How do I test imaging software?

[AKAJohnDoe]

Originally Posted by Defcon

I would like to evaluate Norton Ghost 14, ShadowProtect and Acronis before I decide, but what's the best way to test an imaging+backup program?

It's only as good as the restore feature, and I don't have a spare pc to play with. Even if I did the real test would be with my main pc and its hardware and drivers. For the same reason I don't know if testing in a VM is going to be any help.

I can test other stuff like speed, UI, features etc but without a rock solid recovery cd its all useless, and I've no idea how I can properly test that.

First, I would add Paragon Drive Backup Personal to your list.

Next, create the bootable CD for each of the softwares you are testing. If you do not already have a spare hard drive and an external USB hard drive, get them.

Backup to the external USB hard drive, swap out the internal hard drive and swap in the spare internal hard drive. Boot off the CD. Restore from the external USB hard drive to the internal spare hard drive. Boot off the restored drive and check it out. Swap back to the real internal hard drive.