System Restore monitors only a core set of specified system and application
file types (e.g. .exe, .dll etc), while Backup Utility typically backs up
all files including users personal data files, ensuring a safe copy stored
either on the local disk or to another medium. System Restore does not
monitor changes to or recover users' personal data files such as documents,
graphics, e-mail, and so on. While system data contained in System Restore's
restore points are available to restore to for only a limited period
(restore points older than 90 days are deleted by default), backups made by
the Backup Utility can be recovered at any time.
Automated System Recovery (ASR) enables you to recover from situations where
you cannot easily repair system partition damage. ASR works by writing
operating system files onto backup media, and hard disk configuration
information to floppy disk. ASR takes longer because it is a complete back
up plus you have to make a recovery disk.
The first thing you should do when you purchase a new computer is create an
ASR backup with a recovery disk and update it periodically.
