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Thread ID: 115377 2011-01-16 02:15:00 The Time Machine Burnzee (6950) Press F1
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1170043 2011-01-18 01:48:00 Just did some quick testing of the software.

Not to bad, but like every thing it has its pros and cons.

Timed the Computer from start to fully loading, twice to make sure the times were close. Then installed Time Machine, restarted the PC twice and timed (results below) - made a snapshot - then proceeded to BREAK Windows (www.imagef1.net.nz) :devil

Rebooted and hit "home", loaded in time machine, run it to the snapshot, and it restarted windows OK.

So yes it did work. From the limited testing It seems it may be OK if a person is continually doing things that may cause a problem. But in reality its nothing new that windows restore doesn't already do.
Just the repair in a fatal fault ( as pictured) is a quicker fix.

Didn't test it against Virus attack -- to busy earning $$ :nerd:

Now the conclusion;

Pros:
Did what it said it would. Quicker than having to boot from a DVD to repair


Cons:
Added 25 seconds to the boot up time. Every time you install something, or make a change, it re indexs on startup, taking approx 15+ seconds. Twice the PC has started and chkdsk runs stating the system needs to be checked. This OS didn't do it before installing Time machine. Did it once before I broke windows, and once after- 2nd reboot after doing its repair.


What it would do against a vicious virus / Malware attack I dont know. 		wainuitech (129)
1170044 2011-01-18 03:10:00 Hi Wainuitech

Thanks for sharing your results - very interesting . May I address some of your concerns regarding start up times . Comodo Time Machine takes a new snapshot when you boot . This function is easily controlled by unticking "take a snapshot of system on startup" . If you don't want CTM on start-up and if taking snapshots manually there is really no need to - turn off in settings . Easy . In addition, remember this program is also restoring your other programs and personal data .

Really have to take you to task on this one though:


But in reality its nothing new that windows restore doesn't already do .


Let's see yah screw windows again so it doesn't boot to the operating system again . How good yah System Restore Points now? :D After you have a few snapshots, you can go back and recover a file you have since deleted . To my knowledge, System Restore Points can't do that either .


What it would do against a vicious virus / Malware attack I dont know .

Tell you what CTM would do . It would simply and easily restore your system back to the snapshot!! Your experiment proved that . You screwed Windows so it would not boot . Even then Comodo Time Machine did the business . Reckon this simulates a pretty good vicious virus/malware attack!!

BURNZEE 		Burnzee (6950)
1170045 2011-01-18 03:47:00 Thats debatable as well. Seen lots of PC's that have Comodo, full of infections.

Most people probably don't use Defense+ which is Comodo's strong point in my opinion.

I never really trusted the Antivirus part so I ensure Defense+ is always on maximum and run everything past me.

If you use that, and use it properly, I would say an antivirus wouldn't even be needed. BUT if you didn't do it properly, and allowed a virus to execute, then there would be no point.

Both the HIPS and AV together, the system is much better.

The Antivirus part by itself.. not so much. 		Agent_24 (57)
1170046 2011-01-18 03:58:00 Let's see yah screw windows again so it doesn't boot to the operating system again . How good yah System Restore Points now? After you have a few snapshots, you can go back and recover a file you have since deleted . To my knowledge, System Restore Points can't do that either . Errrrr yeah, system restore will do all of that ( done it countless times) . As I mentioned before, Time Machine just did it faster Via its option to load on startup and press "Home" .

Just found one HELL of a BAD action . Did what you suggested re the indexing on startup :groan:

To do a test -- I took another snapshot - then on the desktop, put 4 photos, as well as two word documents . Also created a folder in Documents, and put in another few files - Rebooted - all fine, then rebooted again, loaded in the previous snapshot - Guess what -- As expected- ALL the photos, Documents, folders I had just created were gone . :eek:

So if you disable indexing as you suggested, by default, unless you make a snapshot manually or by schedule, you will loose everything you have done since the last snapshot .

I can see that being really BAD, as most people wouldn't manually take snapshots -- Imagine doing hours or days of work, and losing it because the person never took a snapshot . If you set a schedule, it would have to run at least by the minute as far as I would consider . Time Machines lowest is hourly .

Windows System restore DOES NOT TOUCH photos, documents, folders, emails etc . Time machine wipes them . (real clever) .

That one VERY bad action by Time Machine is enough to convince me to never use it .

Oh by the way - Comodo is also causing the chkdsk to run, once again it ran on startup . Uninstalled it and the problem disappeared .
Even then Comodo Time Machine did the business . Reckon this simulates a pretty good vicious virus/malware attack!! NO ! that doesn't simulate a virus attack, malware and viruses can and do get into Locked files and folders every where .

Its quite simple - I did a review and pointed out just some of the bad effects . I do notice that many people rav on about how good a program is, then get all defensive about negative feed back . Done some basic testing -- and to many negatives in my opion .

I wont be testing it any more .

Time Machine may have its uses, but personally - NOPE . 		wainuitech (129)
1170047 2011-01-18 04:31:00 Most people probably don't use Defense+ which is Comodo's strong point in my opinion .

