Software Giveaway: Handy Backup
Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.
The folks at Novosoft have asked me to run another giveaway of their highly regarded backup software, and this time have generously donated 7 licenses for Handy Backup Standard to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. (The first giveaway proved very popular!) So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close Thursday, October 6th, and the winners announced Friday. So act now!
Handy Backup ($39 retail) is a program for creating “backup copies” of the files on your computer – which regular readers know, is something I repeatedly urge people to do! With a backup program like Handy Backup, you can set-it-and-forget-it.
I personally do not use “online backup” as my ‘solution’, nor will I ever. I use external drives (and/or discs) and software like Handy Backup. I do not trust “the cloud” to either be secure or always available. And with my method, I’m not renting, I’m owning. Below, I will give you my impressions of HB and some screenshots, but first…
| CNet Editors say, “Handy Backup Standard offers users an easy, streamlined approach to backing up important files and folders. Novice users will especially appreciate the program’s easy navigation.” |
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Publisher’s description:
Handy Backup™ Standard is an easy-to-use backup software designed to perform automated backup of your computer. User-friendly interface and a rich set of backup features make it one of the best PC backup software for home and small office use.
- Outlook backup, Windows Mail
- My Documents backup
- Desktop backup
- Windows Registry backup
- Individual files and folders backup
- Backup your Program settings, playlists, skins, etc.
- a variety of free plug-ins that let you back up Outlook Express, Photoshop, Winamp and Windows Media Player, back up Skype and Yahoo Messenger, and much, much more.
- Free Email, Phone, Internet Support
Handy Backup will automatically backup your data with the options of file mask filtering, backup compression, backup encryption, “native”, and other options. The application supports backing up to DVD/CD, Blu-ray, HD DVD discs, LAN/FTP and Online.
I found it easy enough for beginners, as it uses a “wizard” to walk you through the process of creating a “task” (a backup, or a restore) the first time it runs (but after that first time, you need to click on “New task”, which is not made obvious). I particularly like Handy Backup’s ability to automatically “span” a backup set across multiple CD/DVD discs (you must place a check in a checkbox, though), prompting you to insert a fresh disc when it fills up the current one. (One other note.. you need to place a check in “Verify the backup after burning” to help ensure a successful write. This should be the default, IMHO.) Handy Backup successfully handled every backup and every restore operation I tested it with. It is a full-featured backup solution.
One critique: it does not support “selective file restoring”.
To see the full Handy Backup slideshow, click here. (the article will open in a new window.)
How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only 
may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)
Again, I thank the folks at Novosoft for making this giveaway possible. A 30-day free trial can be downloaded here, Download Handy Backup. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..)
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 7 results will be the winners.
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
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Backup4all License Giveaway Drawing
Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.
The folks at Softland have generously donated ten licenses for Backup4all Professional to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from those who “enter” by posting a comment (below). 
The drawing will close Thursday, August 18th, and the winners announced Friday.
Backup4all is a program for creating “backup copies” of the files on your computer, which regular readers know, is something I repeatedly urge people to get into the habit of doing! With a backup program like Backup4all, you don’t need a ‘habit’, you can set-it-and-forget-it. Below, I will give you my impressions and some screenshots, but first…
Publisher’s description:
Backup4all is an award-winning data backup software for Windows. This backup utility was designed to protect your valuable data from partial or total loss by automating backup tasks, password protecting and compressing it to save storage space. This backup application is feature rich and offers an intuitive interface making all features easily accessible for both beginners and professionals.
Here is a “slideshow” of screenshots of Backup4all Professional. For this series, I show setting it to do a basic backup to CD/DVD discs.
You may remember Softland from last week’s review/giveaway, and I can (again) say that my main comment on this product is it delivers what it advertises, and (again) I can say I largely agreed with all the (consistently positive) reviews I read (such as the two above). However I found one point of disagreement: I do not think the interface is all that “intuitive”, and I suspect the “average computer user” would not get the lead-me-by-the-hand experience they often need (my guess is they would stop at slide 6 of the slide show..). I was told that Softland is working on an improved wizard..
And they do offer a video How To guide, as well as illustrated online help files, so learning is easy.
So, this is my ‘prejudice’ but, my recommendation for this valuable tool is reserved for Intermediate to Advanced computer users and/or folks willing to learn the simple steps. If you have ever used a backup program where you had to create the backup set, and set a schedule, then you will have no troubles doing the Backup4all configuration (and you will appreciate the full feature set). Nice thing is, once you get it set, you can pretty much forget it.
Literally, the list of features is too long to fit on this page. So here is the link: click here. (I like the fact files are saved as ZIP’s.) Even more are available as “plug ins”. The default plug-ins are shown in the first slide; and, in the 3rd, I have added one for MSN Messenger (chat). Again, the list of plug-ins is too long to post here.. so here is the link: click here.
I should not have to tell you how important having a backup copy of your digital stuff is. It should be self-evident and obvious. Anyone who has lost documents and images due to a hard drive dying (and yes, Virginia, hard drives die) will tell you how they wished they had gotten around to making copies. (Often.. in tears..) Don’t be sorry. Make backups. (Yeah. Yeah. I’ll get to it tomorrow.)
