I suspect that we are debating terminology here.
I
back up the registry any time I plan on making a major changes to the computer.
I back up data files periodically meaning I create a copy other than what is on the HDD. I keep copies of all my photos, financial spread sheets and medical records. I also have copies of the shop related PDFs that I have accumulated. All together I have about 120GB of "backup data" on the secondary HDD.
Also on that HDD is a complete image of the HDD that contains the OS (Operating System). For me the OS is Windows 7 Home Premium. I have never had to use it but the image file (an ISO) would be used to recover from a major computer crash. That file contains all the drivers along with the operating system.
There are no data files contained in that ISO file. Data backup, as stated, is elsewhere.
In addition to that, I have an "Emergency Rescue Disk", created by Windows 7, that can be used to boot the computer if your Master Boot Record gets corrupted.
I have some third party software for testing the HDs, DVDs, video cards, sound system, etc but no third party software for what is being discussed here. All Windows 7 Home Premium.
The only functions (that we discussed here) I cannot do with Home Premium is backup to a network and make a remote connection to the second computer. I am not on a network so no loss. If you want to home network the families computers with remote print capability, etc - don't plan on using Home Premium.
Here is the complete comparison.
PS CORRECTION: I use a
free download from CNET to create the ISO image of the OS.