Lifeguard

"Lifeguard" is a robust system utilities tool under the backup & restore subcategory, developed by Tenebril Inc. The latest version, 3.0, has been designed with a document-centric interface that appeals to users of all technical abilities, making it suitable for anyone from novices to advanced users. Unlike many other programs in the same category, Lifeguard includes a disaster recovery feature that helps users recover from even the worst crashes, offering peace of mind.

This versatile tool supports a wide array of media, including CD-ROMs, DVDs, FTP, and removable drives such as Zip disks and flash memory. It also keeps up with the latest hardware by permitting data transfer at the maximum speed allowed by the user's hardware. Lifeguard features an extensive scheduler, which simplifies the backup process. For instance, users can schedule their backups to run monthly or weekly, adding convenience and reducing the need for manual intervention.

One of Lifeguard’s standout features is its content-sensitive filtering. This allows users to exclude files based on various parameters, including size, date, name, and even content. For example, documents can be filtered by author, e-mails by subject, and music files by album name. Additionally, it supports network backup server capabilities and offers an Internet backup service for a monthly fee, allowing customers to securely back up their data to Tenebril’s servers. It also integrates with Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, and Eudora for direct e-mail and address book backups.

The latest version files include fsmain.exe, Lifeguard.exe, and Scheduler daemon.exe, all of which are easy to install and use. The software is compatible with Windows XP, and 7. Other versions of the program include Deluxe, and 3.0. Note that Lifeguard is offered under a shareware license, allowing users to download and use it for free on a trial basis before deciding whether to purchase the full version.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use document-centric interface
• Comprehensive disaster recovery features
• Supports a wide array of media and advanced hardware standards
• Powerful scheduling options
• Extensive content-sensitive filtering capabilities
• Network and internet backup services
• Integration with various email clients

Cons:

• Internet backup service requires a monthly fee
• May offer more features than necessary for some basic users
• Only available as shareware, requiring purchase after trial

You may want to check out more software, such as Data Lifeguard Tools or Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows, which might be similar to Lifeguard.