You only notice how much a hard drive failure costs when the folder with last year's contracts is gone. A-PDF Backup Master is a Windows backup program that copies your files on a schedule, so a lost drive doesn't mean lost work.
Quick facts
- Platform: Windows
- Price: $27, one-time, standalone program
- Trial: free trial version available
- Documentation: PDF manual
Key features
Back up to USB, FireWire, network or FTP locations
You can send backups to a USB or FireWire device, a local or network location, or a remote FTP server. The program can mirror your files as they are, or pack them into zip-compressed archives.
Unattended backups with a built-in scheduler
You set up the scheduler once and backups run without you. They can also run when the computer shuts down. The scheduler can queue backups, uploads and downloads, and it can run third-party utilities before or after copying.
Keep earlier versions and restore the one you need
Versioning keeps previous backup versions. You can restore the last one or a specific earlier one. Incremental and differential backups are supported, along with full backups.
Pick exactly which files and folders to protect
You browse a folder tree and include or exclude items one by one, or drag and drop several at once. Filters work by attribute, size, date, name and type, with separate rules for inclusion and exclusion.
Encryption and open-file copying
The program offers AES encryption and can copy locked or open files. You can save several backup jobs and reuse them later. A wizard walks you through each job by asking where, what, how and when to back up.
Who it's for
It suits you if you want a one-time-purchase backup tool for a Windows PC. It also fits if you need to protect a few confidential documents rather than a whole disk image. It is also a fit if you want scheduled copies to a USB drive, network share or FTP server.
Pros and cons
- Pro: low one-time price, with a free trial to test first.
- Pro: versioning, incremental backups, scheduling and FTP in one program.
- Pro: a manual is available as a PDF.
- Con: Windows only, with no Mac version.
- Con: copying locked or open files is not available on Windows 2000.
FAQs
Can I try it before paying?
Yes. A free trial version is available to download.
Can it back up to a USB drive?
Yes. USB and FireWire devices, local and network locations, and FTP servers are all supported.
Can I restore an older copy of a file?
Yes. Versioning keeps earlier backups, so you can restore a specific version.
Does it compress backups?
You choose. Backups can be zip-compressed or exact copies of the originals.
System requirements
A-PDF Backup Master runs on Windows.