How to choose the correct server backup method

Data loss and data corruption are nightmares for most individuals and businesses . Due to hardware failure , Software error , Human operation or natural disaster , You may lose data . Backup is an effective way to protect data from these disasters . By using the correct server backup method , You can minimize storage space and reduce the impact on computing resources and bandwidth usage , To ensure data security . If there is a disaster , The data recovery process should be as fast as possible , Relaxed . In this paper , Digital pulse technology will introduce some backup methods for your server , And help you choose the right method .

Full backup

Full backup is the simplest form of backup , It contains all the folders and files you choose to back up . Files are usually compressed to save space , But even compressed full backups may take up a lot of storage space . Massive access to backup disks also requires additional bandwidth .

The advantage of full backup is that it is easy to recover . Because complete data can be obtained at any time , Therefore, data recovery is fast and simple . Ideally, always do a full backup , Because they are the most comprehensive , And it's independent . however , Doing so often takes time .

In addition to major updates （ For example, operating system upgrade or new software installation ） outside , Usually perform a full backup every week . Perform incremental or differential backups at intervals .

Incremental backup

Because full backup is very time-consuming , Therefore, incremental backup is introduced , To reduce the time required to perform backups . Incremental backup only backs up data that has changed since the last backup . for example , Suppose a full backup is made on Monday , You can perform an incremental backup on Tuesday to back up files that have changed since Monday . Wednesday , Another incremental backup of the files whose backups have changed since Tuesday . Because the amount of data backed up in each iteration is much smaller , Therefore, it can save storage space and reduce network bandwidth . It also allows you to keep multiple versions of the same file .

however , Incremental backup uses more computing power , Because each source file must be compared with the previous full backup and each subsequent incremental backup , To determine whether the data is new or changed . and , The recovery process is slow . You first need to restore the latest full backup and each subsequent incremental backup . If one of the backups fails （ Full or incremental backup ）, Then the recovery will not be complete .

Differential backup

Differential backup is between full backup and incremental backup . Although the incremental backup has all files modified since the last full backup or incremental backup , But differential backup provides an intermediate position by backing up all files that have changed since the last full backup . A differential backup is essentially a cumulative backup of all changes made since the last full backup . Restoring differential backups is faster than restoring incremental backups Only the last full backup and the last differential backup can create a complete recovery . Save storage space , You can set the differential backup to overwrite the last differential backup . Same as incremental backup , Differential backup also requires additional network bandwidth to compare the current file with the backed up file , In order to find and back up only changed files .

Image backup

Image based backup allows you to create an entire system （ Or one or more partitions ） Full disk backup of , Including the operating system , The application and all the data associated with it , Not just files and folders . The backup will be saved as a file called an image .

When you need to restore the entire system , Image backup is the fastest recovery option . They are very effective in disaster recovery . You can choose to restore the entire server to the same state as the new server , Even if the server has different hardware . You can also restore individual files from image-based backups , Without restoring the entire system . Backup images can be saved to various media , Provide you with additional backup copies .

Which server backup method is suitable for you ？

Be sure to consider which backup type best suits your business needs . Ask yourself the following questions ：

What is the recovery time stipulated in your service level agreement ？

What is the policy about storing backup tapes offsite ？ If the backup is sent offsite , Then incremental backup is a bad idea , Because you must retrieve all the tapes before starting the recovery .

What types of backups does your backup application support ？

Here are a few options you can consider ：

Monthly image backup , Weekly full backups and daily differences / Incremental backup

Quarterly image backup , Monthly full backup and daily incremental backup

It is always a good idea to set up backups to run automatically on schedule . Remember to create an image backup before making any type of system changes , For example, update the operating system , Add new hardware , Update drivers, etc . please remember , Using any backup method is better than no backup .