Workshop: data backup to devices running Windows Mobile

Software for data backup (or "bekapery"), which will be discussed in our next "Workshop", can be uniquely attributed to a class of applications essential. Unfortunately, the stability of modern mobile operating systems including Windows Mobile, yet not so high as to fearlessly trusted devices sensitive data that exist in a single copy. Yes, and use software from third-party developers often resembles an exciting game, which will not interfere survive a difficult level. Finally, the devices themselves have a habit to break, but the service center usually does not bother saving the user data. In short, produced in time backups can save a lot of nerves. Do not forget about the use of backup copies for peaceful purposes, for example, to transfer data from device to device or to synchronize. In general, we now consider in detail how and what to backup to devices running Windows Mobile.

ActiveSync

First of all, tell you about the built-in, which is at hand for each user - the program of ActiveSync, among other things, is a standard solution from Microsoft for creating backups and synchronization. It should be noted that the backup - this is not the primary function of the program. Moreover, in the latest version of ActiveSync, which appeared around the same time with the release of WM 5.0, a clear opportunity to backup non-existent (it is assumed that WM 5.0 is robust enough to do without a reservation). However, the information saved with the help of this program is still possible. The advantages of this program is to include it for free, and prevalence. ActiveSync usually included in the standard pre-installed software for WM-units. In addition, his latest version can be easily downloaded from Microsoft. All other features of ActiveSync, as bekapera, should be considered as disadvantages caused by the weak sharpened this product for backup, as well as strong sharpened under the requirements of Microsoft. Here are the cons:

• Saving the data is carried out only on a desktop computer with a desktop part of ActiveSync. Accordingly, it is impossible to perform backup and restore, if the desktop is not available or it is not installed ActiveSync.
• Full-fledged backup program does not provide. In fact, Microsoft proposes to use as a backup computer, which is synchronized with the WM-device. It is usual to synchronize contacts, notes, meetings, etc. Accordingly, there is no standard opportunities to save multiple versions of backup or transfer stored data to other media.
• You can not save all the data. Method of synchronization, you can save files in the folder «My Documents». Save folders or restrict the copying of parts of the folder «My Documents» standard means it is not possible. Also, by synchronizing the data stored in embedded applications from Microsoft. Synchronize mobile and desktop versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Media Player, as well as these programs Microsoft Outlook, a member of the commercial software package Microsoft Office. Moreover, if the latter is not set, then there is no way to backup your organizer data.

The general conclusion: ActiveSync copes with the organizer data synchronization and a notebook, but for backup tasks its capacity is clearly not enough.It is worth mentioning a special task that ActiveSync can be useful. When you move a user with WM 2003 on WM 5.0, organizer data and messages are most convenient to carry through synchronization with your computer. On this procedure ensures the quality of ActiveSync data transfer, regardless of the specific versions of WM and device models. Usual bekaperam oriented primarily to back up files and settings, in this regard is far from specialized synchronizers. Fortunately, these specific problems are rare. In addition, most mobile device manufacturers bundle their products with programs specifically designed for backup. Such programs (xBackup, FSC Backup, E-ten backup, etc.) are not supplied separately from the devices, so their comparison is meaningless. One has only to mention that their features are quite modest. There is also a separate class of programs designed to synchronize or backup of any specific data. For example, the program smsBackup, as is evident from its name, is intended to backup SMS. However, this type of data is not very much. In most cases, data backup of a program is as simple as saving certain files and folders, which makes the task of the standard, that is solved with the help of one of the universal program-bekaperov, which we consider below. The subject of today's test will be the industry leaders: SPB Backup, Sunnysoft Backup Manager, Sprite Backup and SKTools. Test will on communicator Glofiish X500 (on Windows Mobile 5.0) and Asus P505 (for Windows Mobile 2003). All data are presented for WM 5.0. Unless otherwise stated, this means that for WM 2003 test showed the same result. Today, we detail the Sprite Backup, the rest of the program will be reviewed and compared in the subsequent parts.

