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What is Backup and Restore? The Purpose of Backups
What is Backup and Restore? The Purpose of Backups
What is Backup and Restore Introduction
What is backup and restore? Backup, in the world of computing, is the activity of copying data (file, documents, databases, etc.) so they will be preserved in case of equipment failure or other catastrophe. Backup should be a routine, daily, part of business operations. For personal computer users, backup is also necessary but generally on a less regimented basis. The process of retrieving files backed up is called restoring files, hence the term, backup and restore.
- Backup and restore of computer systems can be done as a local backup and/or Internet backup (the cloud).
- In information technology, a backup, or the process of backing up, refers to the copying and archiving of computer data so it may be used to restore the original after a data loss event.
Local Backup
There are many options for backing up your computer systems locally but in general the use of an external USB drive is recommended. These drives are easy to use, reliable, and easy to store safely.
- The days of backing up critical files to diskettes, Zip drives, CDs, DVDs or similar devices is over, don’t even consider it.
- With the advent of large format, reliable, cheap, solid state external USB drives the ability to quickly backup your data is becoming even easier.
Internet Backup, the Cloud
For data which is critical to your business consider storing multiple backups on different sites, this could be different business location, a safety deposit box or even your home. Just think fire or tornado! How safe is your data.
Another alternative to physically storing backups offsite is to store the backup on the internet or in the cloud as it has become known.
The Purpose of Backups
Backups have two distinct purposes, a primary purpose and a secondary purpose.
Primary Backup Purpose
The primary purpose is to recover data after its loss, be it by system failure, data deletion or data corruption. Data loss is a common experience for computer users, with surveys showing that 66% of respondents have lost files on their computers through accidental deletion etc.
Secondary Backup Purpose
The secondary purpose of backups is to recover data from an earlier time. System backups provide a simple form of disaster recovery, and should be part of your disaster recovery plan.
- Since a backup system contains at least one copy of all data worth saving, the data storage requirements can be significant.
Nowadays, there are many different types of data storage devices on which to securely store your backups, the most popular being external USB drives and the cloud. The combination of external hard drive and the cloud can provide geographic redundancy, data security, and portability.
What is Backup and Restore Conclusion
For those in need of a backup solution I would recommend True Image 2013 by Acronis. Acronis True Image protects your content, recovers your data in case of any disasters, and syncs it with all your devices or across computers. Safe, reliable, easy, it’s the ultimate in digital protection. This is the backup software I’ve been using for years. They also have a True Image 2013 Free trial here.
If you need a more advanced solution or related backup products then you might like to read my articles:
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Well, I hope you found something useful and enjoyed this article, What is Backup and Restore. Don’t forget to let me have your thoughts in the comment box below. See you soon.
