Why Backup Type Programs?

[johnny_quest]

I'm a little confused regarding back ups. I have to do a hard reset to try and get my M505 to sync again with the cradle, so I need to backup everything. What exactly gets backed up during a regular hot sync and why do I need a Backup Buddy type of program? Is it for 3rd party apps?
I have a 16mb SD card and a newly purchased 64mb MMC card.
Any suggestions on how to best manage my programs and do backups would be GREATLY appreciated.

[djmangen]

Others may disagree with me, but if you regularly sync to the PC, a backup is probably less important. The kicker for concerns files/data on your regular SD/MMC card and how well (if at all!) that is backed up when you sync.

[dequardo]

Backups to cards are a requirement IMO. Would you rather reconstruct things from a fresh hotsync and reinstall of all the things not recovered in case of a hard reset or simply run your card's BU utility and restore everything as was in one minute or so?

I use PiBackup II and it works great!

mike

[DrMud]

The makers of BackupBuddy, which I recommend, also have a BackUp VFS for the card. Nice app and free I believe.
DrMud

BlueNomad BackupBuddy (http://www.bluenomad.com/bbvfs/prod_bbvfs_download.html)

[djmangen]

While I do not personally use Backup Buddy, I can give a ringing endorsement to the company that makes it (Blue Nomad). Excellent organization.