I believe the best backup strategy for businesses is to create backup copy of the entire computers so they can be restored to the original state following a disaster or data loss events.

When you completely backup your computer, it means the entire computer is backed up, including the operating system, software, system settings and files. In case disaster strikes, you could restore your computer systems to their original states or to a new computer.

The advantage of using Windows Vista Business, Ultimate and Enterprise edition is the ability to create backup of your entire computer without the need for any additional software.

Today, I am going to teach you how to use Windows Complete PC Backup feature to create a backup image of your systems.

Complete PC Backup

Before we get started, you should choose whether you’d like to save the backup image on an external disk or set of DVDs. Personally, I prefer to use an external hard disk because it is a faster and cheaper method.

1. Click on the start menu and go to Control Panel.
2. Once you’re in the control panel go to the Backup your computer. (It is located under the System and Maintenance option).
3. Click on the Back up computer button. View screenshot »
4. The Windows Complete PC Backup wizard will now appear.
5. You should choose where you want to save the backup, on a hard disk or set of DVDs.
6. Confirm your backup settings and click Start backup.

Restore computer from system image backup

Now that you’ve backed up your computers, there are two ways you can restore your computer.

The first option is to restore the computer using a Windows installation disks and the second option is to restore using the pre-installed recovery option.

When you restore computers from a Windows Complete PC backup image, it is a complete restoration. You can’t choose individual item to restore therefore it is important that you keep your backup to the latest.

Skype introduced a new feature called Skype Prime Beta, a service that allows you to charge for audio and video calls via Skype. This feature allows your business to charge people for for calling you. You can charge callers either a one-off fee or by the minute.

Skype Prime enables businesses to charge premium call charge to customers. There are no borders with Skype Prime, the feature is available to callers and providers globally.

Currently in beta, Skype Prime feature is available on Skype 3.1 beta for Windows. You can download Skype 3.1. Along with Skype Prime feature, it also contains bugfixes.

More information on Skype Prime.