Live File Backup 2.37

Overview

Live File Backup is a fully-featured data backup software, but unlike other software of the same kind there is one main difference that distinguishes it from them. This program continuously monitors your computer while you work and backups up your data at real time, thus dropping the chance of data loss during power failure or virus attacks to zero. These backups not only can be saved locally, but also on external storage devices or over a network. It has countless functions that make it possibly one of the best data backup programs available.

Installation

To install Live File Backup you just need a computer with a Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista or 7 operating system installed. RAM and disk space requirements are really insignificant, as it needs 8MB and 4MB respectively. The setup process is pretty much straightforward and finishes quickly, without asking you to make any configurations during the steps. It is also clean from any kind of malware or spyware, therefore it is safe to download and install.

Interface

When it is running, Live File Backup appears as a system tray icon. Depending on its state (active/inactive/paused) a different icon is shown. By right-clicking on the icon you can change the state, view the help files or go to the settings menu. In there you will find a wide range of options to configure, such as source directories, the target directory to save backups to, recovery and schedule options etc.

Pros

While monitoring and updating the backups without a break, it saves open files as well. So if you are working on a project in Microsoft Word and suddenly the power goes off, the document has already been backed up by Live File Backup and you continue your work from where you left it.

You can set any connected storage device as a source directory. That means that your files in USB flash disk, external hard drive, iPod are all being monitored and backup up in real-time.

Excluding certain file types from being backed up is also possible, because there might be files that you don’t to be monitored. The files that you do backup can be compressed though to save space in the directory your backups are kept. You have the option to password-protect those backups to keep your files safe.

Instead of having the program constantly backup your files, you can set it to do this task at scheduled times.

Cons

The unregistered version is quite limited to only one hour of use, backups are deleted after two days and only 5 backup versions are kept but this is enough to get a taste of what this software is capable of.

Alternatives

Acronis True Image Home is a well-known file backup solution for home pc users which is friendly and easy to use. It has many features that push it straight to the top, like full disk backup, a Secure Zone function that stores the backup on a separate partition to recover it even if the operating system has failed, file synchronization between computers and devices and many others.

Genie Timeline Free is a free live backup program that lets you create backups in just a few clicks. It then monitors your computer and regularly updates the backups to have all your files secure.

Conclusion

This valuable shareware by Infonautics is a great way to guard your data while working. The features it offers are so many that you won’t ever have the need for more. Highly recommended.