Managing Data

Backup Techniques

Backup techniques in the WACE syllabus falls under four main types, full, differential, incremental and daily.

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Full Backup

A backup that makes a copy of the entire contents of a system onto an external source. 

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Advantages:

  • Consolidated, central location for all backups

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Disadvantages

  • Backup process uses the largest volume of storage space

  • Requires the longest time to complete the backup

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Differential

A backup that makes a copy of all new or modified files since the last full backup. 

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Advantages:

  • Uses less space than a full backup

  • Faster to complete a differential backup than a full backup

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Disadvantages

  • Backup files are scattered amongst multiple locations

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Incremental

A backup that makes a copy of all new or modified files since the last full backup or incremental backup.

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Advantages:

  • Uses less space than a full backup

  • Faster to complete a incremental backup than a full backup

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Disadvantages

  • Backup files are scattered amongst multiple locations

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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.

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Advantages:

  • Uses least amount of space

  • Shortest backup time

  • Regular backing up of files

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Disadvantages

  • Backup files are scattered amongst multiple locations