I bought a portable harddrive, and it came with some "1-click-backup" software. It doesnt say anywhere how it works.

Im wondering, does backup software typically only back up new/changed files since the last backup? Or does it blindly copy everything?

On my PC, I have a few folders that I would like to have backed up fairly frequently. But these folders are fairly huge, and the number of files that will be created/changed between backups will be tiny. So I'd like some backup software that only copies the changes since the last backup, and not just blindly copy everything.

Does backup software like that exist? Is it the norm? Do freeware 1-click-backup software typically work that way?

Yes, copying only changed files ("incremental" or "differential" backup, depending on the particular strategy) is the norm.

Thanks for the quick response!
Can you recommend a good free one (Im in windows XP/ windows 7 if that matters)

Edit: Forgot to mention I lost the cd that came with the drive I bought.

How 'bout just Windows Backup?

Quote: Original post by Sneftel
How 'bout just Windows Backup?

Seconded - it's simple and it works.

Just type in "Backup" in the Start search prompt in Vista+.

Oh jeez, thanks!

Unfortunately it seems to take about the same amount of time for it to figure out that it only has to copy over the 2 files that changed, as it does to just copy all the files without looking for changes.

Oh well, better than nothing I suppose.