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Last updated: Jan 05, 2024

Backup and Recovery

Data storage and processing are fundamental activities for virtually every computer user. Along with this, there are always crucial files that individuals would not want to lose under any circumstances. Consequently, data backup is a strongly recommended practice for all PC users. Backup solutions are vital for safeguarding important files and data, ensuring that they can be recovered even in the event of a critical data loss.

In response to the need for data recovery, numerous IT professionals and data storage experts have developed various software solutions. These data recovery tools are particularly valuable when you face a data loss situation without having a prior backup in place. They act as a safety net, providing a means to retrieve lost data that might otherwise be gone forever.

This article is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of data backup and recovery. We will explore the different types of backup solutions available, discussing their importance and how they can be used to protect your valuable data. Additionally, we will delve into the world of data recovery software, examining how these tools work and in what situations they can be most effectively employed.

What Does it Mean to Backup Data?

To “Back Up,” in simple terms, means to have a separate copy of an original data, file, or document saved in another storage location, device, or platform. The essence of this is to have a safe haven to fall back on if the original data/file or the primary drive where the information is saved gets corrupted or damaged.

There are many types of data backups, and each has unique benefits over the other; however, the main purpose remains the same. The more frequently you make backups, the less chance of losing important data regardless of any data loss situation. Backup could simply mean copying data from one drive to another or exporting the data to remote storage.

It is important that you know and understand the different data backup methods that exist, so you can make a better choice of which one(s) suits you the most. You may need a software app to practice some specific data backup methods, but then, even without a software, there are still different ways to make data backups.

Types of Backups

1. Full Backup

As the name implies, this is a complete backup of the drive in question, regardless of whether a previous backup has been made at an earlier time. Full backups are sizable because they contain every file and data on the drive being backed up. Of course, this type of backup takes a longer time to complete, but it is usually the best, since during recovery, you’ll recover everything at a go.

However, full backups take up a lot of space on the drive or platform they are saved to, and that is why most companies that handle big data may perform a full backup infrequently, while they choose between incremental or differential backup as the regular backup type to protect the company’s data and files.

2. Incremental Backup

Incremental backup is a type of backup that reduces in size over time. What does this mean? It means that if the first backup was 100GB, subsequent backups will not reach up to 100GB again, because this backup type only considers new data. Put simply, this backup will only backup new changes since the last backup.

If you set up incremental backup, the first-ever backup will be a full backup, while subsequent backups will only pick up new changes made to the data in the previous backup. This type of backup is faster because the backup size keeps reducing over time, depending on how much new data was added from the previous time an incremental backup schedule was triggered.

For example, let’s say you have 50GB of data and you set incremental backup, the first backup will be 50GB, and when next the incremental backup schedule reaches, the system will only save what has changed since it made that 50GB data backup, if the changes are just 5GB, only that 5GB will be backed up – until the next schedule, if only 10GB data was added after the previous 5GB was backed up, incremental backup will only backup the new 10GB, and it keeps going that way.

3. Differential Backup

Differential backups are similar to incremental backups but they are bulkier. In this type of backup, the system saves the new data added after the initial full backup was created. It combines all new data that has been written since the last full backup. This backup type sits in between incremental backup and full backup. Aside from full backups, differential backups are the next fastest data backup type when it comes to data recovery.

Here’s how it works. Let’s say you have 100GB of data and you set up differential backup, the system will save your 100GB data as a full backup (the first backup), then on the next schedule, it’d backup only the new data (let’s say 20GB) that has been written to the drive, after this backup, on the next schedule, it’ll back up all new data from the last full backup, that means, it will include the 20GB of data from the last schedule plus the most recent data so far.

Methods of Backup:

There are many ways to make backup of your files and data, you can choose two and flex them at the same time, or stick to only one.

1. Disk-to-Disk Backup

This is simply backing up the files and data you have on one disk drive to another disk drive (maybe an external drive). So you’re copying the files from one disk to another disk.

2. Disk-to-Tape Backup

Disk-to-tape is a type of backup strategy where data is moved from a disk drive to a magnetic tape. People consider this option because tape-based backups are poised to be safer than disk-based backups, especially for the long term.

3. Cloud Backup

Today, there are many cloud-based data storage solutions and they can integrate and connect to your data platform or device. Cloud backup means to transfer your data from local hard drives, disks, or tapes to the cloud. This is the most expensive data backup method.

Frequency and Schedule:

There is no one-fits-all frequency and schedule for making backups. Everyone has to adopt a suitable frequency and schedule based on how often new data is written into a primary storage. Some companies make daily incremental/differential backups and monthly full backups; this is the most common frequency. However, big data companies may run hourly backups.

Difference between Backup and Recovery - Comparison Table

Here’s a table that clearly shows and explains the difference between data backup and data recovery.

Comparison

Backup

Recovery

Purpose

To create a copy of an original data for preservation in case of critical times.

To restore lost files and data which were not included in a backup.

Process

Using DiskInternals software, right-click on the drive you want to back up its data and select “Create Image.”

Using DiskInternals software, select the drive the files were lost from, choose a recovery mode, and scan the drive.

Frequency

As often are required for your data needs.

Only comes in after a case of data loss and lack of backup. 

Tools

Third-party software apps or Windows Explorer (copy to another drive)

Third-party software apps or Windows Explorer (restore from another local drive)

Scenarios

  • When your hard drive shows signs of failing
  • Before any advanced action such as partition extension or deletion
  • After a sudden power surge/failure
  • Malware attacks
  • OS crash
  • Disk crash

Backup and Recovery Software

There are quire many data backup and recovery software applications out there, but not all of them are recommendable. When looking for a backup and recovery tool, you should consider an app that supports the following:

  • Automation
  • Encryption and security
  • Compression
  • Scheduling options
  • Cloud integration

Using software solution is the most efficient and simplest way to back up your data and recover them at any time. Here are some highly recommended data backup and recovery software programs. Learn how to backup ESXi virtual machines here!

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery

VMFS Recovery by DiskInternals is a leading data backup and recovery solution. It comes with an intuitive interface and a “Recovery Wizard” to guide new users. The software is available only for Windows OS and it runs on all versions of the OS, including Server OS editions. There’s a built-in preview feature to view the recovered files before saving them back.

Why Invest in a Professional Backup and Recovery Software?

While you may not want to use a third-party software for your data backup and recovery, there are pretty good reasons to have a rethink on that. Windows built-in tools are not so efficient, and to an extent, they are not intuitive either. Here are reasons to consider using third-party solutions.

  • Improved Data Safety: when you use third-party solutions, your backed-up data remains safe wherever it is stored, and you can easily recover it at any them.
  • Efficient Management: third-party solutions offer a more intuitive interface with easily accessible data management tools.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run: when you choose a professional data recovery solution and pay for the premium version, in the long run, you’ll be glad you need it as you can easily retrieve any lost data at any time, regardless of the data loss scenario.

Conclusion

What’s the difference between backup and recovery? The main difference is that “Data Recovery” only comes into play when there is no “Data Backup” made prior to the data loss scenario. There are many ways to make backups, and there are many ways to recover lost data too. DiskInternals Partition Recovery is a professional data backup and recovery solution that offers you a lot of features for effective partition data management.

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