Back up just about every aspect of your PC with this all-encompassing tool
It must get harder refreshing Acronis True Image each year. The 2011 version of the program was the most fully featured yet, offering a full gamut of backup tools covering files and settings as well as entire partitions and hard disks. As a result, the 2012 version doesn’t add anything radically new to the mix, but the functionality it does add is still potentially useful.
The headline new feature is support for data synchronisation across multiple computers. As people find themselves working on two or more devices, accessing the latest version of your documents and other files is increasingly critical. Acronis True Image 2012 allows you to set up multiple folders across network drives and other Windows computers to keep them in sync, with an added option of using your Acronis Online Backup account as an intermediary.
Speaking of which, Acronis Online Backup is more fully integrated into True Image 2012, although beware: you’ll get 250GB drive space for 30 days, after which you’ll be expected to purchase a subscription to continue using the service. Decline this and not only are all your backups deleted, but you won’t be able to use any online backup features provided. We’re disappointed, seeing as offering 5GB or even just 2GB free space would be in keeping with other online backup services.
Version 2012 also adds an e-book filter to the file-based backup, ensuring your electronic books can also be easily backed up and restored. Under the hood improvements include better integration into Windows 7 when the program’s icon is pinned to the Taskbar, plus support for large (over 2TB) hard drives even on OSes that don’t natively support them – specifically Windows XP 32-bit. Acronis 2012 also works better with NAS drives, regardless of the file system.
All of this is wrapped up in the same user-friendly, wizard-driven interface that graced the 2011 release. It all adds up to a powerful backup solution that’s in real danger of running out of places to go next.
Review by Nick Peers.
