| Backup Frequently Asked
Questions |
|
|
| Why
do we need to backup our data? |
| How
often should we backup our data? |
| What is a backup plan and why do we
need one? |
| What program should we use to backup our data? |
| How many tapes/disks should we use? |
| When should we perform our backups? |
| Do we need to backup every file? |
| Do we need to backup every
workstation? |
| Can we automate our backup process? |
| My question wasn't answered
here. Where can we
go for more information? |
|
|
| Q: Why
do we need to backup our data?
A: In today's technology centric
world, your computer systems and business data are two of your most
valuable assets. Protecting those technology assets is critical to a
successful business. Hardware continues to be more reliable, and numerous
solutions exist to ensure high availability or even continuous
availability of data. Unfortunately, hardware can never be 100% reliable
nor can the possibility of error be completely eliminated, thus the basic
requirement to make backup copies of data to removable media
remains.
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| Q: How
often should we backup our data?
A: Ideally, you should backup a file every time it changes. For files
that can change several times in a day, once a day is usually sufficient.
For application and operating system files, once a week or even once a
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| Q: What is a backup plan and why do we
need one?
A: A backup plan is an outline of which data gets backed up, how, and
when. Having a written backup plan is a good way to make sure that you
have covered all your bases and are not overlooking any business critical
data. You should consider it a living document and review it at least
every six months.
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| Q: What
program should we use to backup our data?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all program that meets everyone's backup
needs. However, most operating systems come with built-in software for
performing basic backup functions. In addition, removable storage devices
such as Zip drives generally include software for backing up your files.
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| Q: How many tapes/disks should we use?
The number of tapes or disks you will need depends primarily on how
much data you will be backing up and how you have structured your backup
schedule. At a minimum, infusionIT recommends a three-week
rotation.
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| Q: When should we perform our backups?
Since most backup programs cannot backup files that are in use, the
best time to perform your backups is after-hours when no one is accessing
the files.
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| Q:
Do we need to backup every file every night?
A: No. Whenever a file on your computer is changed, the operating
system marks the file to indicate that it has changed and needs to be
backed up. This mark is often referred to as the "archive bit"
or the "archive attribute". Then, when the backup occurs,
the operating system clears the archive attribute until the next time the
file changes. Most backup software will use the archive bit to only backup
files that have changed since the last backup and thus avoid backing up
every file every night. However, for ease of recovery, infusionIT
recommends that you backup every file at least once a week - regardless of
the setting of the archive bit.
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| Q:
Do we need to backup every workstation?
A: If you make a practice of storing all your business data (documents,
spreadsheets, databases, email, etc.) in a shared location such as on your
server, all that remains on each workstation is the operating system (such
as Windows®), your business applications (such as your word processor or
your accounting software), and configuration files (such as your desktop
preferences or application settings). While restoring a computer's
operating system, program, and configuration files can be inconvenient
many businesses find the potential cost less than that of backing up each
individual workstation.
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| Q:
Can we automate our backup process?
A: Yes. There are a variety of tools and techniques that you can use to
automate your backup process. Many of them may already be available
on your system.
From the smallest server to a large
network infusionIT can put together a backup automation package
to suit your needs.
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| Q:
My question wasn't answered here. Where can we go for more information?
A: Here are just a few of the many backup information resources
available on the web:
You can also contact us at infusionIT.
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