Sprite Backup

The program is not made from the desktop computer and consists of a basic application and desktop add-ons. Beautiful installer (English only) introduces the license, asked the code (no trial, in principle) and offers to run the configuration wizard. The WM-device main part of the program takes about 3 MB of main memory or on the map. As a result, the tray appears agent program to control the Sprite Backup.

Desktop module

Opportunities desktop agent is modest. From it you can run the wizard (especially if not done right). This wizard is engaged in setting up a basic program, moreover, a small part of them. For the settings of the desktop there is a separate window, accessible from the menu (click «Options»). More from the menu of the desktop you can run the backup (just in a folder on your computer). All actions performed on the WM-device on the desktop only to warn of the impending reboot and tooltips indicate start / end backup. Recovery is also possible only from a folder on your computer. At that capabilities of the desktop are exhausted.

PDA module

The main program has two modes - Simplified (Basic mode) and extended (Advanced mode). By default, runs Basic mode. Spartan regime - any longer: two buttons - for backup and recovery, respectively, a minimum of information and the ability to switch to Advanced mode from the menu. In the Advanced mode menu cluttered with rich set of options. Consider these options in detail, and will start from the page «General Backup Options», which contains the basic settings:

• «Compress Backup» - enable compression (level settings not)
• «Encrypt Backup» - enable password protection
• «Name Backup Files Automatically» - create a file name automatically (regardless of the presence of a tick, you can rename the file, and if the box is unchecked, the field name is written the name of the previous file backup)
• «Leave a copy of Sprite Backup on Storage Card» - leave a copy of Sprite Backup on the memory card
• «Create self-restoring Backup Files» - to create self-extracting archive.

Page «Backup File Management» allows you to specify the maximum size in megabytes, and backup files. Page «Exclusion Rules» allows you to specify files that should not be archived. In addition to the list of custom templates, you can exclude from backup the contents of memory cards, programs (*. EXE and *. DLL) files and backup. Page «Restore Options» contains only two points.

• «Automatic Menu Handling» - automatically corrects problems that may arise in the recovery menu "Start" - for example, verifies the existence of duplicate labels.
• «Enable Device Upgrade mode» - the usual backup, this option does not work. However, it seems very interesting and allows you to restore backup after flashing or changing the device. True, there are several features:
  • First the device must make a full backup
  • then do the hard rezet
  • run GetUpgradeFile.exe - for WM2003 or GetUpgradeData2005.exe - for WM 5.0 (also products of Sprite Software, available for download http://www.spritesoftware.com). Obtained as a result of these actions file - UpgradeData, stored on a memory card.
  • When restoring from backup is necessary to note the option «Enable Device Upgrade mode», select the backup file and UpgradeData and wait for recovery. It should be noted that for devices running Windows Mobile 5.0, before doing a backup, you must remove the settings for all email accounts, as they are rigidly adhered to a unique ID number, and their recovery is impossible.

Page «Sheduled Backup» contains a minimum of information and allows you to run the page with the settings on the backup schedule. If this option is the encryption of files installed, then after the backup on a schedule (and a lot more when) the program asks for a password. By the way, the program offers its own version of a long and strong password, but quite sophisticated, so it pays to be careful and do not forget to change the password on an acceptable variant for you. Page «Networking» can enable remote backup. This refers to copying to the desktop. Here you can set and method of communication - via ActiveSync or via a network. Both methods can be tested by pressing a single button. The test takes a split second.Page «Backup History» contains a list of completed backups. For each item in the list you can see a detailed report about copying. It is important to remember that this is a list of actions, and not really existing. Shield Advanced mode contains two tabs - for backup and recovery, respectively. Menu - common to both tabs. Tab «Backup» offers a choice of elements of the system for backup. You can copy all. Classification of Elements - very handy and clear. There is no point for a network folder, but the people who need it back up, it is extremely rare, so it is only a plus. File name and location is chosen in a separate dialog box. If you enable remote backup, the list «Location» there is a folder «PC», corresponding to the default folder to store copies of the desktop version. Field to describe the file is duplicated a separate page. Tab «Restore» opens to selectively restore the last backup file (if it is encrypted, it first asks for a password). That's the whole interface. In the process of backing up the user to virtually nothing is required. First, you must agree to restart (the WM 2003 is not required). Secondly, to see how the process of copying (if desired - to cancel). Third, go through another reboot (now - without asking) and get a report of copying. When you restore everything even easier - no pre-reboot. By the way, in this context is curious how to implement a self-extracting archives: a copy of each file is built the main program that looks exactly the same. Recovery is performed as if the file is selected from the program. The program itself thus can not be installed at all. Running a self-extracting file, you can instead restore it to launch a new backup system. Everything will look like in this program, but if it is not installed - file get broken. This is logical, or any file backups would become a legal free copy of the program. In conclusion, it is worth noting that the version of Sprite Backup 5.1 is not the so-called option premium, which, in particular, has a more detailed selection of items for backup, Today-plugin and additional tools (have not, however, related to backup). If such an option in version 5.1 will appear, it will be the most functional bekaper on the market. Support Sprite Backup includes all basic services. Update program is installing toll upgrades.

