A system backup usually refers to a backup of the system's working state that would allow the system to be restored to its original condition. A classic example of software that enables system backups is Acronis True Image. It creates system backups by backing up the entire disk partition on which the system is installed using the sector-by-sector method. A backup created this way contains not only the operating system, but also all applications installed on the given disk partition and all data stored in that partition. Acronis True Image allows you to burn backups directly to CDs and DVDs, save backups to other disks/partitions, and store them in network storage. In addition, Acronis True Image also enables you to get the system running by restoring a system backup to a clean disk using Acronis boot media.
It is a good idea to keep the operating system and work data stored separately. This ensures that if the system crashes and needs to be deleted, you will not lose your data at the same time. If the computer has two hard drives, it is a good idea to use one as the system drive and the other to store work data. If the computer has only one drive, it is a good idea to divide it into a system partition and a data partition. The Acronis Disk Director Suite software can help you partition your disk.
How to back up a system?
Data can be backed up relatively easily: by manually or automatically copying data to another storage location, synchronization, or intelligent backup programs. However, copying an operating system, disk, or partition containing a working operating system is not so easy. Simply copying data to another disk would not result in a working system on the target disk.
How do you back up a system?
You need to use software that can create backups using the block-level (or sector-level) method. Such a backup contains all blocks of the backed-up disk or disk partition. We call such a backup an image (i.e., a disk image or partition image). Only such a backup can include things such as the operating system boot loader and other components necessary for the operating system to function. The result is therefore a backup file, or files, containing the compressed contents of the backed-up disk or partition (depending on what was backed up).
Which tool should you use?
There are many tools that allow you to create a system, disk, or partition backup. The built-in Windows operating system tool is completely free. We wrote here about the advantages and disadvantages of this tool. Our offering also includes paid tools for backing up home computers and paid backup solutions for organizations.
How do Acronis backup tools work?
If you have not yet decided to use paid backup and recovery tools, we have good news for you. Our programs can create and restore backups as part of a 30-day trial version.
Read instructions in Czech on how to back up the entire disk of a home computer:
https://www.acronis.cz/web-help/Acronis_True_Image_PC_2020/index.html#7937.html
Read instructions on how to back up computers in an organization:
http://dl.managed-protection.com/u/backup/help/12.5/user/cs-CZ/index.html#36536.html