Software Giveaway Drawing(s) – Oops!Backup
Folks, I am Pleased to Announce My Latest Software License Giveaway Drawing(s)*.
The folks at Altaro have generously donated some licenses for Oops!Backup to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing ¹ contest* from those who “enter”. The contest will end midnight Thursday, June 24th, and the winners announced Friday.
(What? Another backup program?! Read, and I think you’ll agree – this one’s different.)
I am going to start this out by confessing that I had never heard of Oops!Backup, and my initial reaction to the name was.. not positive — but I also confess it tweaked my curiosity! Oops!Backup is a ‘time machine’ backup for Windows program that creates “backup revision copies” of the files on your computer.
With Oops!Backup, you do not have to be “computer savvy”, and you set-it-and-forget-it. The program constantly monitors your file system for you. I will give you my impressions and some screenshots, but first…
“Plain, straightforward English–I love it. This versioning, continuous-backup package is one of the more impressive I’ve run across…“ — Jon L. Jacobi, PC World magazine, Editorial Review of Oops!Backup
“The initial experience I have had has been great… it is possible to remove the human “oops” from the process… This could be a great step forward in the arena of helping get computer users to back up their data as often as possible.“ — Derek Schauland, Tech Republic, Product Spotlight: Altaro Oops!Backup
“I haven’t had to rely on Oops!Backup many times, but when I did, it did not fail me… Restores are snappy and take mere seconds even for large folders.“ — Erez Zukerman, Downloadsquad, Altaro Oops!Backup is Time Machine for Windows
From the publisher:
Oops!Backup is no ordinary backup product: Thanks to its unique BackInTime™ technology Oops!Backup allows you to travel back in time to recover different versions of your important documents, photos or any other files. Oops!Backup is a hybrid backup and version control.
This video shows Oops!Backup in action… (How it works)
Vodpod videos no longer available.
And a complete set of screenshots are available here.
Oops!Backup’s main features are:
- BackInTime – Oops!Backup works like a time machine for your backed up data. It will save your data, and your folders, in the state that they were in when a backup occurred. This allows you to browse your data and folders and see what they contained at different periods of time.
- Silent File Versioning – Oops!Backup uses Near-Constant Data Protection that runs in the background and monitors the folders you are backing up for changes to files. Once it detects a new file, or a modification to an existing one, it will back them up for you in the background.
- ReverseDelta – When Oops!Backup backs up your data for the first time, it backs up the entire original file. Each time thereafter, it only backs up the differences between the original and the changed file and saves these differences in a delta file. This allows you to restore any of the backed up versions by merging the differences in the delta files with the original one. Altaro’s ReverseDelta feature, works slightly different in that it will always have a complete backup of the current data file and store the differences between that file and the original one in delta files. Thus if a delta file became corrupted, you still had the most current file safe and available to restore.
- Plug & Protect – This feature will automatically back up any changed, or new data, that Oops!Backup monitors to an external drive when it is plugged into the computer.
- Backup to your existing external hard drive, network, or NAS drive, or USB memory stick. – With Oops!Backup you do not need to buy a separate external hard drive just for backups. Oops!Backup can make use of your existing external hard drive or optionally backup to your USB pen drive. If you have a network drive or a NAS then you can backup directly to it by mapping the network location to your computer. With this you can have multiple Oops!Backup installations backing up to a central server.
- Integration with Microsoft Volume Shadow (VSS) Copy – Oops!Backup integrates with Microsoft Volume Shadow (VSS) technology. This integration allows Oops!Backup to automatically back up files that are currently open and in use, such as Outlook’s PST files.
- System Requirements –
32 – bit: Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP
64 – bit: Windows 7, Vista
I found many reasons to like, and recommend, Oops!Backup. I’ll start by saying that it may very well be the easiest file backup tool I have run across. It is so easy it is, IMO, ideal for the “Computer Novice”. Setting it up the first time was very simple; and, accepting the defaults will be fine for most people. Using it was very simple too, and “visual learners”, like me, will appreciate the visual method for “exploring” your backups — being able to see the various versions of a document/photo/file is simply hands down a superior way of choosing which version of the file you want to recover (go back to)… the usual method is to look at timestamps and.. guesstimate. (See the video above, if you haven’t yet).
Oops!Backup is not a true “disaster recovery” type of backup program – like, say a “disk imaging” program is; but it can be used to transfer files to a new PC, or recover from a “disaster”. Though I only tested Oops!Backup on a single machine (XP Pro, P4 @ 1.6GHz, 1 GB RAM), and only for two weeks, (I did test several backup destination configurations) it performed flawlessly for me. Oops!Backup is light on resources, and doesn’t nag (or brag) with annoying popups. I very much like that restoring a older version does not destroy (overwrite) the current version of a file.
