Managing Data
Backup Techniques
Backup techniques in the WACE syllabus falls under four main types, full, differential, incremental and daily.
Full Backup
A backup that makes a copy of the entire contents of a system onto an external source.
Advantages:
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Consolidated, central location for all backups
Disadvantages
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Backup process uses the largest volume of storage space
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Requires the longest time to complete the backup
Differential
A backup that makes a copy of all new or modified files since the last full backup.
Advantages:
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Uses less space than a full backup
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Faster to complete a differential backup than a full backup
Disadvantages
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Backup files are scattered amongst multiple locations
Incremental
A backup that makes a copy of all new or modified files since the last full backup or incremental backup.
Advantages:
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Uses less space than a full backup
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Faster to complete a incremental backup than a full backup
Disadvantages
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Backup files are scattered amongst multiple locations
Daily
A backup that makes a copy of all new or modified files on the day of the backup. Daily backups are performed each day.
Advantages:
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Uses least amount of space
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Shortest backup time
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Regular backing up of files
Disadvantages
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Backup files are scattered amongst multiple locations