Second Copy
This article is part of Windows Vista Backup Strategies For Home Users

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   Second Copy is an excellent backup program with tons of options and features. While I think you will get the gist of all the programs features I'm just going to show you exactly how I use it.

   *note - I do not schedule backups of any kind on any of my computers. I'm a Geek and I'm a fanatic about backups but I run them manually. If you are not the type of person who remembers to run backups (or simply doesn't want to have to think about it) then you should use the automatic backup feature of Second Copy.

   I use Second Copy to backup entire directories (whole partitions and/or folders) to several machines on my network. More specifically I use it to backup my Documents folder (which is actually an entire partition) and the partition I keep all my downloaded programs on.

   To get started, open Second Copy. Next, go to File > New Profile, a wizard will start. 

You can choose Express Setup, but I like to specify exactly what will happen. So choose Custom setup and click Next.

What: Browse to the folder(s) or file(s) you want to backup. In this case I chose an entire partition, click Next.

Which files: In this example I'll choose All files and folders (for now). Click Next.

Where: Browse to the target folder. In this case I chose a partition on another computer. Click Next.

When: As I said before I do Manual copies. You may want to choose a schedule. If you want to do it weekly then choose Once a day then in the Do not run on these days box check all but the day you want the backup to run. Click Next.

How: Be vary careful here. Read the descriptions and decide what type of backup you want. If this is going to be an ongoing backup you'll want to choose Exact Copy. Now choose the Advanced Properties button.

   There are many options in this screen. I've shown the 4 I use below. As you click on or highlight an option a description will show in the Quick Hints: pane. Click OK, and then Next.

Finish: Here you'll name the profile. You can also select Show a preview before running profile (not a bad idea if you are unsure about things). Check the *WARNINGS* screen for info on the backup. If everything is as you intended click Finish.