Manage Your Backup (1/2)
Sunnysoft Backup Manager v4.0
INTRODUCTION
According to Wikipedia, there are two primary reasons to perform a backup: to restore a computer to an operational state following a disaster and to restore small numbers of files after they have been accidentally deleted or corrupted. Two major types of backup processes exist: image and file. An image backup is usually a complete snapshot of the computer's data including operating system information, while a file backup contains just a selection of data files.
Every Windows Mobile user carries around important data, I frequently describe the data on my T-Mobile MDA as my "life". The risk of not performing some form of backup can lead to many frustrating hours of forensic reconstruction of one's data. In the Windows Mobile environment, there are two forms of backup technologies available. The first is the use of desktop and Exchange ActiveSync to secure a copy of data files, notes, emails, calendar items, contacts, and tasks. The second is to use a specialized application which provides options for image and file backups, as well as ease of use and security features. pocketnow.com last reviewed one these applications; Sprite Software Backup 5 here. Sunnysoft s.r.o, a Microsoft Gold certified partner, has just released version 4.0 of their Backup Manager. Let's see how well it does at protecting our "life".
WHAT'S HOT
The key features of the Sunnysoft Backup Manager version 4.0 are:
- Simple and Advanced backup modes
- Backup according to the battery status
- Customizable backup schedule
- Backup file compression
- Self extracting backup file
- Backup password protection option
- Backup of all user created files including files in ROM storage and Memory cards
- Log files with backup information
- Compatible with files created with previous versions of Backup Manager
- Complete support of localized devices
SETUP
The installation process is performed using a desktop ActiveSync setup application.
(desktop screenshots link to higher resolution)
The Sunnysoft Backup Manager's main installation screen.
The product activation and registration screen. A seven day fully functional demo mode is available.
The desktop ActiveSync application installation function is automatically invoked by the Sunnysoft Backup Manager setup application.
Once the Sunnysoft Backup Manager application has been transferred, the Windows Mobile 5.0 installation facility is invoked. I chose to install the Sunnysoft Backup Manager on my storage card.
PRODUCT FEATURES
The sunnysoft Backup Manager provides two modes of operation; simple and advanced.
The Sunnysoft Backup Manager first use defaults to simple mode. Two main options are easily accessible in simple mode; backup settings (icon under Restore button) and backup file destination. The default settings can be restored via the soft key menu function on the settings screen.
The soft key menu item provides access to the advanced operation mode, the backup exceptions and the backup management functions.
The exception options include file size and wildcard suffix management, however there is not way to exclude specific files. The backup management option provide file quota options associated with advanced, simple, battery, or schedule modes.
The advanced mode of operation provides for the selection of system databases, registry entries, program storage and storage card files. Three options buttons (to the right of the target backup file "Avail. memory" status) provide for backup location, backup settings and a descriptive note of the backup. The soft key menu item provides the ability to clear the current selection or copy the settings from the last backup.
The plan tab provides access to the backup scheduling and battery planning options.
The scheduling planning screen includes backup selection, interval, time and destination options. Days in red are scheduled. The soft key next item displays the backup settings screen. Once the configuration is complete a confirmation screen is displayed (right).
The battery planning screen includes backup selection, battery percentage, battery status check interval, and destination options. The soft key next function displays the backup settings screen. Once the configuration is complete a confirmation screen is display (right) which displays all selected plans.
The backup process requires a restart. The progress screen provides real time status information on the backup process.
Once the backup is complete, you can choose to display the log file.
An annoying search is performed every time the restore function is requested. The restore screen on the right displays the available backup files with option buttons to refresh, delete, and display the log files.
The file selection and restore progress screens.
Once the restore is complete, the device is rebooted.
The Sunnysoft Backup Manager version 4 provides an excellent and full featured backup solution for our Windows Mobile devices and achieves the goal of protecting our "life".
