The NTI Interface

It looks good and easy to use.

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NTI BACKUP NOW 3 Deluxe:  Is it the right solution for you?

NTI really has the easy to use part down. Now the problems are with performance and compatibility with some burners. NTI does offer help, so check out their web site for details.

NTI  Back up now 3, Deluxe Suite

Newtech Infosystems 

Requirements 

IBM PC or compatible

64 MB of main memory

35 MB of Hard Drive Space

NTI Supported Recorders, check www.ntius.com

Windows 98 through Windows XP

Backing up is hard to do. It is also one of those things you should do. One never knows when hazard will hit.
Sadly, when it does, you want to be ready.  As far as utilities go,  Back Up Now Deluxe Suite comes with a two part system. One part allows for easy back up of files and the other an image of the drive. Titled appropriately enough NTI Backup Now and NTI Drive Back up, both are part of the Deluxe suite and both install under separate cover. 

As an easy to install solution, it works. However, for some reason this NTI software like my NTI burning software, refused to cooperate with my Plextor burner. After an uninstall and an unplugging, computing went back to normal.  While I do not hold this as true for you, I just find it odd that Ghost 9, Norton Go Back and nearly every other program I had ran smoothly. The only issues with running and installing I have had serious problems with has been ACT 2005!, which just received a major upgrade, and this offering from NTI. 

Now as far as in the field reports go, other users seem to have a mixed bag approach here as well. There are reports of the program simply not working, or being very hard to operate successfully.  But it does seem odd that it would basically impact a peripheral device and then when removed would not at all. 

Now for those that are seeking proven protection, the professional Dantz Retrospect earns high points for ease of use, step by step backing up and nearly painless processing. Granted, Retrospect is not the fast solution, it is the more detailed. 

With programs like Nero offering built in back up, Norton Ghost always earning high marks and the fact that Go Back works pretty well, again, NTI may have some difficulty selling this easy to install, but apparently hard to use product. 

Summation

While I preface that my experiences are unique, I strongly suggest that you try a trial copy of this software before purchasing. Supporting new comers is great. It is always good to see other makers producing products. But, the downside is that the larger companies as a general rule have more resources for development, more input to make changes and record more possible configurations and possible issues. 

It could very well be that NTI may not be aware of a conflict and that they maybe quick to respond. I just know that if I have an issue installing a product, and that product does not issue a warning, then this could be a sign of things to come. 

I do like the interface and the concept behind NTI products. But if they are going to compete against better known companies with a history of reliability, they are really going to have to work extra harder.