I never really trusted the Antivirus part so I ensure Defense+ is always on maximum and run everything past me .

If you use that, and use it properly, I would say an antivirus wouldn't even be needed . BUT if you didn't do it properly, and allowed a virus to execute, then there would be no point .

Both the HIPS and AV together, the system is much better .

Highlighted above mainly --- One thing a lot of people complain about is pop ups asking what to do ? Do you allow this, do you block that etc - only have to scroll back through some of the posts here .

If like yourself, you have set it to do that- thats great :thumbs: I have my security set the same .

For people that "don't know" what is good and whats bad, OR don't know how to use a programs features correctly, it can be a pain . I've seen many times, a pop up, and people simply agree ( or disagree) with out knowing what it is . 		wainuitech (129)
1170048 2011-01-18 04:55:00 Yes, I agree it is a problem. It requires a good knowledge of the operating system and most people as you say do not even bother to read the alerts properly.

Comodo is trying to implement a whitelist and default deny system but so far I don't think it works yet. I also do not like the fact that they have primary say in what goes on the whitelist - and most of the time I do not agree, so I do not use it.

I honestly am quite skeptical of the possibility for anything to feature high security and high usability at the same time UNLESS the user is very knowledgeable in the area that the security program operates in (because for me personally, I find Comodo Defense+ to be very usable)


Your test of Comodo Time Machine is quite interesting - and doesn't surprise me either. I think Comodo spends too much time playing around with too many products with the result being that most of them are quite mediocre.

I don't use anything of theirs except Internet Security but that has been in development longer than anything else so understandably it's better.

Maybe in time all their programs will become better but I really don't know. 		Agent_24 (57)
1170049 2011-01-18 05:42:00 Hi WainuiTech

You either have a small start up delay and have automatic snapshots or you have to manually take them . To rely on manual is not the best granted perhaps a combination of manual/auto is the best .

This is how I use it . Before installing a new freeware program, I do a manual snapshot . Otherwise, CTM is set to take one on startup .

Your private data was not included in the latest snapshot . Had you not tried to to stack the results in your favour, you would have taken one manually and again CTM would do the business, assuming you restored from same . Also see: Synchonizing folders/files .


Windows System restore DOES NOT TOUCH photos, documents, folders, emails etc .

Absolutely right!! According to Microsoft -


System Restore does not affect personal files, such as e-mail, documents, or photos, so it cannot help you restore a deleted file . If you have backups of your files, you can restore the files from a backup .


So Windows Restore Points can not restore your personal data . Used properly CTM can!! Even if previously deleted .


Time machine wipes them . (real clever) .

This is straight out crap . You restored to an earlier snapshot before the files were entered after turning off auto . CTM did what you instructed!! There is also a Synchonize folders/files between restores setting . This prevents you from losing important files even on restoring your system to a previous date in the event of system crash, virus attacks etc .



Oh by the way - Comodo is also causing the chkdsk to run, once again it ran on startup . Uninstalled it and the problem disappeared .

Remember CTM is designed to recover from a Virus/Malware attack . I would suggest this would be a good thing .


Its quite simple - I did a review and pointed out just some of the bad effects . I do notice that many people rav on about how good a program is, then get all defensive about negative feed back .

Hell, if by that you are talking about me, yah got it wrong again . This is a forum . In a forum, you have a fair exchange of views . You are entitled to yours, I to mine . Imagine a good proportion of your business is recovery after virus/malware attacks - fair enough . What CTM does is gives Joe Blow the ability to do the same easily and quickly .

Thank you for your testing, you confirmed exactly what I said all along . CTM works as advertised .

BURNZEE 		Burnzee (6950)
1170050 2011-01-18 06:00:00 My my aren't we touchy when someone doesn't like your program that you think is the bees knees.


This is straight out crap. You restored to an earlier snapshot before the files were entered after turning off auto That was done Via your suggestions -- so maybe its you that cant actually see the average home user can lose data following what you say.

Classic example: A snapshot is taken - Turn off indexing - a person does several days of work - the computer crashes and wont start, time machine is run at boot, all that work is deleted back to the last snapshot. (which is exactly what I did but it was only a few minutes instead of days)

One thing I notice -- theres no explanation given by yourself, or defense, as to why TM is causing chkdsk to run every so often on boot up ?? :rolleyes:

Since you seem so keen on quoting: re the viruses
Imagine a good proportion of your business is recovery after virus/malware attacks. What CTM does is gives Joe Blow the ability to do the same easily and quickly. Thats the best laugh I had today:lol: You have no idea what I do on a daily basis, that sort of work would be approx 25% of what I do.

Time machine, makes a folder in the progarm files - if thats attacked the program would be useless.

