Welcome to this site, the home of Idlebackup.

Idlebackup V1.15b features

- Easy to use backup program for both novice and professional user.
- Manual or Automatic backup (with a set interval time) during idle time of the computer.
- Easy restore, select directories and/or files to restore (with mirror backup).
- 3 Backup modes:
  Mirror backup (no compression used), selected directories and/or files are copied to
  a set backup path. So easy browsing through the backup set with MyComputer, Explorer.
  Each next start of the backup, new and changed files are copied (fast)
  Full backup zipped. This works like the mirror backup, but everything is copied to one zip file
  or a zip file for each selected directory .
  Sequential backup zipped (Version backup). Everything is copied to a new zip file with a
  timestamp. This can be done in Auto with a set interval of 1-98 day.
- Option "Synchronize backup" can remove unused files, so only files that are also present
  on the source hard-disk are kept. See backup description, not for zip files.
- In Automatic mode Idlebackup will work invisibly in the background, and only if idle
  (no keys,mouse actions detected). A key or mouse click stops a pending backup.
  Status is visible by the icon color in the sytem tray
- When a backup is started manually, you can select to shutdown Windows
- Can also copy large files > 2Gb.
- Backup mail data of Thunderbird, Outlook, Outlook Express (see page usage examples)
- Backup medium = hard-disk/usb-stick/usb-drive or network.
- Normal windows installation/deinstallation.

This Freeware program has no restrictions and does not contain any Spyware, Adware or Viruses.

It may also be used for schools,  commercial purposes such as  insurance companies

If you like this program and want to support further development of this program, then
please send a donation using Paypal.

Powered by ZipForge, a ZIP component for Delphi from ComponentAce

Set here the backup path, normally only choose a hard-disk letter! 

Or if you prefer to make a backup to a ZIP file: 

Different Backup solutions (only some are possible with IDLEBACKUP)

Introduction
Did you know that there are less than 20% of computer users who actually backup their data.
Considering our hard drives are usually chocked full of important information, that's a staggering figure,
especially since we are still working with electrical components with moving parts.
Backup software can be found on the internet, Idlebackup is one of them, it can be downloaded here (freeware).

Where to put your Backup

One dilemma for backup users is often where to put their backups. Storing them on your own C: hard drive is obviously
not the best option. This is a list of possible backup solutions, although some of them are for profesional users.
Tape backup systems is also a possibility, but not further mentioned  here.

Backup to CD/DVD 
Advantages:
- Backup to DVD and CD media has become increasingly common due to mature technology and cheap CD/DVD burners
- Easy to use
- Cheap media
- Multiple backups can be made, and the media can be stored in multiple places.
Disadvantages:
- All CDs and DVDs will decay over time.
- A small scratch can make the disc useless
- Not very suited if the data needs to be updated regularly, this is not the case when using a R/W DVD, but these
  are slow but and not very reliable.
- Organisation of multiple backup and updates
- No automatic backup possible

Backup to internal 2nd hard disk (Possible with Idlebackup)
Advantages:
- Fast, easy, cheap media
- A backup set can be easily updated, therefore suited for automatic backups
Disadvantages:
- A single hard disk (not RAID) has a certain MTBF and may fail, but is quite reliable
- If a computer gets stolen or is destroyed or in the case of fire/accident, there is no backup

Backup to external hard disk (Possible and recommended with Idlebackup)
Advantages:
- Fast, Easy, cheap media
- A backup set can be easily updated, therefore suited for automatic backups
- Removable disk can be stored in a safe location
Disadvantages:
- A single hard disk (not RAID) has a certain MTBF and may fail, but is quite reliable
- If a computer gets stolen together with the external disk, there is no backup

Online server backup or network backup
Advantages:
- Reliable if server has a RAID disk
- A backup set can be easily updated, therefore suited for automatic backups
Disadvantages:
- Need of a server or 2nd desktop on the network

Backup online
Advantages:
- If a computer is stolen, you still have a backup
- Cheap (free) if the backup is relatively small (< 2Gb)
Disadvantages:
- Expensive if large backups have to be made (> 5Gb)
- More complex and for backup over internet you need a fast internet connection

Offsite backup over a network, through FTP or Specialised offsite backup:
Advantages:
- If a computer is stolen, you still have a backup
Disadvantages:
- Very Expensive
- More complex and for backup over internet you need a fast internet connection

Conclusion
Good backup habits are essential to everyone who uses a computer with important information.
For most home users, a Backup to external hard disk is a good solution, this freeware program Idlebackup
can do this when needed automatically.
A good backup strategy and insurance for your data is "never rely on one backup". You can for example make a daily backup of
changed files to an internal second hard disk and a weekly backup to an external hard disk.
For a laptop backup, make a frequent backup to an external drive and some to your desktop.
Or even better use 2 external disks, put one in a safe place. And after a while swap the disks.