AOMEI Backup. What am I doing?

[silverback]

I use AOMEI Backup to backup files from the Documents folder. However, I also have two files on the disc - System Backup (86.1Gb) and System Image (76.7Gb). The trouble is, I don't know what these files are or what I can do with them.
Is either of them useful if, say, I get one of these rasnsomware viruses?
Can I use either of them to retrieve a file or files? If so, how does it differ from my usual Documents backup?
Sorry for the basic questions - am getting on in years and AOMEI help isn't very helpful to me.
Silverback

[HansV]

See System Backup vs Disk Backup and Free Ways to Create a System Image Backup

[Jay Freedman]

AOMEI's article on System Image backup mentions several ways that restoring a system image may be useful: in case of hardware failure/replacement, a failed version update, or migration to a new computer. There's one more that's less common but just as important: in case of attack by ransomware. Instead of sending ransom to a hacker who may or may not send a decryption key that actually works, simply disconnect from the network and restore the latest image. (Depending on how you create it, a system image can include the complete contents of multiple drives, which can all be restored in one step.)

As with any backup, an image should be kept current at least weekly, should be on an external drive, should not be connected to your computer when it isn't being actively used to to create or restore the backup.

[silverback]

Thank you Hans and Joe.
Am I correct to assume that System Image is what I get if I choose 'System Backup' in AOMEI Backupper? If so, should I repeat this in full every week (as suggested by Joe) or is it sufficient to use Incremental. I presume if Incremental, it is then necessary to preserve the whole of the 'chain' of backups in order to fully replicate today's state?
I shall continue to use File Backup to save the Documents folder - which is where I keep all my files and folders.
Thank you both, again.
Silverback
PS : I use AOMEI Backupper which is regularly updated by AOMEI. Is there any need for me to install AOMEI Cyber Backupper?

[HansV]

I don't have AOMEI myself, I hope that someone who does can answer your questions.

[JoeP]

IMO, just do a full backup each time you want a system backup unless you are dealing with a massive amount of data. With today's hardware even full backups do not take that much time. You can start it, walk away, tend to something else and check for completion later.

File backup is just fine for your data. You can run that any time you feel is appropriate.

[silverback]

Many thanks, Joe.
Will start today!
Silverback