How do you back up a computer?

A computer backup is a second copy of your data that you store separately from the original. That includes family photos and videos, documents, emails, contacts, apps and even the operating system that powers your computer. If the originals are located on your laptop or a mobile device, you keep the backup somewhere else that’s safe — that way, you can use the second copy to restore your files or system if something happens to the original. To ensure all of this data is accurately copied so you can use it to recover your computer, backup software is a must. A solution like Acronis True Image automatically captures changes to everything, including hidden files that can be missed by manually copying files, and makes the process of recovery easy and efficient.

How do you back up a computer to an external hard drive?

With Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office), creating a full image backup on an external hard drive is as easy as two clicks. Once the drive is connected and Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office) is running, click Add backup . The entire computer is the default backup source, so you simply need to assign the external drive as the backup destination and then click Back up now .

What does it mean to back up a computer to the cloud?

Computer backups need to be stored someplace safe. Acronis recommends the 3-2-1 backup rule, which includes storing three copies of your data on at least two different types of media (such as external hard drives, network drives, and NAS devices) and keeping one copy off-site. That way, if a fire or flood damages both your original files and the local backup, the off-site copy is available to use for recovery. "The cloud" is a term that describes a remote network of computers and servers that you access via the internet. The cloud is a convenient way to store your files off-site, where they are safe from local damage. Subscriptions to the Advanced and Premium editions of Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office) include cloud storage, as well as cloud-based features and "anywhere access" to your data. With Acronis True Image, you also have the ability to automatically replicate local backups in the Acronis Cloud, so you always have an off-site copy of your data available without having to manage a separate backup plan. By choosing this option, after the first successful backup, your backup and replication will be done simultaneously.

What is Acronis anti-malware protection?

Acronis' advanced anti-malware gives you peace of mind by delivering outstanding multilayered threat protection. It uses a set of integrated technologies that address specific attack vectors: Superb protection against known and unknown malware, including ransomware, cryptojackers, and fileless attacks. Behavioral analysis and dynamic detection rules that combat any emerging threats. On-demand antivirus scan that checks all files on your computer for any kind of malware: Trojans, viruses, backdoors, worms, keyloggers, spyware and others. Acronis continuously safeguards your device and backups from the latest cyberthreats.

Do I need Acronis anti-malware protection if I already have specialized antivirus, anti-malware, firewall, or other security software?

Yes. Acronis anti-malware uses a set of integrated technologies that deliver data protection capabilities many third-party antiviruses don't. It keeps your backup safe. A dedicated module of Acronis anti-malware protection guards your backup files and the backup agent, preventing deletion or alteration by malware. It restores ransomware-affected files automatically. The majority of other security software only prevents the attack, without automatically recovering the ciphered data.

Is Acronis' anti-malware protection compatible with other anti-malware solutions?

We are aware that you may have specialized antivirus, web filtering, or other security software installed on your device. Although we recommend uninstalling the third-party software and fully relying on Acronis' anti-malware solution, you can still keep it active. Acronis' anti-malware protection is compatible with most common anti-malware solutions. They do not conflict with each other for resources and do not create extra overhead on the system. However, our real-time protection switches on only if there is no third-party real-time protection solution running on your device. If third-party software is detected, you'll receive a message on your protection dashboard notifying you that another piece of software is protecting you from malicious files. Note: If you continue using an existing third-party solution for device protection rather than Acronis' anti-malware, we cannot guarantee the reliability of that third-party protection.

Full Comparison of Acronis vs Carbonite for Personal Use

Name: True Image
Price: 42.99 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (62 reviews)

Protect your digital life – Benefits of Acronis True Image over Carbonite

Enjoy all-round protection for yourself and your loved ones with the only personal solution that integrates secure data backup, cybersecurity and Identity Protection ** — eliminating the cost and time of managing multiple tools.

Acronis True Image Introduces Identity Protection

1:39

Award-winning cyber protection solution

Over 5.5 million users rely on Acronis True Image every day

OPSWAT Anti-malware Platinum certification

100% Detection Rate, 0 False Alarms in Independent Test

All Awards

Three ways in which Acronis True Image outperforms Carbonite

1. Protect not only individual files but the entire snapshot of your system

In the digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. Every day, you capture moments with your loved ones in photos, download your favorite music and movies, create work files for projects, and install and customize applications on your laptop. But exactly how vulnerable is your data? From a simple coffee spill on your laptop to a hardware crash or a ransomware attack can leave you with irreparable damage.

Carbonite is an excellent and simplistic file backup solution that makes sure your files are protected against accidents. However, Acronis goes a step further to provide a comprehensive approach to data protection. Acronis’ image backup captures snapshots of your entire system or select drives to keep you prepared for bigger disasters.

