name | Handy Backup |
| Version | 7.3.5 |
| License | Shareware |
| Price | $99 |
| Operating Systems | Window |
| Backup Types | |
| Files and Folders | |
| Full Disk Image | |
| Incremental | |
| Differential | |
| Backup Destinations | |
| Hard Drive | |
| Removable Media | |
| Network Shares | |
| Blu-ray | |
| CD/DVD | |
| FTP | |
| SFTP | |
| Online Storage | |
| Features | |
| Compression | |
| Encryption | |
| Email Notifications | |
| Error Handling | |
| File Versioning | |
| Priority Setting | |
| Scheduling | |
| Speed Limiting | |
| Synchronization | |
Geoff Akerlund
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