Module 7.4 "Data Backup" Study Guide

Module 7.4 "Data Backup" Objectives

• 5.1 Explain the value of data and information.

• 5.4 Explain basic data backup concepts.

What Data Should I Back Up? (7.4.1)

File Backups

• Backing up files is all about saving what users create. These are the most important parts of computer backups.

-------------------------------------------

Backup the Essentials

• you don't need to back up operating system files one by one because they aren't critical. If the OS crashes, reinstalling it is relatively simple. The same goes for programs; reinstalling them is usually easy, too.

• you may want to keep the customizations you made to a certain program. It is smart to back these up separately if possible.
  

System Backups (7.4.2)

• In addition to backing up your data files, it's also important to back up your whole computer system.

• saving everything with a system backup makes it much easier to recover your computer if something goes wrong.

• System backups usually involve creating a fully bootable disk image. This means taking a full snapshot of your system at a given time.

• If you manage to do that successfully, you'd follow up with incremental backups.

• Most of the operating system, applications, and other files don't change much on a day-to-day basis.

• Incremental backups only save the files that have been added or changed since the last backup occurred.

• Another benefit to making a full system backup is that it preserves all your important data and application settings. If you back up all the key data folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and other user folders, your system will likely be fine.

Local Backups (7.4.5)

• Backups should be a central piece of your storage solution.

• It's important to commit to regularly backing up any valuable data that you create and save on your computer, also called a local machine.

• It may be best to even consider backing up your whole computer system.

• This is harder than just copying some files and folders to an external drive, but it provides much more security and peace of mind.

-------------------------------------------

Local Backup Tools

• A flash drive or SD card can be a convenient way to backup your files. They usually don't have enough space for a full system backup, but copying some of your most important files can help you rest a little easier.

• Both Windows and Apple have tools built into their operating systems to help with backups.

• Apple uses a tool called Time Machine to automate backups.

• Windows has a similar tool, called Windows Backup, to help make copies of your data

• You can also use an external hard drive to back up your files.

• Because they usually have more space, this is the best place to save a full system image copy.

• There are several programs you can use for this, including Acronis and Clonezilla.

Cloud Backups (7.4.6)

• In some cases, cloud storage can fill the need for a company to have an offsite backup location.

• It offers a convenient, flexible, and scalable option compared to traditional backup methods.

• However, one downside is that cloud backups need a lot of network bandwidth and a reliable Internet connection.

• This means that backing up and restoring data from the cloud can take much longer than using local storage devices

-------------------------------------------

Backup Services in Business

• Backup services like Carbonite are very popular, especially for businesses where data continuity is crucial for daily operations.

• Carbonite installs a program on the user's computer and automatically backs up any files or folders it's told to.

• Businesses see investing in cloud storage similar to buying insurance; they want to prevent anything that could halt their operations and lose them money.

• The storage cost is usually considered part of their other business expenses.

• Storing of the data off site is the most beneficial aspect of this investment.

• If something is lost or deleted at the main location, there's now a way to get it back.

• Very large businesses don't always make a full copy of an individual user's computer. Instead, all users' data is stored in the cloud.

• With Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, setting up a new laptop or desktop is incredibly fast, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. A user just signs in to the new computer, logs in to OneDrive, and their files are restored.

• Microsoft also saves all user settings, such as browser bookmarks, email signatures, and desktop backgrounds in the cloud so the user can easily move from one computer to another
  

Restoring Data (7.4.7)

• Operating systems give you a second chance with deleted files by adding an extra step before they're completely removed.

• In Windows, the Recycle Bin, and in macOS, the Trash, move files out of your main folders but keep them just in case you want them back.

• There is a key difference between Microsoft and Apple when it comes to deleting applications, however. On Apple computers, you can drag unwanted applications to the Trash, and you can still get them back if you change your mind. On Windows, when you delete an application from within Settings, it's gone for good and doesn't go to the Recycle Bin.

• You also have the ability to skip the Recycle Bin/Trash and permanently delete files and folders by holding down certain keys.

• On Windows, press Shift + Delete.

• On macOS, press Option + Command keys (next to the spacebar) while hitting delete.

• You can also drag the item to the Trash in the lower right corner of the screen.

• Both operating systems have different icons to show a full bin with at least one item inside, and they change to an empty bin when there's nothing in there.

-------------------------------------------

Backup Testing

• You'll want to test your backups from time to time to make sure they're working properly.

Here are some things to look at when testing your backups:

• Error Detection: Problems with the backup media (the physical parts of the backup device) or with their configurations can cause backup failures. Depending on the error, the whole backup might be canceled or some data might not go through. Backup software usually has ways to check if the backup worked and will report errors in a log file. This makes the backup process take longer, but generally that time doesn't interfere with work because most backups are done during off hours, like in the middle of the night. In the end, it's well worth the trouble to do.

• Configuration: When you create a new backup job (and periodically after that), it's a good idea to make sure that all the data is there as planned and being backed up as expected.

• Test Restore: It's also a good idea to test if you can successfully restore your backups. Do this in all cases. When you get new backup software, when you test old backup media, when you check a new backup job, or if you just do random spot checks to save time. When you do a test restore, you should save the data to a different folder so you don't accidentally overwrite what's already there.