Much like backing up your data, we know we ought to have a system restore disk prepared, in case we have a problem with our PC. We also know that we ought to keep drive management software installed, so we can defrag our drive, keep it optimised and pro-actively prevent problems before they affect our system. By taking a positive approach, you won’t turn on your work PC one morning and find you have to spend a day salvaging your data.

Working from home means that you’re responsible for the management of your system. There is no IT department, no systems managament to wisk your PC away and replace it with another. You need to make sure that your PC is always available or, if you’re working as a consultant and your client asks for some immediate feedback, this may be the difference between trust that can do your job and your client questioning your ability to do tasks required.

For this reason, a tool such as Paragon Hard Disk Manager 2009 Suite could be an ideal application for your PC. It ships with just about every drive and partition tool you could require. Modules included enable you to backup or restore your drive, organise and defragment, clone the contents to a new drive, partition and even wipe the contents if you need to sell your PC or upgrade your old drive.

Paragon Hard Disk Manager 2009 Suite is the younger brother of the Paragon Hard Disk Manager 2009 Professional, which offers even more functionality, such as advanced partitioning tools.

Note that you need a trial serial code to use this software. You can get this from the Paragon Software website by selecting 'trial' and entering your name, email address and other info.

Paragon Special Offer: buy Paragon Hard Disk Manager 2009 Suite for only £20.76 (VAT included), which is 20% off the retail price. To purchase, click the 'buy now' link on this page and then enter coupon code SE2004 through checkout.