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For all the bells and whistles you get with this backup program, we were shocked to find that it's free. Cobian Backup not only looks good, but it proved to be a very reliable and easy to use backup tool.
The user interface is straightforward, and the colorful command buttons are extremely intuitive. Creating a new backup task was easy, despite all of the configuration options. Basically, all we had to do was create a name, decide what files and folders to include, and create a schedule for the backup. We opted to save important files to our USB, which worked perfectly. We were impressed by the file compression and encryption options that aren't found in many paid programs. The Options menu comes with tons of settings for more advanced file compression, password-protecting the user interface, and even changing the interface's appearance. We were able perform random backups with the click of a button, and likewise, we were able to run multiple backup tasks all at once without any problems whatsoever.
Cobian Backup offers multiple help venues, including an index, a tutorial, and support forums. However, even the most novice users will be able to jump in with very little, if no, guidance. We highly recommend this program for all users.
Publisher's Description
From Luis Cobian:
Cobian Backup is a multi-threaded program that can be used to schedule and backup your files and directories from their original location to other directories/drives in the same computer or other computer in your network. FTP backup is also supported in both directions (download and upload). Cobian Backup exists in two different versions: application and service. The program uses very few resources and can be running on the background on your system, checking your backup schedule and executing your backups when necessary. Cobian Backup is not a normal backup application: it only copies your files and folders in original or compressed mode to other destination, creating a security copy as a result. So Cobian Backup can be better described as a "Scheduler for security copies". Cobian Backup supports several methods of compression and strong encryption.
What's new in this version: Version 10.1.1.816 can show the full path of the current file in the status bar: Options-Visuals, and updated different languages.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 135 votes
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Current version:
3.6 starsout of 47 votes
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My rating:
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"It just works!!"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Logical interface with a lot of options.
Cons
I'm sorry I didn't find it sooner.
Summary
It is nice to find open source software like this that works so well.
Personally I am going to make a donation to cover his costs. -
"Could not use the program"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Easy to uninstall
Cons
I could not get a user interface at all using Windows 7 Pro. I uninstalled and re-installed. The first time I installed as a service (the default) and after uninstalling I re-installed with it as an application. I could not get any user interface to come up, no errors. The program's services were running, but I was not able to use them at all.
Summary
Sorry, it did not work for me.
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"Best backup software I've found so far"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Lots of options and features, fast, reliable, free with no hooks
Cons
Interface could be a lot nicer
Summary
After trying out about 8 free backup programs, this is by far the best I've come across. It gives you the options and features to do backups any way you like, from full to differential, compressed or uncompressed, with or without propagation of deletions to the destination, plus the ability to add a slew of pre- or post-job actions. The scheduling options are also good. Moreover, unlike some backup programs advertised as free but which have restrictions or nag screens, Cobian is really truly 100% free. So thanks very much to the developer for making this available to so many without cost.
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"An amazing backup software!"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
This program does it all, *fully* configurable, I tried more than a few ways to do things and it nails it every time. You do not need any input from the program once a backup is created and properly configured ; for every backup there is 3 tabs: Properties, History & Log.
You can also trick the program if you don't like the way a backup is done although you have the go through the history tab to delete the undesired backup. For example, before I made a *search* on how to delete empty folders, similar backups kept poping up so every so often I'd browse the folder then note the same-sized backups then delete the recurring (same-sized) versions. This tricked the backup into not breaking the backup pattern, ie: 1 full every 5 incremental, so the full would still wait until "proper" backups were done.Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
This is a full-fledged backup software. It's not a kiddy version enticing you to buy a pro version. It has nothing to envy to other backup software. It's not a thinned-down version due to lack of development. So there's no compromise because it's free.
If you need to backup, and you should, get this software now! -
"Nice no nonsense program"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Easy to set up and begin using
Cons
A restore function would be nice but it's not essential.
Summary
I wanted a backup program that would save my files uncompressed and easy to access. Cobian does the job.
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"Good Basic Backup Progam!"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Good simple program that does everything that is needed in a backup program - and all for free. I needed a backup program that does encryption and provides file-level password protection. This does it! I also like the built-in Full Backup, Differential Backup and the Incremental Backup feature. This is for free as well whereas other products will charge you for this. Amazing backup program!
Cons
The interface is not very intuitive at first and will probably turn off the novice computer user. If you look past the interface, you will definitely unlock the true potential of this program.
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"Couldn't use it"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
I once had an older version that did the job, and thought I'd go back to the same product.
Cons
Took me a while to figure out how to add files to be backed up. First thing it does when you click on 'New list' is it asks where you want to save it. Huh? As someone has already pointed out, the tutorial doesn't match the product. It is tedious to set up a Task because when you add a file, the tree closes, so for every additional file you have to open the tree and navigate back to where you were again. When when I was at last ready to run the task, it kept saying 'Engine not found'. That's when I uninstalled it.
Summary
The developer should concentrate on making it more user friendly.
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"Cobian Backup is a piece of junk"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Installed when converted to Win 7 Pro 64. Install was laborious, no visible redeeming features
Cons
Software ran for a few days, then started getting socket errors.
Error while checking for new versions: Socket Error # 10060
This crap has locked me out of my expansion 4tb drive & cancelkled the password so I can't open it to fix thingsSummary
STAY AWAY FROM COBIAN it's ruined my home network!!
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"Best Little Backup Program I've Used"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
Reliable. Set it and forget it.
Cons
Probably a bit complex for some, but if you go with mostly default settings it's not too bad. Just really read what the directions say.
Summary
I've been using this program and its predecessors for at least three years. While my server drops the network link occasionally, Cobian Backup has never failed as long as the server was connected. Big Plus -- when I go to look for backed up files, I've always been able to retireve them.
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"Beginner-to-Average Computer Users, Stay Away!"
Version: Cobian Backup 10.1.1.816
Pros
I didn't get that far.
Cons
Too much jargon, even in the first few set-up windows.
Summary
The first few configuration windows used backup jargon that I knew nothing about, and there were no explanations provided. I am better with computers than the average bear, but this was jargon that I've never encountered before. I gave up installing it/setting it up, midway. Instead, I installed FBackup. FBackup wasn't ideal, either, but I was able to get it set up coarsely and I ran my first backup within 10 minutes. I can go back later and fine tune it. I don't recommend Cobian unless you're a computer techie.
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