Norton Ghost 15.0

Overview

If you are looking for a software utility that can guarantee the security of all your data, then you need to look no further than Norton Ghost. This program ensures that the entire array of applications is safely backed up with their latest settings. Moreover, the current files on your system are also saved, even in the eventuality of a power shortage. Norton Ghost provides remote access and offsite backups and enhanced management of your files, whilst also reducing their size. Regardless of whether you want to backup your entire operating system or just specific files, Norton Ghost is the perfect tool for the job. The program comes in the form of a 30-day trial version, with the ability to purchase the full version once the trial has expired. Let’s look at its offering in this quick review!

Installation

The setup kit occupies roughly 119.70MB of your hard drive space. Prior to the installation, Norton Ghost will have a pre-install sequence verifying the compatibility with your system. Once it checks out, you will be prompted to choose whether you want a full or a partial install. The install package includes the actual backup recovery service, the recovery point browser, the user interface, the CD/DVD support and the live update. It is recommended that you choose the full install, unless you are absolutely sure that you do not need a certain feature.

Interface

The interface of Norton Ghost is intuitive and its ingenious icon tray will easily alert non-technical users when they need to take action. However, behind that elegant and friendly software you will find finely tuned options intended for advance users, such as the possibility to make virtual disks run as virtual machines.

Nonetheless, pro and novice users alike will appreciate its spacious menu and submenu sections, especially since it avoids using highly specialized terms to describe what a command does. Therefore, with a little bit of practice, even the most technically impaired person will soon learn how to make backups of a partition or all the hard drives installed, networks drives or USB drives. Besides, on installation you will receive a 200-word user guide that will explain each action in detailed steps.

Pros

It is obvious that the manufacturer has put a lot of effort into optimizing the file and folder backup features, since during expert tests the Norton Ghost was able to fully support complex file structures in the Windows 7 operating system. What is great about it is that it can provide both onsite and offsite support on multiple computers at the same time. In addition, the Norton Ghost is one of the few backup software utilities that provide support for cold imaging as well as Blu-ray discs.

A feature that you will truly appreciate about Norton Ghost is the fact that it includes operating system protection. More exactly, this implies that you will be able to recover the files and folders on your computer even when you cannot start the operating system. This feature is essential for working computers that store a large amount of critical data.

Cons

One of the most common complaints regarding Norton Ghost is that it takes quite a lot of time to finish the backups. Normally the task of creating backups on USB drives, images or Blu-ray discs should not be longer than around 20 minutes. However, it seems that the Norton Ghost failed the speed test and was able to finish the backups in about 32 minutes.

Alternatives

Two of the most similar software that were faster than Norton Ghost on backups were ShadowProtect Desktop and Acronis Backup and Recovery. Whilst Norton makes the backup process simple for everyone, the other two backup and restore utilities required you to have an expert-level knowhow in folder management.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you are an expert or a novice when it comes to folder management and backing up critical data on the computer, the Norton Ghost can meet the expectations of both types of users. It may take a little longer to finish the backups, however, once it is finished you can be sure that your data is safe even if you cannot get the operating system started.