Genie Backup Manager Home

Editor's Review

Genie Backup Manager Home 8 - 10% Off for a Limited Time Only

Genie Backup Manager Home 8 - 2 Copies for $39.99 For a Limted Time Only

Anyone with any computer experience at all knows the need for a reliable backup system for their data. Genie Backup Manager Home 8.0 extends fulfilling that need to the entire system, including program settings through a system of free plugins, although some users report skipped files in incremental mode.

Although the interface may seem overwhelming to novice computer users, it's designed to mimic Windows and therefore is actually simpler than it seems. A Q&A wizard, familiar to all PC users, simplifies setting up the software, and more experienced, knowledgeable users can write their own backup scripts.

Data can be backed up to virtually any storage device, including CDs, DVDs, external drives, or online remote storage services. The Software.com lab found that the backup includes:

Data files such as documents, folders, music, videos, and playlists, even if they are locked, open, or in use

Windows personal profile, including desktop visual appearance, keyboard and mouse settings, and connection settings

Email and contacts through Outlook, Outlook Express, and Windows Mail

Application settings and preferences through plugins, available at no charge from the Genie-Soft website

Genie Backup Manager Home: What We Liked

Provides incremental backups with rollback.

Automatic scheduler operates with the user logged off or if the computer is asleep.

Users can create a Swift Restore disaster recovery bootable CD which works.

Free plugins to backup settings for popular programs such as Mozilla Firefox, Norton Anti-Virus, Quicken, and Quick Books.

Free 30-day trial of the full program, not a stripped-down version.

Genie Backup Manager Home: What We Didn't Like

When backing up large amounts of data, it's best to put it on permanent storage such as a flash drive or separate hard drive, rather than CDs or DVDs, where data can be lost-a common user complaint.

If incremental backup is used, some users report skipped files in their backups.

Some users complained of slow response from email technical support staff.

Genie-Soft Support

The Genie-Soft website includes an online help manual and knowledge base as well as FAQs. For more difficult issues, there's online technical support through a created account for both registered and unregistered users.

About Genie-Soft

Founded in 2001, Genie-Soft specializes in security and backup software for home and small business use. Their stated goal is to deliver powerful and simple solutions for the complicated problems of data protection, a task they perform so well, the company has become a recognized leader in the field.