Output

Program Sprite Backup - dear little thing, but it's worth it. The orientation of the interface and operation of the application be taken from you a minimum of time. In general, at the moment is the best combination of functionality and reliability in its class.

Pros:
• Works without a glitch
• Very fast
• Optimal set of settings
• Very simple and intuitive interface
• Good support work without a stylus
• Self-extracting archives
• Compression and encryption
• Granular data recovery
• Backup Schedule
• Desktop agent

Cons:
• Not russified
• Do not set the compression level
• No track battery charge
• No demos

Ratings (1-5):
• Interface: 5
• Features: 5
• User support: 4
• Reliability: 5
• Total: 5

Table features include Sprite Backup

To be continued ... The authors, translation:

Toshiba Genio e550G: iPAQ in Japanese

Do not consider me wordy, but a review of the new Pocket PC, Toshiba e550G I can not begin with the words, addressed to the now legendary series iPAQ. Here itself begs a comparison. And now you'll understand why. We are already accustomed to that iPAQ'i - consistently the best-selling family of Pocket PC machines. And this, despite the rather high price in similar settings with other, cheaper models. However, if you look closely, it becomes clear that these characteristics are not entirely similar. iPAQ'i, indeed, endowed with a balanced set of features. And there are many willing to "emulate" them. Laurels winner haunt rivals. That's right on the PDA market has to happen a local revolution: the market will be a clutch of low-cost Pocket PC (including those from HP), optimal ratio of price-performance. " iPAQ'am somehow have to make room. On another flank, attacking well-known manufacturers that handhelds hi-end class. Among them - Toshiba, the second most sales in the host Pocket PC. Her latest PDA Genio e550G, though the speakerphone was not a novelty, but for a long time and consistently sold in Japan. In the U.S., the device appeared just and immediately forced to talk about yourself. What is the reason for this attention, it turned out let me just say, Japanese iPAQ'u, we'll see below.

At first glance,

The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the handheld - is the screen. To date, Toshiba Genio e550G has the largest screen among the Pocket PC-devices - a little over 10 cm diagonally. Many prefer iPAQ 1939 Series is due to the big screen. Now, apparently, it makes sense to think about. However, it did not affect whether such an increase "muzzle" detrimental to the dimensions of the handheld device? Judge for yourself:

Model	Toshiba Genio e550G	Hewlett-Packard iPAQ H3950	Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX 600	Toshiba Genio e740
Dimensions	125 x 76,5 x 15,9 mm	135 x 84 x 16 mm	135 x 84 x 18 mm	117 x 75 x 15 mm
Weight	170 g	190 g	169 g	173 g

As can be seen from the table, e550G looks very worthy, even against such strong competitors. In this case, the CCP can not be called understated, except that a few edgy. However, judging from the pictures, which are still not very much on the Internet - the case in any way ungrateful. But personally, I have to call a trusted stylish buttons and mushroom joystick. In addition, reviews the first users to hold and use for its intended purpose device conveniently.

