Which backup software to use for the following needs

[smarty3010]

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System details:
Intel i5 CPU 760 @ 2.80 GHz
RAM: 2GB
Motherboard: Gigabyte H55M-S2
Total Space: 500 GB

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
File System: NTFS

External hard drive (which will be used for backup)
Western Digital 1TB Passport Essential
USB 3.0
File System: NTFS
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I want an opinion to choose a backup software which is capable of the following:
1. Backup all files, folders, applications and OS with their settings on my external hard drive. It is called a system image I guess (correct me if wrong)
2. Able to restore on a different PC or laptop having different configuration
3. Able to synchronize the changes between the current PC and my external hard drive (automatically and manually)
4. (Optional) Able to restore a part of the backup.
5. (Optional) Able to backup only some part of the original hard drive.
6. (Optional) Password-protect the backup.
7. Reliable !!

I know that there are lots of softwares for backup but don't know whether they support these features and are reliable enough.

Any advice would be helpful.

 

[seavixen32]

It really is a matter of personal choice and research, but Macrium always gets a mention on WSF.

Easeus, Paragon and Acronis pop up frequently as does Windows 7's own backup utility.

Backup Software - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[karlsnooks]

My backup software of choice:
Windows 7 Backup and Restore

for backing up partitions smaller than 128GB, then DISK2VHD is also an option:Disk2vhd

 

[whs]

I would say that Paragon is your best bet - unless you want to go to the Pro versions (e.g. Macrium pro). But your #s 5 and 6 may be difficult.

 

[smarty3010]

Do the software(s) mentioned above support the features mentioned in points 2 and 3 ? (just confirming)..

Also I forgot to ask: what happens to the licensed applications which are tied to the motherboard.
We have to buy another license for them?

 

[whs]

Do the software(s) mentioned above support the features mentioned in points 2 and 3 ? (just confirming)..

Yes for Paragon. Also possible with free Macrium as long as the receiving partitions is equal or greater in size.

Also I forgot to ask: what happens to the licensed applications which are tied to the motherboard.
We have to buy another license for them?

That only applies to operating systems (OEM versions). Not to applications.

 

[smarty3010]

Thanks a lot guys

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome.

Out of interest, which application have you decided to use?

 

[mjf]

Do the software(s) mentioned above support the features mentioned in points 2 and 3 ? (just confirming)..

Also I forgot to ask: what happens to the licensed applications which are tied to the motherboard.
We have to buy another license for them?

If you want to run the old and the new licensed application and the software is licensed for one PC then you do need to buy a new license. Alternatively deactivate on one PC and reactivate on the other PC.

 

[smarty3010]

Thanks mjf for the info.

I have installed Paragon as of now... will try taking a backup and restoring it.
Whether successful or not I will post the details here.