System Backup software?
 

Does anyone have any recommendations on software for system backup? Or rather, using this scenario...

I want to install Windows, update with service packs and updates, install critical software (firefox, Avira, et cetera) and then back up a compressed image (say onto a DVD-R DL disc) that I can pop in and restore a drive to that state from it.

Any thoughts?

I've been using Acronis True Image for a while now-> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/

I've used the restore about 4 times now on a laptop I use for playing live music. Once the computer shows ANY sign of instability I re-image it.

There is Partimage, also known as PING, which will do this. Possibly, nLite can do this as well. My roommate from the previous year created custom Windows boot discs that included all his updated and important software.

Symantec Ghost should be able to do this. The boot for restore might take some research and trials though.

Yours
ZB