Most backup programs support multiple options when it comes to backing up data on computer systems. This usually includes options to save a fresh independent backup every time the program is run or to save storage space by only saving data that changed since the last backup.
HardlinkBackup is available as a free version for non-commercial use that changes the way incremental backups are stored on the system. While it is still copying only changed files since the last backup run, it is using hardlinks to link to all files that have not been changed so that you end up with full data copy all the time.
The main advantage of this is that you can access all files that you have backed up from any backup directory directly.
Note: The developer website is only available in German. The program itself offers an English interface. It requires the Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 and may install updates during setup.
It takes some time to get used to the program interface due to the choice of font sizes, colors and the overall layout of the application.
The app loads the overview tab by default which displays information about the current backup job.
Example Backup configuration
Tips
Verdict
The idea to use hardlinks in incremental backups is certainly interesting for users who do not need to compress backups. The interface and .Net 4.0 requirement may however scare some users away.
AdvertisementPlease click on the following link to open the newsletter signup page: Ghacks Newsletter Sign up
Ghacks is a technology news blog that was founded in 2005 by Martin Brinkmann. It has since then become one of the most popular tech news sites on the Internet with five authors and regular contributions from freelance writers.
That is a very interesting idea, using hardlinks to the data that hasn’t been changed on an incremental backup. And clever. BTW, do you know if more established packages (such as Acronis, Paragon etc) use the the same technique for incrementals?
similar tool (full free) to create incremental backups: http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/hardlinkshellext.html#deloreancopy