Educational Media Reviews Online

Users of the Windows XP system learn how to backup the entire contents of their hard drives by watching narrated tutorials featuring animated screen captures of the computer desktop. The content of the narration matches actions performed in the animation and at times gives additional instructions not to take a certain action, depending on settings displayed on the user's own computer. The emphasis is on performing the backup task, not learning about the operating system; there is little elaboration on reasons for taking or not taking actions.

Production quality of the animated tutorial is fair. Sequencing is slow enough to follow easily. Animation is somewhat blurry at the edges, but viewable. Narration is soothing in tone, but at times too quiet. Accompanying the DVD are a single-page "My Backup Worksheet," on which to record available hard drive space and other technical details, and a twenty-four page manual, whose contents include four sections: Getting information about your computer, Setting up backups, Maintenance & Troubleshooting, and Restoring Files. Graphic design of printed materials is inadequate and somewhat confusing. Task checklists are unnumbered and lack visual cues to link them clearly to specific moments in the animated tutorial. The lack of clear references between the animation and the parts of the print manual make following the animated tutorial difficult. Of use primarily for the mid-level user wishing to make backups independently, this title is probably unnecessary for more experienced users or any audience that has its own technical support center. Novices may also have many unanswered questions, given the lack of explanation of various technical terms mentioned in the narration, but beyond the scope of the program. Not recommended.