Upgrade Report
September 7th, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Upgrade tips, tricks, and how-to's that will help you get the most
from your existing computer gear.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
KINGSTON
$28.99 for 256MB SecureDigital, $55.99 for 512MB Compact Flash. Plus
Free Shipping! Check out more offers at www.shop.kingston.com.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754896/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
September 7th, 2004
GeekTech: New App Makes Backups Easier
Sr. Assoc. Ed. Tom Mainelli
Everybody knows you should back up the important data on your PC
often. In fact, if I stacked up all the issues of PC World magazine
that recommend this important task at least once, the pile would
eventually collapse--trapping the smaller members of our staff
underneath.
You get the picture.
Unfortunately, backing up is a tedious, sometimes lengthy process. And
when you're done, your PC doesn't actually go any faster. So where's
the fun in that?
Well, actually, the fun is in still having all your important
data--from family photos to MP3s to financial info--in the unhappy
event your PC goes kaput.
There are lots of ways to back up your hard drive, many of them free.
For a sampling of free programs, browse "Utilities To Back Up Your
Data":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754897/0/
We recently reviewed a range of backup options, from simple backup
programs to full-blown drive-imaging software. There's a chart
comparing the packages, with links to reviews, at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754898/0/
I've always preferred to use drive-imaging software. As luck would
have it, that method just got a little bit easier thanks to a new
product from Symantec. More on that in a minute.
What's a Drive Image?
But first, a brief primer on imaging: A drive image is essentially a
snapshot of your hard drive. More specifically, it's an extremely
detailed representation that contains every single bit of data that
you'd find on the original drive. You take this image, compress it,
and then store it someplace safe--on another hard drive, a CD or DVD,
a backup tape, whatever. Should disaster strike and your original
drive is destroyed, you simply put the imaged version on a new drive
and you're back in business.
There are lots of other things you can do with drive-imaging software.
For example, if you're like me and you love to run a PC with a cleanly
installed operating system, you can create backups after reinstalling
Windows. That way you can always go back to that happy time before
some poorly designed program starting slowing down everything. I
covered this topic in depth in "How to Keep Your OS Springtime Fresh":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754899/0/
Until recently, my favorite drive-imaging software was PowerQuest's
Drive Image 7. Then Symantec, which owned a less-satisfying imaging
product called Norton Ghost, bought PowerQuest and I figured that was
the end of Drive Image. Happily, I was wrong. Symantec's $70 Norton
Ghost 9 looks an awful lot like what could have been Drive Image 8,
and it makes creating backups easier and noticeably quicker.
For a review of Drive Image 7, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754900/0/
Read "Skip Norton Ghost 2003" to see why we thought an earlier version
of Norton Ghost wasn't up to snuff:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754901/0/
Getting Incremental
One of the drawbacks of Drive Image 7 was it could only take a full
snapshot of your drive. In other words, if you used the software to
back up your hard drive, then added another file to the drive, you had
to create another full image to include the new data. That could be a
pain. For example, doing a full image of my one-third-full 30GB
Windows XP partition using Drive Image 7 takes upwards of 15 minutes
with the data verification feature turned on, and the result is a
7.6GB file.
Norton Ghost 9 adds incremental backups, and that's a huge
improvement. Basically this feature lets you add subsequent changes to
a base image. First you create a full snapshot. The next time you
create a backup, the software images only the changes you've made.
This saves time because most incremental backups take just minutes.
Each incremental backup holds only the changes you've made--but when
you restore to a particular file, it uses all the previous files to
create the full image. If you're like me and you want to save multiple
variations of your image, this can save you lots of storage space over
time.
Also, since incremental backups are quick and easy to do, you're more
likely to do them more often. In fact, you can schedule these
incremental backups to happen once a month, once a week, or even
multiple times during the day. Since the process doesn't take long,
you won't mind the slight performance slowdown that occurs if the PC
performs an incremental backup while you're using it. (You can turn
off this feature during long bouts of Doom 3.)