Just a last bit of advise as Its none of my business what you do or dont do --- Dont go depending on a program to much - sooner or later it will fail, usually when you need it most.
If you like the program, then as mentioned before -- good on ya - not every one has to like it. 		wainuitech (129)
1170051 2011-01-18 08:01:00 Hi Wainuitech

Thank you as always but sounds to me like you are the one getting angry . You are quite correct in assuming I don't know what yah do on a daily basis . However, logic would seem to indicate with a User name like Wainuitech and you listing your occupation as a Computer Technician, you probably are one!! :thumbs: Enjoyed your answers and posts in the past and will continue to do . Lovin' the debate by the way!! :punk


Imagine a good proportion of your business is recovery after virus/malware attacks


that sort of work would be approx 25% of what I do .

Any thinking person would think 25% is a good proportion . In other words a quarter of your income is Virus/Malware attack recovery . Does this not colour your jugement in this debate?

Don't mind anyone critizing any freeware I suggest but give it a fair go, not stack the results like you tried to do . Of course, CTM is NOT the end all to Virus recovery . As I state earlier, it is simply another layer of security . If this fails then other options such as yourself or restoring from a disk is still available . Tell me how CTM makes you worse off than before .


Time machine, makes a folder in the progarm files - if thats attacked the program would be useless .

This is mostly wrong too . In my experiments I deleted the files inside the folder using Unlocker . However, I was not able to delete these two files - Ctm . dat and Ctmpool . dat . Then turned my lappie off, removed the power and the battery and left it for about ten minutes . Connected back up - the boot up console was still there, the snaphots were gone but CTM still allowed me to restore from the Baseline . Ok, I would have lost data but it still is better than disk recovery . Of course, the two files mentioned earlier or the others could be infected by Virus but even then I can resort to other options .

Glad I gave you a laugh as I got a great kick from your attempt at trying to cook the test results in your favor . Can imagine you when you first screwed Windows wanting CTM to fail . When it didn't you had to grudenly admit the program worked as I said it would!! :D


One thing I notice -- theres no explanation given by yourself, or defense, as to why TM is causing chkdsk to run every so often on boot up ??

After you restore from a snapshot CTM runs chkdisk as a precaution to make sure things are in order . It will only do this at this time not on normal startup . As I said earlier, surely this is a good thing .


Dont go depending on a program to much - sooner or later it will fail, usually when you need it most .

Now here's a great piece of advice and classic Wainuitech . Couldn't agree more . Now only in this program but others as well . Nobody is relying on CTM and as stated earlier it is NOT a replacement for proper backup procedures .

What you and others have failed to illustrate is, how is one worse off after installing CTM . Sure it requires 10 gig but that's nothing to most recent hard drives . If you can't afford the space don't install, as also stated earlier

Finally, I write about freeware I have tested and like . Others may not like it, that's great, their choice . Simply, bought it to their attention . Hell, this is a forum after all .

BURNZEE 		Burnzee (6950)
1170052 2011-01-18 08:49:00 Lets clear one thing - The Tests were NOT COOKED .

I made remarks about indexing on startup slowing things down .

Slowed startup by 25 seconds and caused chkdsk to run every so often . How is that cooked ? its facts .

The reply was
Comodo Time Machine takes a new snapshot when you boot . This function is easily controlled by unticking "take a snapshot of system on startup" . If you don't want CTM on start-up and if taking snapshots manually there is really no need to - turn off in settings . Easy . This as I found out disables indexing .

As I pointed out previously - A snapshot is taken - Turn off indexing - a person does several days of work - the computer crashes and wont start, time machine is run at boot, all that work is deleted back to the last snapshot . (which is exactly what I did but it was only a few minutes instead of days) That I have proved twice now .

Simply put if indexing is turned off, AND no further snapshots are made, by either manually or scheduled - then a restore is required, the latest snapshot is the one previously taken --- and all the files were deleted .

I followed what you suggested - no indexing, and files were deleted . How can that be cooked?


On a workshop PC - I have a image of the OS, so it only takes 5 minutes to completely reinstall everything, programs the lot ------------

Just out of interest (FYI) - I reloaded CTM back on, rebooted 3 times, once chkdsk ran (again) - took a snapshot - then dropped in a few viruses from a infected drive I have - they infect EVERY exe file on the PC along with various other files instantly . The infections actually cause the PC to lock up and crash - they are real nasty .

Rebooted - Hit Home, and CTM started to load (good so far) - it sat at the load up screen, 7% for ages As Shown here ( . imagef1 . net . nz/files/Comodo . JPG" target="_blank">www . imagef1 . net . nz)-- went and took the dog out for a walk, 7 . 30PM -- Just went out to the workshop at 9 . 15 to shut every thing down, still at 7% .

Test cant be cooked, as drive got infected - and CTM wouldn't load afterwards . Same as could happen in the real world .

What you asked, about being worse off -- Already mentioned the "problems" I found . So if a person can live with those, then so be it .

I'm not going to say like a lot of "adverts" do, you would have seen them --the best thing out, never have problems, best there is -- no program is perfect .

Please note, I also mentioned if a person is happy using a program, then good on them - their choice what they want to use, and with yourself saying you do a lot of testing of programs, then it obviously works for you . :)

Tests I do are NEVER cooked -- this is not Norton Lab tests :D 		wainuitech (129)
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