Backup4all is compatible with Windows 7/Vista/2008 Server/XP/2003 Server/2000 and requires approximately 50MB of free disk space.
(There are also “Lite”, “Standard”, and “Portable” editions available. “Professional” is the top of the line, and retails for $50. A comparison of the editions is here.)
How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but 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 10 results will be the winners. A 30-day trial of Backup4all Professional 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 the folks at Softland for making this Giveaway possible!
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
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Software Giveaway – novaPDF Professional
Folks, I Am Pleased to Announce My Latest Software License Giveaway Drawing.
The folks at Softland have generously donated 10 licenses for novaPDF Professional 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 close at midnight (Pacific) Thursday, August 11th, and the winners announced Friday.
I am going to start this out by telling you that main thing I want to say about this software is – it delivers what it advertises (and merits the word “Pro”). At $50 retail, novaPDF will convert your document files into PDF format without making your wallet cry OUCH! (like Adobe’s product can..).
I have to also say that I agree with the reviews shown immediately below (the first is quite comprehensive). And that I am a fan of the “mail to” (email) and document security features. (A full list of features is available here. [It is too lengthy to post.]) I found the integration with Office 2010, and also Office 2003 – done during initial install – produced flawless output (on Vista and XP machines, respectively).
 Read review.. |
 Read review.. |
 Read review.. |
From the publisher:
“novaPDF is a PDF creator for Windows that allows you to easily create PDF files (searchable and optionally PDF/A compliant). With novaPDF, everyone from novice users to professionals can create high-quality documents in industry-standard PDF format, by simply selecting the “Print” command from virtually any application.
Once installed, this PDF creator lets you: add PDF bookmarks, insert active PDF links, use it as shared network PDF printer, create public/private printing profiles, add PDF watermarks, reduce PDF file size, password protect PDF files, overlay and/or merge PDF files, convert to PDF any printable document and much more.”
One of my ‘competitors’, SpyOnTech.com, posted this video demonstration of novaPDF Pro on YouTube. (Their review is here.) They are showing available features.. you do not need to do that much clicking to use novaPDF! (In fact, I set my preferences, and haven’t gone back.)
novaPDF works quickly, and produces crisp (“sharp”), small (“compact”), PDF files. NovaPDF Professional includes the features businesses expect, and is affordable enough for the average consumer. The PDF (format) was suppose to create a “paperless society”; which hasn’t quite happened yet. With novaPDF you can take big strides in that direction.
(There are also “Lite” and “Standard” editions available. “Professional” is the top of the line. A comaprison of the editions is Here.)
How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but 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 10 results will be the winners. A 30-day trial of novaPDF Professional Desktop 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 the folks at Softland for making this Giveaway possible!
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
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Spyware Doctor 10 License Giveaway
Folks,
Interested in a chance at a free, 3PC license of Spyware Doctor 2011? I am giving ten away. To find out the 4-1-1, click here, and read.
A Special Day Indeed – SDAV 2011 License Giveaway
Folks, I Am Sincerely Pleased to Announce My Latest Holiday Software License Giveaway Drawing.
The folks at PCTools have generously donated 10 licenses for Spyware Doctor With Antivirus 2011 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 close at midnight (Pacific) Thursday, June 2nd, and the winners announced Friday.
I am going to start this out by telling you that I have a very high regard for the effectiveness of this anti-malware and Internet Security tool, (so high, I installed it on my mother’s machine) and have been using it for years now – since before they acquired the award-winning Threatfire heuristics engine. Not only is “SD” very good at detecting and removing viruses, trojans, keyloggers, etc., but it is also very good at blocking that *stuff* from getting onto your machine as well.
(And I have said many times: an ounce of malware prevention is worth a couple pounds of cure.)
From the publisher:
Editor’s Choice Antivirus and Antispyware in One
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus combines two powerful engines to detect and remove unknown threats faster.
Antivirus guards against malicious PC threats.
- Antispyware prevents information and identity theft.
It defends your computer against malware attacks with multiple layers of protection using proactive, reactive and automatic anti spyware antivirus software protection to stop threats at every entry point. Now includes memory scanning, behavior profiling, and report cards to provide up-to-date protection and status monitoring for your PC.
Please notice in this slideshow, the various “layers’ (ten of ’em) of protection SDAV’s technology provides. (I hope you never have to use any of those last three.. )
SDAV 2011’s main features and improvements are:
IMPROVED! Detection, blocking and removal of threats awarded top ratings by independent testing labs and recommended by reviewers worldwide.
- Built on award-winning Spyware Doctor™ antispyware technology.
- Advanced rootkit detection technology identifies and removes hidden threats from your PC.
- NEW! Memory Scanner helps eradicate threats lurking on your PC.
- NEW! Download Guard checks your downloads against a cloud-based network.
NEW! Multi-layered browsing protection against web-based attacks including phishing attempts, rogueware scare tactics and silent drive-by downloads.