My critiques are minor: when the initial backup was made, I did notice a lag on my machine which made ‘multitasking’ unpleasant. (On the plus side, though, that initial backup was completed remarkably quickly, and subsequent operation was unnoticeable.) Also, Oops!Backup allows you to choose your local hard drive as a destination, which is not where you want to store your backup copies! (And a “Computer Novice” should probably not see this option.. it should be buried under 3 layers of “Advanced settings menus.) As I said, minor. I do not hesitate say that those looking for a file backup program should consider Oops!Backup.
* So what’s up with the plural?
This week my Giveaway is going to be a little different, Folks, and I am actually running two contests — but you (still) only enter one time (the usual rules apply!). Keep reading…
How to enter? To enter the drawing, simply click on “comment”, and enter a name and valid e-mail (so I can send you the key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but it seems I do — multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “list randomizer”, and the top result will be the winner of the 1st Prize: a 3-pack of Oops!Backup (retail $94). I will then remove the 1st Prize winner from the list, and “re-shake the hat”, so to speak, and then, from the new result, the top 7 names will each receive a single-use license (retail $37).
[Note: If you do not have 3 PC’s, or otherwise do not want to be entered in the 3-pack drawing, please indicate “1 license only” in your comment. I will mod the lists accordingly.]
A 30-day, fully-functional free trial of Oops!Backup can be downloaded here, Free 30-day trial. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win one of these valuable prizes!)
Again, my thanks to David at Altaro for making this Giveaway possible.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
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64 Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Hey Paul,
Thanks for all of the drawings; please include my name.
Best,
Bob
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Comment by Bob Slyker | June 21, 2010
Wow, you get some good ones. I agree the name is different. Please include me your drawing. Thank you.
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Comment by Cappydawg | June 21, 2010
Hi Paul
I’m here only to congratulate on your new giveaway, so please do not count me in.
Thank you
Cheers:)
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Comment by leofelix | June 21, 2010
leofelix,
I very much appreciate your support!
(And I know that you already have a comprehensive backup solution.)
Riguardi!
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
Bob Slyker, Cappydawg..
(You guys are fast!) You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
Thanks Paul for the giveaway. Please consider me for the giveaway.
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Comment by ROHIT | June 21, 2010
Hi, Tech Paul another great giveaway.
Please count me in your drawing.
Thanks
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Comment by k19s | June 21, 2010
1 license only.
Thanks..:)
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Comment by Sourav | June 21, 2010
Sourav,
Your 1 license is noted. Thank you.
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
Thanks for all of the drawings, please count me in
thank you
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Comment by ibheck | June 21, 2010
I would like to win license for oops backup as i worry for my precious data , oops backup can relax me . Thanks in advance . Hope i win.
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Comment by Dinesh Kumar | June 21, 2010
ROHIT, k19s, Sourav (x1), ibheck, Dinesh Kumar (x1)..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
thanks for back to back giveaways.. count me in.. but, for 1 license only :)
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Comment by princeaniket | June 21, 2010
Great giveaway.Please count me in.
Thank you.
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Comment by tufan kursat | June 21, 2010
I am visiting your page very often.
Great giveaway. Please count me in (1 license only).
Good luck to everyone!
Best regards
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Comment by Michael | June 21, 2010
Thank you Paul and David for the giveaway…
You already know that i’m in need of a good backup program..
So, count me in.
PS: 1 license only.
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Comment by Ranjan | June 21, 2010
princeaniket (x1), tufan kursat, Michael (x1), Ranjan (x1)..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
Hi Paul, thanks for this great giveaway. Please count me in for 1 license only. Cheers.
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Comment by paf | June 21, 2010
Hi, great contest.
Please count me in, Thanks
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Comment by peter | June 21, 2010
Single License only
Heard good things about Oops Backup, and would love to win one
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Comment by Norma | June 21, 2010
Thanks for another great giveaway. Oops!Backup has got interesting features. To find a good and safe backup solution is a long way. So please count me in.
Thanks in advance.
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Comment by AstroSkipper | June 21, 2010
Paul,
Thanks for hosting the giveaway. I’m always interested in secure, efficient, and multiple methods of doing backups.
I quite like the idea of version control in my backups.
Please count me in for the giveaway.
Thank you,
wkp
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Comment by wkp | June 21, 2010
paf (x1), peter, Norma (x1), AstroSkipper, wkp..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
Nice giveaway hope i can win this time more power Paul.
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Comment by D'ar Corpuz | June 21, 2010
please enter my name in the OOPs drawing. Thanks!
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Comment by hipockets | June 21, 2010
Hey Paul thanks for organising this promotion. Please count me in the draw.
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Comment by Grr | June 21, 2010
would love a license!
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Comment by elfowl | June 21, 2010
D’ar Corpuz, hipockets, Grr, elfowl (x1)..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 21, 2010
Sounds interesting.
