Thanks for the post on the files and folders.

> There are two different ways to approach backup. To get back a completely
> working install, configured exactly the way you want, you should use an
> imaging program like Acronis True Image. Purchase an external hard drive
> and store the images on it. True Image can also do incremental backups.

I'm duplicating some questions on a couple threads here, but I'm updating my
understanding about backup strategies and tools and am trying to keep the
threads focused on specific subjects.

I've been using a file/folder backup tool (Retrospect) for some time now for
our Mac and both our PC laptops so I'm fairly familiar with running those
types of backups. I'm beginning to learn that there are also clone/imaging
tools out there too like the one you mentioned.

Since it appears you run both types, can you comment on what I think I
understand about the differences.

From what I can tell, clone/imaging tools create an exact duplicate of the
files being backed up on another HD or on a partition on the internal HD. I
think some or all of them also allow for the creation of the boot
capabilities on these backups and it sounds like some or all allow for
incrementals.

Since the data is not compressed or put into a single file, I'm assuming the
only "price" paid is for HD space.

Since file/folder backups essentially accomplish the same thing as the
clone/image backups why would you have both (unless, of course, you were
using the tool in a business environment where recovery speed was at a
premium)? I understand that it's only about $50 for imaging and $30 or so
for file/folder tools so it's not the cost. I'm working on my whole backup
strategy and what to understand the "why" behind the design.

Thanks

Tom