Backup Definition: to copy or save data files to a second medium (a disc or
tape) as a precaution in case the original medium (e.g. the hard disc) fails. You can restore the backup copy if data is lost or damaged.
Importance of Backup: one of the cardinal rules for computers users is to
back up your files regularly. It safeguards against unrecoverable loss or
damage to your data in the event that your hard disc fails, your data becomes
corrupted, your computer is stolen or damaged etc. Research has shown that
most businesses will go bankrupt if such damage has not been restored within
a month. For bigger companies even a week can be too long.
Software and hardware can be replaced in the event of loss or damage, but
your own data cannot be without a recent backup copy to restore from.
Therefore it is of vital importance that you take responsibility for backing up
your own data.
Recommended Backup Procedures: you should backup the data on your
server hard disc every day so that if required, you can restore the situation of
the previous day and never lose more than one days work. Backup should be
done onto disc or tape, and to be especially safe, you should keep the backup
in a different location from the original source.