Disk image software is much more effective than regular backup software for protecting your data. It does so much more, because it basically records an entire image of your hard disk. This means that, in the event of a system failure, you can simply restore this disk image and your computer will be back to normal again as though nothing went wrong in the first place. As you use your computer, not only do you install new files and programs on it and add bookmarks to your favorite websites and - you also do a great deal more. Consider all of the subtle changes such as interface customizations, file associations, program settings and such. After working with your computer for some time, you will become accustomed to having a personalized interface and a cozy, familiar workplace.

All of this can change in an instant in the event of a major system failure. There are many reasons why this can happen. Your computer can crash at any time and, in worst case scenarios, your computer might not even be able to boot up at all when you turn it back on. If this is the case, there is likely a major problem with the hard disk and/or the master boot record. Without going too much into the technical details, these problems can make your data inaccessible. Although standard disk recovery software will help you to retrieve most, if not all of your data, it simply does not provide the same level of security as disk imaging software uses. You will always be missing things unless you have a complete image of the hard disk stored safely and separately.

Active@ Disk Image is a professional solution for both home and office scenarios. It overcomes the many problems and shortcomings associated with standard recovery software and data backup solutions by simply backing up your entire disk and making a mirror image of it. It uses the shadow copy technique and it does this extremely well, providing the features that you need for greater simplicity and enhanced reliability. Being able to make a disk image makes recovery operations much simpler and you can largely leave such operations unattended. The disk image software is easy to use and quick to configure. Using Active@ Disk Image, you can select the entire disk, including the one containing your Windows installation folder and anything else. The image created will contain all data required for a complete system restore in the event of a system failure.

Restoring the system disk or the partition may seem a little complicated at first. Windows cannot be running during recovery operations. Recovery operations are carried out using Active@ Boot Disk, a component of the disk image software which allows you to boot from any USB drive or CD or DVD and run the recover software from there, outside of Windows. You can learn more about Active@ Disk Image at disk-image.net. A download is available here along with a video presentation and demonstration of the software.