Protect not only individual files but the entire snapshot of your system

System failures and crashes

In the events of ransomware attack, hardware failure or sudden system crash, image backups enable you to restore the entire system, including the operating system, applications, and settings, ensuring a swift recovery to a functional state.
Ransomware attacks

Ransomware target and encrypt files, having a complete system image enables you to recover everything, minimizing the impact of the attack on your system.
Hardware upgrades or replacements

If you just are planning to upgrade or replace your hardware components, Acronis’ Disk Cloning tool simplifies the migration process. You can restore the system image to the new hardware, ensuring a seamless transition with no downtime.
Operating system corruption

In case your operating system becomes corrupted, or device is rendered unbootable Acronis’ Survival Kit comes to rescue. You can boot your device and restore the entire system to a clean and stable state in one go.

2. Safeguard what matters most to you according to your unique needs

Every machine is unique, and every user has their own preferences. Acronis gives you a wide array of backup options to ensure personalized data protection.

Choose to back up specific files, selected disk partitions, the entire machine, or Office 365 accounts.
Extend data protection to your mobile phones by backing up an unlimited number of devices.
Choose to back up to Acronis Cloud or to your personal detachable and NAS devices.
Schedule your backups and let Acronis automatically update your data daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.
Enhance the security of your backups with military grade encryption.
Take control of your personal data with Acronis Identity Protection.**

Safeguard what matters most to you according to your unique needs

3. Integrated cyber protection

Backup and recovery offer crucial reactive protection against modern-day threats. However, as essential as they are, relying solely on these measures does not guarantee comprehensive protection. To fortify your defense strategy, proactive measures such as robust antivirus and anti-ransomware must be in place. However, the classic approach of employing a combination of standalone protection tools for backup, anti-malware, patch management, configuration management and others, is both complex and inefficient.

While Carbonite offers Webroot Anywhere Security subscription included in their higher tier plans, Acronis offers a more well-rounded approach that integrates reactive and proactive elements in a single interface.

Anti-ransomware and cryptojacking protection

Safeguard your files, apps, and systems by detecting and stopping ransomware before they affect. Automatically restore any affected files from backups.
Real-time protection

Keep your device and backup files safe from malicious activities in real time with AI-enhanced protection. Block even never-seen-before threats by checking every file you access or interact with.
Web filtering

Stay protected from potentially harmful websites and untrusted web resources that often distribute malware and use the so called "drive-by download" method of infection.
Videoconference app protection

Protect your web conferencing sessions on Zoom, Cisco Webex Meetings and Microsoft Teams from code injections and other suspicious operations by attackers.
Identity Protection **

Safeguard personal information such as social security numbers, financial details and much more, to prevent identity theft.
Antivirus scan

Ensure threats aren’t lurking on your computer by scanning for malware whenever required.
Vulnerability assessment

Ensure all your installed applications are up to date and have no vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.

Acronis True Image vs Carbonite Personal

Features

Acronis True Image

Carbonite Personal

Offers	Complete cyber protection	Cloud backup
Supported operating systems	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS
Data protection: backup, cloning and recovery
Full image backup
Active disk cloning
File and folder backup
Incremental and differential backups
Recover to similar or dissimilar hardware *
Disk and partition backup
All-in-one recovery drive (Acronis Survival Kit)
Backup scheduling		Limited
Cloud storage
Cloud storage upgrades
Microsoft 365 backup, including Outlook.com and OneDrive *
Local-to-cloud backups
Cloud restores
Cloud sync and share *
Automatic mobile backups
Integrated anti-malware and privacy features
Anti-ransomware and cryptojacking * protection		Not integrated, available through Carbonite Safe plan with Webroot
Vulnerability assessments
Videoconference app protection *
Real-time anti-malware protection		Not integrated, available through Carbonite Safe plan with Webroot
Antivirus scans		Not integrated, available through Carbonite Safe plan with Webroot
Web filtering *
Quarantine and exclusions
User-defined passwords
Identity Protection **
Electronic signatures (Acronis ASign)
Blockchain notarization (Acronis Notary)
Easy management
User-friendly cyber protection dashboard		Basic
Control backup-on-battery
Back up on preferred Wi-Fi
CPU load balancing
Protection pause
Tray notification center
Remote data management
Tech support
Updates
Price	From £42.99 per year	$95.99 per year

* Windows only.
** Only available in the U.S. for Advanced and Premium subscriptions.

Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs

Formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

What our users say

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office made cloning my old hard drive and moving to a new SSD a breeze. The cloning process was quick and simple, and I did not have to spend much time learning how to do it.

John A.

Verified user
I was always weary of backup software. It is bulky and complicated, and looks like it is designed for an astronaut. With Acronis, I finally found a tool to protect my data that I knew how to use from the first clicks.

Jessica C.

Verified user
Nothing is scarier than watching your documents turning into rubbish. I am so glad it takes one click to bring it back with Acronis.

Jeff C.

Verified user

Case study

Acronis True Image has saved my career on numerous occasions

“I was hit by a ransomware attack and a gentleman told me on the phone that I should pay a certain amount of money to get my data back. But in the back of my head, I knew that I had the ace card as I had Acronis True Image.”

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Full comparison of Acronis vs Carbonite for personal use

Protect your digital life – Benefits of Acronis True Image over Carbonite

Award-winning cyber protection solution

Acronis True Image vs Carbonite Personal

Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs

What our users say