Difference

In a backup plan you specify explicitly what data to back up and apply it to one machine, in a backup policy you create a template with parameters of what to back up and can apply it to multiple machines

How a Windows XP, NT, 2000 or Server 2003 system can be prepared for cloning to different hardware

A file backup is a copy of files. A disk or partition image is a snapshot of the drive

It recommended to use Acronis Universal Restore to deploy the image of a Windows system to a machine with different hardware

Pre/post commands are executed before or after the whole backup process. Before/after data capture commands are executed during the backup process, right before and immediately after the snapshot

Explanation of the difference between creating a backup and disk cloning

Current version of Acronis Backup is 12.5. You can find a comparison table here.

There are several differences between Acronis Backup and Acronis Backup Advanced. 

Acronis Backup products:

Acronis Backup for PC
Acronis Backup for Workstation (PC) Subscription
Acronis Backup for Windows Server
Acronis Backup for Linux Server
Acronis Backup for Server Subscription
Acronis Backup for VMware

The table below summarize similarities and differences between feature set in Acronis True Image 2020 in Windows and in macOS.

You need configure the system restored to dissimilar hardware before you can boot it

In what way full, differential and incremental backups differ from each other

This article applies only to archives in TIB format
If you have questions about the new tibx archives in Acronis True Image, see Acronis True Image 2020: new tibx backup format FAQ

See detailed information about licensing for the products in KB 65511: Acronis True Image 2021 licensing and KB 65253: Acronis Cyber Protect 15 licensing

Acronis True Image is designed for home usage. It offers backup and recovery of PCs, Mac and mobile devices. If your objective is to protect your home computer from hardware or software crashes by backing it up, you will be better off with Acronis True Image.

An upgrade is a shift from the current version of Acronis software to a newer one. An update is a newer build of Acronis software of the same version

Acronis Universal Restore lets you restore your system to different hardware environment; Acronis Universal Restore allows to change Windows Hardware Abstraction Layer and install HDD controller and NIC drivers