Ergonomics

According to eyewitnesses, the handheld button pressed easily, but you can not fear that this will happen every time they are accidental contact with any surfaces. Played on e550G not very convenient: the buttons are not designed for this, but in their daily work they are very ergonomic. Navigation joystick, because of its mushroom shape, suitable for all applications, including entertainment. The only serious point to ergonomics - the lack of e550G scroll wheel. This is undoubtedly a useful element is present in most Pocket PC-computers today and why it does not exist in our news is not entirely clear. Now with regard to working with expansion slots. It is known that the program for Pocket PC, as well as the media does not take up little space, so the ease of extracting and inserting a memory card is not the last role in the overall impression of his work with the CPC. This handheld, and Compact Flash type II, and Secure Digital slots are arranged as they should be, top, next to the headphone jack. Removing the card from the "nest" has fingernails, or what some improvised accommodate.However, the cap for the CF-slot wonderfully thought out and perhaps that, the best of its kind. We conclude Glaucus positive observation. In e550G have a USB interface. It is used not only for its timing, but also as a port for connecting USB-devices. Our machine was tested with the corresponding mouse and keyboard. Everything worked without any problems whatsoever. However, before using them to install the drivers, but the result is still far exceed your expectations. Now you can turn the handheld into a real laptop and to work on it, such as a word processor or chat on ICQ. It should be noted that the idea is not new - Toshiba spied her from Casio, in products which USB-port is used for a long time. In any case, the consumer can only gain from this.

Inside

Genio e550G runs on Intel XScale PXA250 processor with 400 MHz, which is already the standard for hi-end Pocket PC. In addition, soft-set machine is a systemic applet that allows you to smoothly adjust the frequency of "stones". Made it to extend the already short-lived stand-alone battery life. Thus, if the standard rate of the latter (400 MHz) handheld lives 9 hours, then at 100 MHz, battery life increases to 15 hours. As you know, sense of 400 MHz XScale today is not much, and therefore such softinkoy not useless addition. Memory of the PDA are the standard 64MB RAM and 32MB ROM. Of course, such a little amount for daily needs, and therefore the handheld is equipped with two expansion slots - Compact Flash and Secure Digital. Both slots have been tested with the following cards: IBM Microdrive 340 MB, Compact Flash Kingston 128 MB Secure Digital Lexar 64 MB. Everything worked like clockwork and on reasonable rates, so that we can assume that with cards from other manufacturers problems also arise should not. Multimedia capabilities - an integral part of any Pocket PC-PDA. Toshiba Genio e550G was no exception. Its screen has a native resolution of 320x240 pixels and can display 65,536 colors everything. Built this model on display reflective technology: shows good results outdoors, while under artificial light, compared with the same iPAQ 1939 Series, losing in quality. At first on the screen were quite a few gripes: a pink tint in low brightness, opacity and inertia, finally, a dull image, finally the most convenient cover. But all the above, rather small subjective nitpicking. In general, Toshiba Genio e550G display can be called one of the best in its class. But the media - is not only the screen but the audio portion. Our PDA sounds incredibly, he is particularly good at bass (certainly in comparison with other handheld computers, rather than stereo).

Check for communication

Since the PDA is not equipped with built-in means of communication had to take advantage of additional accessories that there is no shortage in the market. By e550G connect multiple cards from companies Socket: Low Power Ethernet-card standard, Compact Flash, Digital Phone Card and Bluetooth in CF. In addition, the CCP has been tested and Compact Flash-modems, and with common CF-cards from different manufacturers, as well as Wi-Fi module is also on the CF of the company's Symbol. All kits showed excellent work which once again proved delicious compatible slots Toshiba Genio e550G with components from other manufacturers.

