The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/CBniteowl on 2024-12-24 23:10:17.

Now with 4 computers in our home. This month I noticed I started researching what I used to assume was Snake oil (gimmick) software. I’m wondering what tools I should invest in. Like partition managers to bare metal windows and Linux backup images, to all the classic Smart and chekdisk type tools.

Looking to move our systems to SSD drives is what got all this thinking started. Also related to data loss prevention.

Backups: if I did a OS backup or a partition backup. Is the image that’s backed up also storing all that empty space that’s in that partition? Or is it shrunken down to the image backup only being the size of what data was used in that partition?

Which if the backup does copy even the empty unused space. Then the smthought of making new partitions for the main OS being changed so when I did do a partion image. The stored backup would be smaller.

Haha since IDE hard drives. I always felt letting things stay natural was better. So I never compressed a drive for space or even messed with partitions… Till now.

I understand the differences with just transferring a OS from a HDD to a SDD. But Id like to back up our OS’es so when the need to restore or upgrade anything came about. It would be way less hassle than reinstalling stuff you forgot you ever installed or tweaked.

LONG STORY SHORT: Any good utilities for the to invest in for this families growing tech uses.

I remember Paragon and Acrinis used to be big names. But since I real a lot of negative reviews or glitches. Yes I’m old. Any suggestions?