With a product this easy to use, there's no excuse for not backing up.
Restoring those images is simple. You can easily bring back a non-OS
drive or partition from within Windows. But what if you're restoring
your operating system partition? Norton Ghost's updated restore
environment makes that easier than ever, too. You just boot your PC
from the Ghost CD into Symantec's Windows XP-like interface, where
you'll find easy access to your backup images as well as a host of
other Symantec extras including a basic version of Norton Disk Doctor
and even a virus scanner.
Not a Perfect Ghost
I should note that while a beta copy of Norton Ghost 9 has certainly
won me over, it has aspects I really don't like.
First and foremost: Like most Symantec products, this one requires
activation. Piracy stinks, but activation is annoying.
Second, like PowerQuest's Drive Image 7, Norton Ghost 9 forces you to
install Microsoft's .Net framework, which I'm not crazy about.
Symantec says it uses the .Net framework "because it's quickly
becoming a standard technology that most Windows applications will use
in the future."
Finally, this program is for Windows XP and Windows 2000 only. So if
you're thinking about doing yet another clean install of Windows ME, I
guess you're out of luck--in so many more ways than one.
Norton Ghost 9 is far from the only game in town when it comes to
drive-imaging. In fact, some of my technically inclined friends have
voiced a preference for Acronis True Image 7. Acronis--which has
offered incremental backups for some time--just launched True Image 8
for $50. Before I plunk down my money to buy the final version of
Norton Ghost 9, I may have to give that one a spin, too.
For pricing on Norton Ghost 9, go to our Product Finder:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754902/0/
For a review of Acronis True Image 7, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754903/0/
Have a question or comment? Write to Tom Mainelli:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Read Tom Mainelli's regularly published "GeekTech" columns:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/239026/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* PhotoImpact XL *
PhotoImpact XL is a complete image editing application that lets users
enhance digital photos, create stunning graphics and produce
high-impact Web pages. The software makes it easy to acquire, enhance
digital photos and apply professional digital photography filters and
effects. Theres no need to purchase additional media management
software, PhotoImpact XL includes Photo Explorer 8 to organize and
manage images with useful features such as memory card detection,
auto-file rename, and keyword search and rating. Try it here. PC World
newsletters subscribers: To get a special $30.00 discount, register
PhotoImpact XL before Sep 30, 2004.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754875/0/
* Ricochet Lost Worlds: The most dazzling brick-busting game ever! *
With stunning visuals and sound effects, realistic and gripping
soundtrack and compelling level design, Ricochet Lost Worlds has
already become one of the most addictive game ever made for Windows
XP. This remarkable breakout action game will entertain your whole
family for hours on end! Throw into the mix a slew of innovative
power-ups, a new "Ring Game" and a level editor which lets you make
your own levels and you have an unbeatable combination. Try download
this brick-busting game... it's a blast! Chosen as a previous Windows
XP Shareware Pick of the Week.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754876/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* Apps to Organize Your Digital Photos
Here's an overview of three new programs that promise easier image
management.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754877/0/
* Gateway Debuts Cool New PC
Desktop features BTX motherboard for improved airflow.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754878/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Eliminate Duplicate Files on Your Hard Drive
Hard disk space may be cheap, but don't use that as an excuse for
cluttering your PC. Eliminate duplicate files with these tools.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754879/0/
System Cleaner v4.94c
Free space on your hard drive by removing duplicate and unneeded
files.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754880/0/
CloneMaster v2.19
Find and delete duplicate files on your hard drive.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754881/0/
Jv16 Power Tools v1.4.1.248
Clean up your registry, eliminate duplicate files and generally clean
your PC's clock.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/979/0/
Check Identical Files v2.12
Delete duplicate files on your hard drive, but preserve at least one
of the duplicates.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754882/0/
TreeSize Professional v3.03
Hunt down space-hogging files, chart their hard drive use, and
calculate their compression rates.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754883/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754879/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* First Look: Rio's Hot New Carbon MP3 Player
Supersleek 5GB digital audio player is set to challenge Apple's IPod
Mini.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754884/0/
Check the latest prices on MP3 Players:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/237684/0/
* First Look: HP's Media-Savvy DV1000 Notebook
Well-designed notebook lets you play movies and music sans Windows.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754885/0/
Check the latest prices on Notebooks:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/83/0/
* First Look: T-Mobile Sidekick II
The one-time World Class Product of the Year PDA gets a much-needed
upgrade.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/754886/0/
Check the latest prices on PDAs:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/515758/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/86/0/
=====================================================================
* PCWorld.com's New Bargain Finder!
