Looking for Free Drive Imaging Software

[Funkysourav]

as the thread suggests,
i am looking for a free, easy to use and reliable drive imaging software for a complete noob(that's me)
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-drive-imaging-program.htm
this review here recommends Paragon Backup and Recovery

but i want your opinions too on the software

[MerleOne]

I recommend Macrium Reflect Free Edition : easy to use and reliable. No diff/incrementals in the free version, but if you don't image often, it could suit you. Please try the Linux-based recovery CD to be sure you can recover your system in case it no longer boots.

[Boyfriend]

See Ashraf's reviews here and here to have an idea of different imaging software's features and capabilities.

[Funkysourav]

thanks for the links and recommendations Merleone and Boyfriend

i installed the Paragon Backup and Recovery Free(going by Gizmo's Freeware Editor's choice)
it took me 8 minutes to backup My 46GB C drive(16gb occupied)
the image size was roughly 5.5GB(default compression)
which was broken in 2 files
also i created the Boot CD without hitch

But there is one single bug in this software
i Mounted the drive image (it assigned itself a new drive letter)
but couldn't unmount it(it always gave errors)
finally when i restarted the PC the mounted drive was gone

Paragon also has a free virtualization software
but i have no idea about it

[JonBaker]

If you have a Western Digital drive then you might want to check out the free Acronis True Image WD version. You can find the link for it on Western Digital's site.

[Funkysourav]

@Jon Baker
i have seagate
seagate site offers a similar Software based on acronis true image
but their servers are way too overloaded and too slow to process the download(30KB/min)
so i leaned towards Paragon

@all
what is Incremental/differential backup?(sounds like Calculus!! )
is it necessary to create a separate dedicated Logical Drive to store the Backup images?
Currently they are saved in my D drive

[Boyfriend]

Incremental/differential backup copy only changed/new bits/files/folders since your last backup. It usually needs dedicated backup location where it can keep track of changes and backup accordingly.
It is always good idea to use separate/external drive for backup images. In case HDD causes any problem (depends on your use/hardware expected life), you still have backup to restore your important data.
Using another partition on same drive is appropriate if you cannot afford separate storage device. Dedicated partition is usually necessary for ISR backup programs like FarStone products, but not necessary for Paragon. Do not forget to make boot ISO/flash to use in case of non-bootable OS.

[Funkysourav]

@Boyfriend
thanks for the great explanation buddy
yes i created the bootable ISO from Paragon's Boot DVD creator at first
Paragon also has the option of "P2V Copy" which can virtualize a Hard Disk or partition
but what is that exactly used for ?(in Noobish terms)

[Boyfriend]

P2V means converting existing physical computer into virtual machine. Consider following scenario:

You have installed complete OS + programs + other stuff and now you want to test/experiment with some software/settings etc. You can use P2V wizard and get full working image of your already installed OS with your programs/settings. You can then use virtualization solution (Virtual PC, Virtual Box etc.) to run it, without compromising your original system.

The benefit is that you do not have to install an OS in VM to use. Your existing setup is used to create VM.

[Funkysourav]

If i enable the virtual machine from the drive image and make some changes in software
these changes wouldn't reflect on the Original System Partition right?

does that mean , no matter what i do ,what softwares i install
everytime i reboot the system would use the saved Image
and i am free to experiment with any software setup?

But since the saved image is compressed, wouldn't the system be somewhat slower in response?