Backup Software, Recovery Systems, Storage Systems

Data Backup overview

Data backup involves the saving of your data in two or more locations, so that if something happens to your computer, you still have your data reserved in backup. This allows you to keep your data even if you lose your computer. While you might think that the chances of having a major loss of data on your computer or even having your entire computer crash are very small, disasters happen and it is always best to prepare for the worst, especially when it comes to something as irreplaceable as your files.

Operating Systems

Today’s operating systems often have built in data backup tools which can be used instead of expensive third party options. If you are using Microsoft Windows, whether it is Vista, XP or an earlier version, you can copy any file or folder to a removable media such as a USB Stick or CD-R. Otherwise use the built in backup utility for backing up larger files or even your whole hard disk. For more information on the backup tools included in the operating system, visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect/...

The backup tool that has been introduced with the new Mac Operating System – Leopard, is called Time Machine. It is a new technology that automatically backs up important data without any user intervention. However, it is possible to define specific files and folders to be backed up and different backup locations can also be selected. The most interesting thing about this tool is that it is able to backup only files that need to be backed up and does so consuming the smallest amount of memory possible. Please visit http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/... for a more detailed look at how Time Machine works.

Backing up data when using Linux can be achieved by using third party applications. Since Linux is available in many different distributions, there is a wide choice of backup software that can be used to archive data effectively. These range from applications that can automate the backup procedure, manage existing backups and restore data from them with minimal user intervention, to those that offer full control of every aspect of the backup to the more advanced user. A comprehensive list of these can be found at http://linux.about.com/od/softbackup/...

Online vs Offline (offsite)

With the increase in internet connection speeds over recent years, companies have decided to provide storage for backing up data to the public. The clients simply upload their important files to the company’s sever that is stored in a secure location. This means that in the event of data loss all that is required to retrieve the data contained in the backup is a connection to the internet. Online backups are becoming ever more popular. However, this does require that the client put a large amount of trust in the backup company that the servers used to store the important information do not fail or become compromised. Online backup companies such as DataBarracks often have their backup policies underwritten by another company in order to ensure that the clients data is not lost.

Offsite backups are different to online backups in that the user backs up the data themselves and stores the removable storage, whether it be CD, DVD, or USB stick in a different geographical location. This prevents the backups being destroyed should their be a fire or other disaster. By keeping the backups in away from the originals, it adds another layer of security.

Software vs Solutions

In addition to the tools built in to computer operating systems there are many software packages that are available for both personal and corporate use. Some packages offer the facility to clone a whole drive in order to restore a computer to its exact state when the backup was made. Other packages can backup all user created files such as documents and spreadsheets, then perform incremental or differential backups at regular intervals. Differential backups capture everything that has changed since the last full backup, while incremental backups only copy what's changed since the last partial backup. Obviously, it is cheaper to create and manage the backups yourself but using a company can take this sometimes time-consuming and stressful process off your mind.

Media/Storage Systems

When considering storage media, it is important to consider the following:

• Inexpensive
• Durable
• Reusable
• Enough capacity to store critical data on one unit
• Widely available – in case replacements are required
• Quickly accessible – so that the data can be restored as soon as possible

Optical Discs

CDs are suitable for most personal backups such as important word documents and other files. However, most businesses will have a greater quantity of important data than the 700MB or so that can be stored on a single CD.
Of course, you can spread a backup over multiple CDs, but shuffling discs in and out of drives isn't convenient, nor can it be easily automated using a standard CD drive. Optical disc jukeboxes can shuffle 100 or so discs. But optical jukeboxes aren't cheap, and replacing discs for each new backup set could be time consuming.  Recordable DVDs - which provide 4.7GB of storage on single-layer discs, 9GB on dual-layer discs - can be a good solution for many small businesses. The discs are so inexpensive you needn't be concerned about reusing the media. The latest members of the optical media family - Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs - can store even more data, up to 50GB per disc for Blu-ray and about 30GB for HD DVD. The blue-laser burners needed for these media are relatively expensive today, but will be more affordable in a year or two.

Magnetic Tape

Magnetic tape is a sequential-access medium, as opposed to the random-access nature of most storage alternatives. Random-access means the PC can move directly to where the data is stored on the media, with near instantaneous access, as with a hard drive. Sequential access means the PC must always start at the beginning of the media, and then advance in sequence until the data is located on the tape. With sequential media, recovering deleted email messages sent or received over a period of several months from daily backups could take hours. You must wait while each tape slowly winds its way to the required data.

USB Sticks

USB sticks (sometimes called thumb drives) loaded with non-volatile flash memory can be another good backup choice, with prices dropping considerably over the past year. People often prefer flash memory drives for document backups because they're so small and convenient to transport.

Pros and Cons