- Uses a combination of reactive blacklists and proactive content analysis.
- Site Guard blocks you from visiting potentially unsafe or phishing websites and from downloading threats through your browser, IM or email.
- Cookie Guard automatically removes potentially malicious tracking and advertising cookies.
- Browser Guard stops automatic downloads, fake AV and malicious files from compromised or exploit websites.
Constant real-time IntelliGuard™ protection monitors for malicious activity involving spyware, viruses, tracking cookies, suspicious ActiveX® objects, browser hijackers, keyloggers, Trojans and more.
Quick links • Overview • Features • Accolades • Details
Spyware Doctor, in the years I have been using it, has never failed to earn my regard and respect. My (very few) critiques nitpicks have been minor. I consider it a most important tool in my fight against cybercrime. It is Top Drawer – period. (That’s my “review”.)
These 1 year (subscription) licenses retail for $39.99, and can be used on up to three of your PC’s.
How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so PC Tools can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)
Again, the license can be used on up to three PC’s.
Note: SDAV is an antivirus; and you only want one AV on your machine at a time. It is also not a good idea to have more than one heuristic (behavior detection) tool onboard (active) so you may need to disable or uninstall some products before installing Spyware Doctor With Antivirus.
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “list randomizer”, and the top 10 results will be the winners. A 30-day, limited-function trial of Spyware Doctor with AV 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 the folks at PCTools for making this Giveaway possible!
UPDATE: This contest has concluded. The winners can be seen here, Spyware Doctor Winners. My thanks to all who partcipated.
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
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Special Holiday Edition (A Giveaway!)
Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.
(So much for my “hibernation mode…”) Yesterday I received a note from one of my contacts out there ‘in the biz’, asking me if I would be willing to run another contest, and help them promote a special sale they are offering for the holiday season. (Loyal readers may remember, I had reviewed their product in May.) Always thinking of you, Dear Reader, I agreed.
The folks at Novosoft have generously donated five licenses for Handy Backup Standard to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close Thursday, Dec. 30, and the winners announced Friday, in the last post of 2010.
Handy Backup is a program for creating “backup copies” of the files on your computer, which regular readers know, is something I repeatedly urge people to get into the habit of doing! With a backup program like Handy Backup, you don’t need a ‘habit’, you can set-it-and-forget-it.
Publisher’s description:
Handy Backup™ Standard is an easy-to-use backup software designed to perform automated backup of your computer. User-friendly interface and a rich set of backup features make it one of the best PC backup software for home and small office use. Handy Backup Standard features:
- Selective data backup. Back up folders and individual files with file mask filtering (allows to back up only photos, music files, videos, etc.)
- Free plug-ins. There are presets and plug-ins designed to facilitate My Documents backup, Windows registry backup, Outlook backup, etc.
- Variety of supported storage media. Backup to DVD, CD, any local or external HDDs, network drives, remote FTP servers
- Backup options. Enable backup compression, encryption, verification and other options for most convenient and smooth backups
- Flexible backup scheduling. Perform all backup and synchronization tasks on a regular basis by assigning a schedule
- Run backup as Windows service. This option allows performing absolutely inconspicuous backups, not requiring the user to be logged in
(Businesses will want to look at Handy Backup Server.)(Holiday sale expires on January, 10, 2011.)
To see my full review of Handy Backup, complete with slideshow, click here. (the article will open in a new window.)
How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you the license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification.
Again, I thank the folks at Novosoft for making this giveaway possible. A 30-day free trial can be downloaded here, Download Handy Backup. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..)
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 5 results will be the winners.
Please have a safe and joyous Holiday!
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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Unplug Your Webcams | SUPER Giveaway
“Big Brother” isn’t the only one watching you. “Uncle Nasty” is out there prowling the Internet too!
“No LED / No Warning” Trojans, that switch on your webcam by stealth, were once a closely guarded secret…”
Folks, that first sentence is a link to an article I think you should read.
And then show it to your friends and family.
“Some things you just can’t predict. I thought I was through with contests, and now, ‘lo and behold!, I have a Grand Prize Contest, and I am pleased as punch to run it! Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
Get your attention? Find out more here, A SUPER-Special Software License Giveaway (My Last?)
Today’s free download: Friend and fellow blogger tech Rick Robinette posted this yesterday. HAMSTER – A High End Video Converter for FREE
“Myself, I just started using HAMSTER and I must say it is one of the best, easy to use, video converters I have experienced.“
Rick is one of those whose opinions are “take it to the bank”, IMHO, so check it out. If you haven’t visited his site before, you’re in for a treat – it is one of my daily reads.
** SUPER Software License Giveaway Drawing **
To help celebrate SUPERAntiSpyware’s recent inclusion in VirusTotal’s premier file analyzing service, the good folks there at SUPERAntiSpyware (known in the biz as “SAS”) have generously donated some Professional Edition licenses to me – “lifetime” licenses no less – to award to my readers.
SUPERAntiSpyware is a program for combating spyware and Internet threats. Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
For details (and to enter), click here.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. 
post to jaanix.
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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