I prefer Norton Ghost to Acronis True Image.

I've used Norton Ghost version 10 on 6 XP systems 3+ years and version 12 on
a Vista system for about 1 year.  I've used Acronis version 10 and 11 on an
XP and Vista system for about 1 year.  I've cloned drives using both
system - no problems with either product.  I've recovered images using both
products with no problems.  I've recovered individual files with both
systems with no problems.  My normal use of backups is to make a complete
image once a week.  Any critical data that is changed mid week and cannot be
easily duplicated is backed up individually.  The weekly backup is the most
critical aspect of my backup system.  I configure both products to
automatically backup and verify on a scheduled basis.  There are 2 problems
with Acronis True Image.

1.  The scheduling algorithm of Acronis is problematic.  Sometimes scheduled
backups fail to run.  Acronis provides a fix (schedmgr.exe).  The fix
removes the fact that prior backups have been taken.  You must now delete
old backups manually until the new scheduling mechanism once again
recognizes the limit count of backups has been reached.

2.  If you configure Acronis to validate the backup, it will validate all
backups previously taken, including backups that have already been verified.
This simple oversight extends a full backup and verify on one computer from
30 minutes to 105 minutes.  I contacted Acronis about this oversight and was
told they know about it and will attempt to correct the situation in future
release.

I do not care what anyone uses to back up their systems.  But I've seen
multiple recommendations for Acronis True Image in this news group and a
number of people saying they dislike Nortor Ghost.  My experience has been
entirely different.

Lou