FarStone Total Backup Recovery Workstation

Pros

• Extensive backup and cloning options
• Support for modern hardware including UEFI/EFI, GPT, and RAID
• Automatic scheduling of backups
• Dissimilar/universal restore functionality
• User-friendly Windows 8 styled interface

Cons

• Possible complexity for new users
• Limited to Windows operating systems

Reliable Backup and Recovery Solution for Workstations

FarStone Total Backup Recovery Workstation provides a robust set of tools designed for ensuring the safety and integrity of data in professional computing environments. With comprehensive backup types and a feature-rich interface, this software aims to deliver a dependable disaster recovery solution for IT departments, small businesses, and individuals who seek a high level of data protection.

Feature-Rich Backup Options

Total Backup Recovery Workstation offers a centralized management console that serves as the command center for all backup and recovery operations. The software allows for complete system backups, encompassing all settings, applications, and files. Users can also opt for more targeted backups, such as specific files, folders, or partitions.

The software comes equipped with incremental and differential backup capabilities, saving time and storage space by only capturing changes made since the last full backup. One of the key attributes of this solution is its robust scheduling feature, which enables automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, ensuring that data protection processes occur seamlessly in the background without interrupting the workflow.

Advanced Cloning and Support

An advanced cloning feature makes it possible to duplicate hard drives and SSDs effortlessly, which is especially useful when upgrading to new storage hardware or replicating systems. Total Backup Recovery stands out with its complete support for modern hardware configurations, including UEFI/EFI, GPT partitions, various RAID configurations, and high-capacity drives.

Compatibility is a strong point for Total Backup Recovery; it supports a wide range of systems, from Windows XP up to the more recent Windows 8, and caters to the REFS file system introduced in Windows 8. The software also boasts comprehensive virtual machine support with VMware and VHD integration.

Specialized Recovery Tools and Performance Features

A notable differentiator for the software is the "one-click backup and restore" functionality, permitting users to swiftly secure or retrieve their data without complex procedures. FarStone also emphasizes performance, offering a feature that ensures 100% defragmentation during the backup process to optimize the storage space.

Disaster recovery is also an area where Total Backup Recovery shines. The solution includes a Disaster Rescue Tool for worst-case scenarios, along with the ability to perform both hot (running system) and cold (system shutdown) image backups. Users can even boot directly to FarStone's Recovery Manager for urgent recovery tasks. Additionally, the software extends its functionality to dissimilar/universal restore capabilities, enabling the transfer of systems to different hardware.

For IT administrators, the ability to manage backup quotas, incorporate pre and post-backup commands, and use features such as the iSCSI Initiator in Recovery Manager are invaluable tools that enhance the flexibility and manageability of backup operations.

User Experience and Accessibility

Total Backup Recovery Workstation sports a new Windows 8 style user interface that is both modern and accessible. Support for touch screens further increases the software's usability in diverse hardware setups. The integration of Google Desktop Search allows for easy location of files within backup images, adding convenience for users who need to retrieve specific items.

In terms of ease of use, FarStone has considered various user scenarios. The inclusion of a PXE server support is an example of this, facilitating remote backup and restoration processes within networked environments.

Conclusion

FarStone Total Backup Recovery Workstation represents a comprehensive solution for those requiring reliable and versatile backup and recovery options. The extensive support for newer and more complex hardware, as well as the suite of professional features, makes it suitable for a wide spectrum of professional environments. While the abundance of features may present a learning curve for new users, the software compensates with its centralized management and accessible user interface.

Pros

• Extensive backup and cloning options
• Support for modern hardware including UEFI/EFI, GPT, and RAID
• Automatic scheduling of backups
• Dissimilar/universal restore functionality
• User-friendly Windows 8 styled interface

Cons

• Possible complexity for new users
• Limited to Windows operating systems