Total

Toshiba Genio e550G uniquely successful. At a price almost equal to the iPAQ 3950 PDA has both advantages and disadvantages compared to the last. The advantages include a large screen, USB-port, small size and weight. Cons same e550G relative to the same iPAQ 3950 are also evident - the screen of inferior quality, not the richest selection of accessories. The success of the basic model series - Genio e550G - prove once again the variations on its theme "- released after her e550GS, e550GX and e550GX/MD. All of these PDAs are running the processor Intel XScale PXA250 400 MHz based on Pocket PC 2002. In fact new items are nothing like good old e550G (GS) or the same version with increased memory (modification GX and GX / MD). Prices in Japan: e550GS - $ 499, e550GX - $ 549, e550GX/MD (e550GX with 1GB IBM Microdrive) - $ 799. Genio e550G itself can be purchased for $ 520. The authors, translation:

Workshop: data backup to devices running Windows Mobile, Part 2

As promised, we continue a workshop on the issue of backing up data on Windows Mobile devices. In the first part of this article we reviewed the standard solution from Microsoft, and tested one of the leaders in the field of backup - bekaper Sprite Backup on the company's Sprite Software. Today will be discussed on the program SPB Backup.

SPB Backup

Distribution of this program comes in two flavors - EXE-file to install the computer and conventional CAB-file. Functional difference between them. In any case, the program will be put to the WM-device as a desktop is not part of the class. Language sewn into the distribution, so before downloading the installer to select the required locale. For this test, for obvious reasons, was taken by the Russian version of the program. In addition, before installing the computer you are invited to choose between a demo or registered version. I must say that functional trial version is completely identical to the registered program. So the only difference is, when do I enter serial number - immediately or within fifteen days. If you are installing from the CAB-file with no options put a demo version. The program is easy to install as the main memory and a memory card, taking with it about 1 MB. Immediately after the installation on the Today screen plug-in appears, containing information about how long ago created the last backup and when will the next. Naturally, the choice of line plug stylus or button starts the application itself.

Interface

The program interface is pleased with its simplicity. It is designed as a step by step wizard-style, familiar to desktop users. Confused here, in principle, impossible. Even the close button is replaced by a standard application for step by step wizard click "Cancel", which not only makes the interface familiar, but also facilitates the use without a stylus. Of the shortcomings of the interface at first glance, one can only note two points. First, the lack of translation in the Advanced Settings. Second, the onscreen keyboard, constantly appearing unnecessarily on the first page of the wizard. However, these minor gaffes almost no impact on usability.

Store data

Thus, according to the first page of the wizard, the user running SPB Backup, pursues one of three purposes:

• "Full retention" - to quickly perform a complete backup of the system without clogging my head with all sorts of settings.
• "Selective preservation" - backing up the system exactly as the user needs.
• "Save on schedule" - set the schedule automatic backups of the system.

When you select "full save" immediately prompted to enter the backup file name (the default is generated automatically based on the current date) and a place to host it. It is curious that the file format backup is not even discussed. SPB Backup program is not involved in data recovery system from a backup, but instead used self-extracting archives. The next step is the application informs the user that is supposed to do. Calculation of the size of the file copy takes a few seconds, after which the inscription "Evaluation ..." is replaced by an indication of size. Next, the program promises to close for a while backing up all your applications and offers to save. It is possible to remove the check mark from the «Stop processes before backup» to the Advanced Settings, accessible from the Tools menu. In this case, the work of other applications will not be stopped, but the page with a warning will still appear and contain the same text. Most likely, this is not idea developers, and banal glitch, though perfectly harmless. Full backup takes a few minutes. Pleased that the process can still receive calls and SMS. After a successful backup or cancel copying SPB Backup to restart or close the application. If enabled stop the other processes, the Close button on the top screen will not restart and will in any case - either by pressing the "Reload", or after a few seconds. In this "full save" ends. At the "selective preservation" user is encouraged to note those elements of the system that he wants to keep. In the list of six items. It is strange that developers do not have a list box bigger to avoid the scroll, because the screen space for this lack. However, the latter two options are not always present. On the first two points of questions arise - is data organizer (tasks, contacts) and email. When you save a document, you can choose what the contents of the folder «My Documents» to be backed up. With a network folder or memory card - the situation is similar. Settings under "System data" are a little different. Prompted to choose whether to store the system registry, databases and files from the main memory (except for the folder «My Documents»). Composition of the files can also be configured. It's a shame that there is no way to save only some of the database is optional. Otherwise, the backup settings - quite flexible in contrast to the same ActiveSync.After selecting the elements of the system to be preserved, it is proposed to set the file name and backup path to save it. Just like in the embodiment of "complete conservation". On the next screen the user can disable compression backup and turn it on encryption with password protection. Compression ratio is not specified and is not discussed - it can only be turned off. Similarly, given only one encryption algorithm. All subsequent steps are identical version of "complete conservation". Selecting the "preservation of schedule" leads the user to the page with the settings for automatic archiving. If you do not include automatic archiving, then this will be the last page of the wizard. Settings are very simple. You can specify the days of the week you want to back up and the exact time for this process. Such luxuries as multiple archiving or backup in the specified date, submitted by developers without attention. Three additional settings on this page are not relevant to the schedule, but only point out that while making the device. It is further proposed to select a folder to save and specify the number of stored files. Select items to save the settings and compression and encryption are performed in the same way as in the embodiment of "selective retention". Next, the program displays a summary of options and offers them to confirm. At this visible features virtually exhausted. However, there are a couple of items in a menu of additional options. One of them turns on / off writing the log file, and the second - indicates whether to include a new archive files of old archives, if any are caught.