PCWorld.com has launched a new service that offers a daily list of hot
bargains on computer gear, gadgets and other cool stuff. Youll find
deals that combine coupons, rebates, discounts and free shipping.
There are closeouts, price reductions and special offers, all in an
easy-to-scan format. Our deal spotters have a special knack for
finding the products you may want to own at pretty unbelievable
prices. A fresh list of deals is posted every day. Some of these deals
only last a day or two so be sure to come by often; you never know
what youre going to find there.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/516495/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Shop Now Online
*XEROX
Get productivity to burn, without burning a hole in your budget. Enter
to win a 50" HDTV or a Xerox Phaser(R) 8400 Color Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Picks and Promotions *
* PC World Magazine: Get 15 free Power Guides instantly plus Bonus
CD-ROM!
Get 2 trial issues of PC World--the world's leading monthly computer
publication. Plus, you'll get PC World's 15 Power Guides and Bonus
CD-ROM free when you enter your trial subscription! Order now to
receive this exclusive Power Guide Collection from our award-winning
editors. Here's what you'll get--Upgrading Your PC,
Multimedia/Gaming, PC Hardware, A Trouble-Free PC, Windows XP, The
Internet, Using Windows and more! Don't delay. Order today.
[Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to view Power
Guides.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/216/0/
* Save 15% on Steve Bass's PC Trouble-shooting Book
O'Reilly and PC World are pleased to present a book by PC World
contributing editor Steve Bass, "PC Annoyances, How to Fix the Most
Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer." PC World newsletter
subscribers get 15% off the cover price, *and* a free Windows Secrets
Super Guide PDF download.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/601321/0/
* Find Hot Spots
Use this free PCWorld.com service to locate Wi-Fi hot spots around the
corner or across the globe. Search by address, browse a map, check
pricing, search the U.S. by Zip Code and more.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/2628/0/
=====================================================================
* Newsletter Subscriber Services *
If you cannot "click" on the links in this newsletter, please try
copying the complete URL and pasting it into your browser's address
field.
--To unsubscribe from this or all newsletters, to sign up for new
newsletters or to change your newsletters format from text-only to
HTML, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/19/0/
--To change the e-mail address to which we send your PC World e-mail
newsletters, please visit our change of address form at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/20/0/
--PC World will occasionally send e-mail announcements of special
deals, new products, and other third party product and service offers
to newsletter subscribers and PCWorld.com Registered Members who have
asked to receive them. To update your preferences and be excluded from
these mailings, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/146/0/
If you have questions or comments regarding PC World e-mail newsletter
subscriptions, please contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Interested in PC World RSS feeds? Please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/213949/21421682/66/0/
PCWorld.com newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet
which are owned and operated by third parties. PC World
Communications, Inc., is not responsible for the availability of, or
the content located on or through, any such third-party site.
2004 PC World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of PC World Communications, Inc., is prohibited. PC World
is a registered trademark of International Data Group, Inc. All other
trademarks used on PC World and PCWorld.com are the property of their
respective owners. PC World Communications, Inc., 501 2nd St., San
Francisco, CA 94107.
---
You are currently subscribed to upgrade_report_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kumpulan/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
