What is the Meaning of Backup? A backup is a replica of the data you created. Suppose, you have lost your original data; you can recuperate from this loss by using the backup copy of the lost data. Backup data and original data, both have separate storage mediums and separate locations. This is because if, in any case, the original data is lost, the backup data must not be lost in any way. It lies safely at one place and does not cause any affect to the backup data. For safety and convenience, regular backup your data. Instead of taking any risk, it is better to get into the habit of backing up data regularly; otherwise, chances of data loss can be more. It is very important for you to backup your crucial data from time to time because you never know when the trouble is on your path. You cant take risk in losing your important files so regular backup of crucial data elements is helpful.
You can perform backup on your PC using simple backup systems. For a particular computer system, you dont need to adopt intricate backup systems and measures instead go for simple and easy systems. Most of the organizations today, like to adopt some useful policy and strategy to regularly backup the data of employees. When your important data is lost, you can restore the lost data by using that data backup. Backup policies focus upon the following aspects:
* Type of storage like hard drive, optical or tape
* How frequently the backup needs to be created?
*The place where the backup has to be stored
* What is to be done to create backup
* Who is to be given the responsibility for backing up data
Also, backing of data depends upon the following conditions:
* How frequently the data changes?
* How long your last backup was took place?
* Whether the current data need backup or not?
Why the data should be backed up? The data needs to be backed up to prevent massive loss after the damage to original files.
There are various reasons for data loss. Some of the significant reasons are given below:
* Through Human Errors: Due to improper handling of system, loss of data can arise to be an outcome. The users those who dont have much system knowledge might lose all the data unintentionally.
* Virus Infection in Computer: Another reason for data loss is virus in your system. There are various anti-virus programs available in the market but sometimes these anti-viruses are ineffective and may further add to the loss.
* Hardware Malfunctioning: There are very less cases of hardware failure but in case the hardware components fail, chances of data loss become higher.
* Errors in Software due to Bugs: Bugs are the most common cause for data loss. Bugs in any software running on your system can corrupt your data files and due to this, sometimes usage of such software becomes the cause for data corruption and data inaccessibility.
* Error due to unforeseen circumstances: Floods, fires, spilling liquids on system and other such external entities can lead to serious harm to your data. The above mentioned reasons can cause damage or harm to your saved data. In case of data loss do not panic, instead try to find some solution to restore backup of your data.
What should be backed up? In this regard, it is important to understand that the most important data which you cannot afford to lose at any cost is important to be backed up. This can include your or your bosss journals, emails, calendar, contacts, bank statements etc. Sometimes, it would be wise on your part to back up all the data instead of selecting the important files. By doing so, you would ensure your data safety and chances of losing any data might not occur.
Where to Save Backup Data? It is important to know that where backup data has to be saved? You can use several devices and storage media to store your backup data. They can be external or internal. Few data storage devices are given below:
* External Storage Devices
CDs & DVDs: Almost all the computers these days have CD or DVD writers. To store backup data in these devices would be the most affordable choice as it has large and enough storage space to store data and also they are portable, which adds to the ease.
Pen Drives or Memory Stick: These are removable storage devices. They are costlier in comparison to CDs & DVDs. They are the best backup medium to store a large amount of data.
* Internal Storage Devices
Hard Drive: Hard drive is another medium to store large amount of data. Although, it is not very handy and portable yet, it is reliable and can contain data in bulk.
From the above mentioned devices, you can decide your backup storage medium according to your convenience. It would be better to use more than one backup storage medium because it decreases the chances of the loss of original data.
Archiving and Backing up Two Different Phenomena: Archiving provides certainty in knowing that the older data is lying in a different location and recent data in other different location. However, archiving and backing up data are different from each other. Archiving helps in moving your older items to a different data file. It does not aim at creating copies of your data items at two different locations although the backup process wanted to achieve the lost data in case you lose your original data.
What is Recovery using Backed up Data? Recovery is the process by which you can restore you data by using backup. In this way, restored data becomes the working copy of the data. Through this, you can easily get your lost data back.
Why is Backup Recovery Needed? What if your backup data itself has got corrupted? This is where the data safeguard called the backup data itself fails to save you from a total loss situation and the backup files get corrupted leaving you nullified. This is where backup data recovery tools come into picture. This backup restore tools now take the role of your data safeguards helping you recover backup files and folders. Backup data recovery is needed for the following reasons:
* To get back crucial official and unofficial documents
* To resume normal functioning of work
* To continue with various work and non-work operations
* To carry on with the functions dependent on that data.