I just copy the conclusion of a technical review of Acronis True Image x Symantec Norton Ghost:
While each program has certain unique features, the core functionality of both programs is essentially equal. However, True Image’s overall functionality, reliability and UI are more robust and more understandable than Symantec Norton Ghost versions 9 or 10. Most importantly, in my experience, Symantec’s Ghost versions 9 & 10 have proven to be unreliable and my experience with Ghost (really, all of Symantec) technical support has consistently been dreadful. I would still choose Acronis True Image over Ghost on functionality and presentation alone; however, on quality of support alone, I cannot and will not recommend any Symantec program.
Furthermore, Symantec has a long & sordid history of acquiring products or complete companies and then discontinuing the products. I would not be surprised if Ghost were treated similarly in the not-distant future. Partition Magic, which they also acquired from PowerQuest a couple of years back in release 8 has yet to be updated by Symantec. The fact that Symantec tech support/development has been unable to isolate the regular random corruption problems I have been experiencing across two releases of the product does not bode well for the future of the Ghost product, in my mind.
I have removed Symantec Ghost from my system. My recommendation and personal choice going forward for a disk-imaging program is Acronis True Image.
I’ve tried both and feel more confident with Acronis. I am particularly impressed with the GUI you get from the emergency boot CD which can see all internal drives and access all USB ports.
I’m still using the last version of Drive Image from PowerQuest before it got bought out by Symantec. I have never had any problems with it and I think the interface is great, until Drive Image 7 no longer works with my system, Ghost and True Image can whistle for my cash ;D
Even then I doubt that I would buy any Symantec product for much the same reasons in the quote. A friend and I both had serious problems with an earlier version of True Image so my confidence in the company and product took a hit, their support forum at the time of the problem was also pathetic.
My experience is very good… I mean, backups are reliable, it allows to make a boot CD either.
I’ve got some ‘normal’ support by email. Not that fast but, anyway, not that long as Symantec uses to be… ;D
I’ve had problems with both Ghost and True Image : Neither program is rock solid from my experiences … I mean how can i trust either again after they both gave me problems ?
Are there any other good products out there?
It’s true that both products have their problems. I’ve never experienced it but apparantly an Acronis image can be corrupt even if the verification tool confirms that it’s good. I keep multiple images in the hope that at least one will be good.
I got my Drive Image 7 from ebay over 18 months ago and there was one update which gave support for saving the image to DVD, not sure if that update will be available not Symantec have their sticky paws on it.
Some people rate boot-it http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootitng.html, there is a Manual button for a pdf file on that page also. But a google search for drive imaging software should return some information.
I cloned hundreds and hundreds of system images (whether it is partition image or full disk image) in last 3 years. Never had a single problem with Ghost, although I use Ghost 2003.
None of those new features forced me to switch to Ghost 9 or 10. If 2003 does it’s job properly, why change it ?
I use Acronis (got it free from a computer mag coverdisc) and I have used it many times with no problem… In fact I have now got into the habit of updating the image weekly. When you mess around with beta programmes it’s a godsend. Just my two pennorth
Yes exactly… and everything goes down to the fact that some people prefer this and some prefer that. But the truth is, if you are satisfied with your program, and it does exactly what you expected from it to do, then there is no reason to abandon it and switch to some other. Regardless of is it a Ghost or Acronis or something third, if it does its job, then it’s a good choice.
Neither program is rock solid from my experiences … I mean how can i trust either again after they both gave me problems ?