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Comment by Jim Darnell | June 22, 2010
Count me in! :)
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Comment by rodzilla | June 22, 2010
Thanks Paul Eckstrom for review and giveaway. Sounds interesting and very useful software to me (student) as I works with Word and Excel files (synopsis, thesis, research papers, articles etc.) and it will allow me to restore a copy from previous date, in case I want to track previous work.
Oops! Forget to say count me in for one license.
Regards.
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Comment by TestGOTD75 | June 22, 2010
Hi TechPaul!
I would like you consider me for the drawing of Oops backup license too.
Thanks for the Nice Giveaway.
Take Care.
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Comment by NiceTake | June 22, 2010
I recently looked at a couple of other programs similar to this but there is one main difference, I cannot find any negative comments about it, the others I could.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a license.
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Comment by Pilgrim | June 22, 2010
Another nice giveaway. Include me for 1 license. Thanks once again.
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Comment by Steve | June 22, 2010
Pls include my name too.
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Comment by Adrian | June 22, 2010
Thanks Paul for this great software. Count me in. Hope this time I will win a license.
Regards.
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Comment by Boyfriend | June 22, 2010
Hello,
would like 1 license only. thanks for the giveaway. This is one good software.
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Comment by Linu | June 22, 2010
Jim Darnell, rodzilla, TestGOTD75 (x1), NiceTake, Pilgrim (x1), Steve (x1), Adrian, Boyfriend (x1), Linu (x1)..
You are entered. Good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 22, 2010
plz include my name also
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Comment by Stefan | June 22, 2010
Oops is superb easy to use backup for any user,Thank TechPaul,your giveaways are always cool and great to win.
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Comment by kingpin | June 22, 2010
Thanks Paul for another opportunity to win some great software. Please include me in the drawing!
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Comment by northernexposure | June 22, 2010
Stefan, kingpin, northernexposure..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 22, 2010
Hi techpaul, another perfect giveaway. Thank you very much for the opportunity to win software like Oops!Backup, sounds like a good backup solution. So please count me in. Thanks and best regards.
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Comment by Suetonius | June 22, 2010
Oops Backup just looks great…
Plz include me!
I’m feeling lucky!
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Comment by LuisG | June 22, 2010
Thanks for organizing this one, Paul. Well, for that matter, thanks for organizing all the interesting contests you do.
I’ve read about this program before and found it intriguing–it fills a need that my regular backup programs don’t cover, but as usual, I never have the wherewithal to pay for programs. So I’d be pleased to be added to your list of entrants.
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Comment by Susan Bain | June 22, 2010
Suetonius, LuisG, Susan Bain..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 22, 2010
Thanks for your giveaway’s. Backup software is always welcome.
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Comment by Lewy | June 22, 2010
It is a good backup program.
Thanks for another great giveaway.
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Comment by ded | June 23, 2010
Please include me in this giveaway. (1 License only)
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Comment by Dar Nee | June 23, 2010
Lewy, ded, Dar Nee (x1)..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 23, 2010
I would like to participate , thank you.
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Comment by hunter | June 23, 2010
hunter,
You are entered. Good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 23, 2010
Count me in! Thanks Paul and Altaro!
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Comment by Chris | June 23, 2010
Hi Paul, Thanks for this giveaway opportunity.
i have read ur review above an the stress that it is not like any other back-up software.
It is interesting to know that it can backup open/in-use files also. Appreciate if you include me in this giveaway.
I’m thrilled to win this and use the “ReverseDelta” technology, which would back up the actual changes you make to a file – without needing to back up the whole file!!
Thanks, Grr
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Comment by Grr | June 23, 2010
Grr,
More details can be found on their website.
It is indeed an interesting method. My understanding is that a full copy of the file is made once, then the revisions are stored as separate “snapshots”, (of only the modifications) which prevents overwriting, and reduces storage space.
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Comment by techpaul | June 23, 2010
Paul,please enter me.
lubicp(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks.
Paul Lubic
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Comment by Paul Lubic, Jr. | June 23, 2010
Chris, Grr, Paul Lubic, Jr…
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 23, 2010
HI PAUL, please count me, will like to win the 3 pack one
best regards
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Comment by BTOR | June 24, 2010
BTOR,
You are entered. Good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 24, 2010
Please enter my name in the drawing for Oops Backup====Thanks algator
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Comment by Al Schmidt | June 24, 2010
Al Schmidt,
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 24, 2010
Kindly accept my application for the giveaway.
I nerver won, but i’m trying this trial. Kindly select me.
Regards,
Mr G.T.
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Comment by GT | June 24, 2010
Entry for the give away
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Comment by Larry C | June 24, 2010
GT, Larry C..
You are entered and good luck!
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Comment by techpaul | June 24, 2010