However, I don’t see why the program needs to instill even a slight hint of paranoia by asking if you really want to apply the changes when all you’re doing is backing up. I also like the fact that you define a series of actions, and then set them in motion using the Apply button. It’s far more convenient than jumping around between modules, as with other programs such as Acronis True Image and Disk Director. I love the everything-under-one-roof concept of HDM 12’s interface.

A features list comparison between the professional edition and the less expensive suite version is available at the company’s website.

The program also handles dynamic disks, merges images, manages multiple backups in archives, and performs a host of other tasks I don’t have the room to discuss here. Included in HDM 12 Pro are all the features offered in the company’s Virtualization Manager: You can convert a partition to a virtual machine and back, convert a Windows 7 backup image to a VM, and restore from a VM to diverse hardware.

Hard disk manager