Restoring data

Backup files are made in SPB Backup, continue to live your busy life. In each sewn program for recovering data from backup. These files are decompressed without any problems after removing the program from the device, after the expiration of the demo version and transfer the file to another device, regardless of whether there is SPB Backup or not. Each such file - a program that displays step by step wizard for the self-extracting. Then you have two options for further action - a "full recovery" and "granular recovery". The difference between them - only one. Master "granular recovery" is the beginning of an additional page with a choice of elements for recovery. It is the same as in the Wizard "selective preservation", but contains only those items that have been selected for preservation of this particular file. Next, the program specifies the correct system time (only important for these Outlook). Further, everything happens as and when you save: warning about closing the remaining processes, data recovery and restart. On this program review SPB Backup would be complete, but as a free bonus developers offer her an extra tool Spb Backup Unpack tool, which is designed to work with SPB Backup files on your PC without the use of WM-devices. The application allows you to view the backup file on the desktop machine, extract data, transform the system registry in a standard REG-file and all other information in text files. For ordinary users benefit from this program is highly questionable, but enthusiasts who want to delve into the internals of the backup file (which is cast with software innards WM-device), will find it very interesting. Finally let's say customer support. Home support program for the site developer does not have the Russian version, which is somewhat frustrating. However, the program runs without any complaints about it, and a small FAQ in English coupled with feedback to the developers will be more than enough to solve problems. The situation is worse with the updates. Automatic Updates is not envisaged in principle. The site is easy to find information about that upgrade the basic version - an extra charge. Difficult to find data on the upgrades themselves: for example, the link under the words «Spb Backup upgrade page» sometimes leads to page 404. But there is mail subscription notifications of new releases and other information from the manufacturer.

Output

SPB Backup - a convenient, reliable and very fast program for those who want to make a backup copy of data without any extra zamorochek. Their 300 rubles program fulfills with a vengeance. Minor tweaks might disappoint the idealists and the strain of pedants, but to do something for which designed the program, they do not interfere.

Pros:
• Works without a glitch
• No undue delays
• Optimal set of settings
• Russified
• Plugin on the Today screen
• User-friendly interface
• Self-extracting archives
• Compression and encryption
• Granular data recovery
• Backup schedule.

Cons:
• Negligence in the interface
• Part Russification
• Do not set the compression level
• There is no selective preservation of databases
• Restoring only through samoraspakovschik (increasing the size of the backup files)
• No tracking battery.

Ratings:
• Interface: 4 (well thought out, but not until the end Cleaned up an error)
• Features: 5 (no extra features, but all that is expected from bekapera, present)
• Customer Support: 3 (no Russian support pages, no automatic updates, but there is an active mailing lists and FAQ)
• Reliability: 5 (serious errors and the brakes are not revealed)
• Total: 4

Comparative table: Sprite Backup and Spb Backup

Part I: Overview of Sprite Backup. The authors, translation: