Genie Timeline Professional 10

Overview

Genie Timeline Professional is a powerful automatic backup software that scans your computer and external/network drives to keep continually updated versions of your files backed up in a designated location. The most unique aspect of this application is its interactive timeline view that makes it easy to view and restore past backups.

Installation

With a file size of only about 12 MB, this application is easy to download and install, with a setup process that is similar to that of any other basic Windows application. The only challenge involved with the installation is keeping an eye out for third-party applications that may ask to be installed along with Genie Timeline Pro. Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

Interface

The user interface is shockingly simplistic, with three large color-coded icons that provide access to the three main facets of the software – Restore, Manage Backup, and Tools. Upon opening the main window you'll be greeted with a status that indicates what percentage of your computer's files are protected. You can also view the date of the last backup, scheduled date of the next `(including the option to 'run now'), the date your files have been protected since, and the total number of items you've backed up using program. At the very bottom there is a color-coded bar that indicates the percentage of various types of files on a drive.

Pros

• Can be set to automatically backup updated versions of files to designated folders on your computer, external hard drive, or within an online network. The software does this by detecting changes that are made to all types of files (including documents, audio, pictures, and videos)

• Is capable of backing up files contained on any device attached or integrated to your computer, including removable media storage devices like USB drives and external hard drives, and even network drives

• Gives you the option to view your backup files in regular native form, or in encrypted form for more secure viewing

• Quickly restore your computer to a specific date and time using the useful timeline feature

• Three-step configuration process makes it easy for even the most novice users to get started

• Facilitates the process of recovering and restoring older versions of files or deleted files

• Helps save disk space by finding and eliminating duplicate files

• Consumes very little system resources while operating, and can be set to "Power Saving" or "Performance" mode

• Set-it-and-forget-it functionality ensures minimal user input is required after the initial setup is complete

Cons

• The 'System Recovery' option can take a long time to perform a restore operation

• Some types of file extensions are not supported by the intelligent backup feature, so some files may be overlooked during automated backups

Alternatives

There are a number of other applications that give you the ability to manage and create automated backups, including CrashPlan, Acronis True Image Home, Time Machine, Uranium Backup, BackBlaze, and Cobian Backup. Of these competitors, Acronis True Image Home is the most popular solution for the Windows operating system, while Crash Plan is a great cross-platform option, and Time Machine is ideal for Mac users.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy and effective way to keep all of your important data backed up and synchronized, Genie Timeline Professional offers the functionality needed to do so within a simplistic yet intuitive interface.