NovaBackup for PC Review

Full review

Installed on millions of computers and servers throughout the world, NovoStor products cater to the data-backup needs of a wide variety of users. From computer novices to experienced IT professionals, all types of people utilize NovoStor software to protect their important data. NovoBACKUP PC was designed for home users, so we decided to test it on one of our systems with fairly average specifications.

Setup

The installer for NovaBACKUP PC is over 150MB, so be prepared for a fairly large download. Once installed, the software will take up about 300MB of space, so also be sure that you have enough free space on your hard drive. In addition to space requirements, this software needs at least 512MB of memory to run smoothly. On our test computer, which met all system requirements, NovaBACKUP installed without any issues in about five minutes.

When first started up, NovaBACKUP PC is split into simple and advanced views. However, it is not immediately obvious that the advanced view exists. Regardless, the simple view will definitely appeal to those who are not familiar with backup software; it is clean and simple, which makes it easier to start performing backups without much fuss.

Backup

Performing backups with NovoBACKUP PC is fairly easy. There are plenty of helpful wizards for both novice and advanced users that explain the process of performing backup and restoration procedures. The backup wizard, the best wizard to start with, will guide users through a backup operation, which can also be saved for future use. Users have the option to backup the contents of an entire drive, an entire folder, or individual files. Once users have selected files for backup, they must select their backup destination. The software will back up to almost any device, including CDs, DVDs, local and network drives, and FTP servers. Users can configure NovaBACKUP to perform backups at regular intervals.

System performance

When it is not backing up data, NovoBACKUP PC sits quietly in the background where it uses hardly any resources. When it is working to backup files, it does cause some slight slowdown, but it is still possible to work on a system with decent specifications during the backup process. Regardless, since data backups can be scheduled, most users can easily perform their backups at times when they are not working on their computers.

Restore

When it is not backing up data, NovoBACKUP PC sits quietly in the background where it uses hardly any resources. When it is working to backup files, it does cause some slight slowdown, but it is still possible to work on a system with decent specifications during the backup process. Regardless, since data backups can be scheduled, most users can easily perform their backups at times when they are not working on their computers.

Features

Virus scanning - This is one of the few backup programs that offers virus scanning. Virus scanning automatically occurs while backup procedures are in place.

Scheduling - There are plenty of backup scheduling options available. Users can configure NovaBACKUP PC so that email confirmations are sent every time a backup has been performed successfully.

Business use – NovaBACKUP PC is ideal for small businesses because it can be used to backup files to as many as five Microsoft Exchange servers. It can also be used to backup files to SQL servers.

Ease of use

NovaBACKUP PC has always been considered a pretty powerful backup utility, but its interface has often been knocked because of its unappealing look and confusing layout. In this latest version, the interface has been vastly improved, and most users will find that this software is now far easier to use. However, even with all of its improvements, the interface may still be difficult for novice users to navigate through.

Help & support

On the NovaStor website, there is plenty of support information available. This information comes in the form of FAQs and forums. Also, if help is needed while using NovaBACKUP PC, users can easily access the online help files by clicking on the help link located at the bottom of the software's main window. Unfortunately, users who need extra support will have to pay for it because NovoStor does not offer free customer support.

Overall

Several competing products have been released recently, but NovaBACKUP PC 19 has managed to remain one of the most powerful backup tools. Its latest release includes several useful backup features and a new, improved interface. While this software is not perfect, it is clean, effective and reliable.