Feature Set:  

The main backup screen had a design similar to NTI Backup NOW! with a few main task choices, including the versatility to pick a new backup destination and to filter your files so you backup only what you want, nothing more. (Not all backup software offers you these choices.)

We like the ability to add new backups to old CDs and DVDs. If you are backing up files to CD or DVD you aren't limited to copying one backup to each disc; you can create a running document and continue adding new backups until the disc is full.

The backup scheduler is an easy-to-spot icon on the top menu bar, which is extremely versatile-giving you the ability to easily choose backup details and schedule your backup frequency.

Also the top menu bar has another icon that compares backup data to the original data, so you can see instantly whether a backup was successful. You can even opt to have PowerBackup compare data automatically after every backup if you wish.

PowerBackup is designed for data backup only, not complete system backup, so you can't make a complete drive image or recover your system using a backup by creating a bootable backup disk. You also cannot encrypt a backup or backup to remote FTP locations.

Ease of Use:  

PowerBackup is simple enough for anyone to use. We had no trouble installing or setting up PowerBackup and, though the program is powerful, we didn't feel overwhelmed with information. The steps are simple and clear: choose the source folder, choose the destination folder, choose the type of backup you want and then make the backup.

PowerBackup doesn't offer the convenient one-click backup feature.

Backup/Restore:  

The backup and restore process was nearly trouble-free. During the backup, PowerBackup experienced an error while reading one of the files. Instead of stopping the backup, the program just skipped the file, logged the error in the log section and finished the backup. The error stated, "Make sure that the file is readable." The file was not locked, so we don't know why PowerBackup couldn't read it. Other than that, PowerBackup performed a perfect backup and restore of all the files that we selected.

Help/Documentation:  

Cyberlink did an excellent job writing the Power Backup help section. When you click on the big green question mark at the top of the screen, a help document pops up with several choices-one is a search tool to help you find topics, another is an alphabetical topic list.

The help files also give an overview of the features, but we felt grouping tools by type or function would be an added bonus. That way, people could find a tool by relevance even if they didn't know the feature name. But if you find a term or instruction you want to keep handy, you can save it in the favorites section of the help files.

With the easy step-by-step process, even a novice can become a backup pro. But we recommend Cyberlink's PowerBackup to anyone, beginner to advanced. Though PowerBackup doesn't offer all the versatility of #2 rated, Genie Backup Manager or #1 DT Utilities PC Backup, the program is easy to learn and a cinch to use.