Norton Backup 2.2 for DOS

                            Norton Backup v2.2

                                for DOS

                             by Tony Curro

    When Microsoft released MS-DOS 6.0 it contained a sub-set of Norton

    Backup. The bundled version is a major improvement over the old

    MS-DOS standard backup program. However, it is a sub-set, and not

    the full blown product. It will only allow backups to floppies, or

    other DOS devices such as Bernoulli or another hard drive. There is

    not much flexibility in creating backup sets and other features.

    But, for $49.95, getting MS-DOS 6.0 and all the other programs it is

    a bargain. I, being a tape and power user, do prefer the complete

    package.

    Norton Backup v2.2 for DOS is a faster, and improved version of

    their earlier releases. A full installation requires about 3MB of

    hard disk space. After installation, Norton's will perform a small

    backup to your floppy, and if you have one, tape drive. You can opt

    to cancel this operation. However, I urge you let the program run

    this test. It will assure you of data integrity in the future.

    Norton Backup 2.2 for DOS will read and restore backups created by

    DOS 6.0 and vice versa. DOS 6.0 backup and Norton Backup are Format

    and Compression compatible. Of course, this does NOT apply to users

    of tape drives.

    Features include:

    * Cross Platform Compatibility. Interchange backup disks between DOS

    and Windows Norton Backup. Use the same familiar product with either

    platform for reliable backups.

    * High Speed Tape Controller. One of the things that was lacking in

    the product. Norton Backup 2.2 now supports these controllers by

    Colorado and Iomega.

    * QIC 40/80 Tape Support. Industry standard format that can be

    interchanged, and even read by other products.

    * Scheduler. Schedule unattended backups.

    * Five Backup Types. Choose from: Full, Incremental, Differential,

    Full Copy and Incremental Copy backup types.

    * Network Features. Full network support.

    As I mentioned, one thing lacking was support for high speed

    controllers. Since I have purchased one, my format of tapes and

    backup time has been drastically reduced. Norton still does not

    support SCSI drives.

    Norton Backup allows you to create 'sets' from which to back up. Or,

    you can select files manually.  Creating a set simplifies

    everything. It is very easy to include or exclude files in Norton

    Backup. Once done, you do not have to do it again until you want to

    make a change. Who needs to have .TMP and .BAK files backed up?  You

    can just choose a set, click on Start Backup, and walk away. If you

    have unattended mode active, even if you get an error, in most cases

    the backup will still complete itself. You can also have a log file

    that will record all errors, or complete list of files backed up

    with starting and ending time. Other programs that I have looked at

    have a similar feature. However, if you get an error with these

    programs, the backup comes to a halt. Not so in Norton Backup. I

    have the erase option set up on my tape on Full Backup. If I walk

    away from my machine after initiating the backup, and that tape has

    data on it, Norton will check to see if it is a Full Backup. If so,

    it will erase the tape. If not, it will append the tape. It can't

    get any easier than that.

    Every other program, except Norton Backup, has one quirk that drives

    me wild. I do backup more than one drive to a tape, especially

    during Differential or Incremental, when there is not much data. All

    the other programs will do the first drive, then rewind the tape to

    the start and write the header. It then fast forwards the tape to

    the point it stopped, and starts the second drive. It continues the

    above procedure for each drive letter. This is time consuming, not

    to mention wearing on the drive and tape, and slows down even a high

    speed controller. Norton Backup backs up ALL the drives, and then

    rewinds and writes the header from them all at the same time. This,

    to me, is the most efficient way.

    Norton Backup was one of the first programs I used when I started to

    make backups. I have been through several versions, and it is just

    getting better. The program is a snap to use for novices, but has

    advanced features for several levels of users from Beginner to

    Advanced, that anyone can use it. I have chosen it for my "Christmas

    Shopping List" (CTM, Nov. 1993), and see it as a winner again for my

    year-end picks. Registered users of either Norton Backup for DOS or

    Windows can upgrade for $39. The product comes with a 60-day money

    back guarantee.

                          Product Information

                           Norton Backup 2.2

                                for DOS

                              SRP Ä $149.

                          Symantec Corporation

                            10201 Torre Ave.

                        Cupertino, CA 95014-2132

                              800-441-7234

                           408-255-3344 (FAX)