What is Disk imaging?

Wisegeek.com defines it:

"A disk  image is a single, large file that faithfully reproduces all of the contents and functionality of a hard disk, optical disk, or other storage device. The disk image might be anywhere from several megabytes to several gigabytes in size, and will end in one of several extensions including .iso, .cue., .bin, or .img. For Macintosh computers, modern disk image files will end in .dmg."

We offer this service for drives that are older and need to be replaced or the user simply needs more room for storage. Unfortunately, it will only work on drives that are not "dead", the process will make an exact copy of the drive - programs, data, and setting. If you purchased new hardware and wanted to keep the data (some old app that cannot be found or a legacy package that is not supported today) this process may work for you.

According to the Wisegeek:

"A disk  image is an excellent way to create backups of hard disks, as conventional backup programs can skip over files that are in use or are "inaccessible." Backup programs might also copy data files but not program files. Moreover, a disk  image copies the entire structure of the drive, including formatting. With a stored disk image on an external archive drive, if the main drive fails, the image can be copied to the replacement drive in minutes for a fully functioning system. It will be complete with personal preferences, tweaks, programs, files, and plugins."

Cost:

The cost of this system does depend on how critical the data is and what is required in the "snapshot". We do not suggest that this be the only backup solution a company should have. This is only another tool that is available.