Backup

a backup, or the process of backing up, refers to the copying and archiving of computer data so it may be used
to restore the original after a data loss event.
Backups have two distinct purposes. The primary purpose is to recover data after its loss, be it by data deletion
orcorruption. Data loss can be a common experience of computer users. A 2008 survey found that 66% of
respondents had lost files on their home PC. [2] The secondary purpose of backups is to recover data from an
earlier time, according to a user-defined data retention policy, typically configured within a backup application
for how long copies of data are required.
we must first understand the different types of backups that can be created. They are:

Normal (Full) Backups

Incremental Backups

Differential Backups

Mirror Backups

1. Full Backups
A full backup stores a copy of all files and typically occurs automatically according to a pre-set schedule. Files
are usually compressed to save space, however, even when compressed full backups may consume a lot of
storage. Additionally, full backups cause heavy access to the backup disk, which shorten disk life and consume
network bandwidth.
The advantage of full backups is the ease of restoration. Restoring a file requires only the file name, location,
and date from which to restore the data. Restoration is relatively straightforward as long as the backup files
from that date or time are available.
Although full backups are certainly comprehensive, they may be more robust than many businesses require. It
is important to consider that only a small percentage of files change from one backup to another. Consequently,
performing full backups will yield multiple identical copies of files and consume valuable storage space on the
backup medium.

2. Incremental Backups
Incremental backups save space by backing up only the files that have been created or changed since the last
backup. The advantage of incremental backups is that the volume of data backed up at each iteration is much
smaller, which in turn saves space on the backup medium and uses less network bandwidth.
However, incremental backups increase computing overhead, because each source file must be compared with
the last full backup as well as the incremental iterations to determine whether data is new or changed.
Additionally, it is more complex to locate a specific file to restore as it may require searching several iterations.
To completely restore all files requires merging all iterations while taking care to keep only the most recent
version of each file.
Many enterprise backup strategies include a combination of full backups and incremental backups. For
example, running a full backup once per weekon weekends when network and computing resource demands

are lowerand scheduling incremental backups on weekdays. Backing up files with this combination enables a
restoration that does not require looking through or merging more than a weeks worth of iterations.
Some strategies limit the impact on disk backup storage by copying older full backups from disk to tapes, which
are then stored off-site. Although this approach is more secure than storing both the file system and backup
media at the same location, the manual work to change tapes, label them and transport them is timeconsuming. Additionally, it creates a difference between the finished backups that are stored off-site and the
current state of the live file system. In the event of a disaster, any data changes that occurred since copying the
last full backup to tape may be lost.

3. Differential Backups
Differential backups are similar to incremental backups, except that each backup operation stores the new and
updated files since the last full backup. For example, if a full backup was performed on Sunday and a file
changed on Monday, that file will be part of every differential backup until the next full backup is run.
Using differential backups simplifies recovery because only the last full backup and the last differential backup
is needed to create a complete restoration. As with incremental backups, differential backups need to compare
current and already-backed-up files to identify any changes. However, differential backups require more space
and network bandwidth compared with incremental backups.

4. Virtual Full Backups

Virtual full backups use a database to track and manage backed-up data, which helps avoid some of the pitfalls
of other backup methods. A full copy, or replica, is taken only once and does not need to be taken again as long
as the storage mediumtypically a network-attached storage locationremains unchanged. The virtual full
backup periodically synchronizes backup data to the database.
Virtual full backups are generally performed automatically by backup software. The user experience appears
the same as that of a full backup. Restoring one file or an entire disk is a matter of choosing a preferred
recovery point and the file or files to recover.

Mirror Backups
Mirror backup includes all files that have changed since the last normal (full) or mirror backup, missing
files are also be deleted from the backup set. The resulting backup archive consists of either one
compressed file or one folder.

Backup tools :

Cobian Backup:
Cobian Backup is free backup software that supports scheduled local and remote backups. Users love its
rich feature set, as Cobian supports nearly every feature of its shareware alternatives. All current versions
of Cobian are freeware, but the latest (version 9) is no longer open source.

SyncBack:
SyncBack is full-featured backup software available in both freeware and shareware versions. The
freeware SyncBack has a few limitations that the shareware version doesn't, like inability to backup open

files, but both versions offer extensive featuresincluding backup profiles and options for local and
remote backups. The shareware version of SyncBack will set you back $30.

Acronis True Image :

Acronis True Image creates full live disk images of your PC so that when the time comes that you need to
restore a backup, you're not just restoring filesyou're restoring an exact copy of your PC as it was. The
latest version of Acronis supports excluding individual files and folders from your image or you can set
criteria for the data that you want to back up (in case you don't actually want to include everything in your
disk image). Acronis True Image costs $50 and a 15 day trial version is available.

Carbonite:
Carbonite is an online backup solution similar to MozyHome. For $50 a year, Carbonite provides
unlimited online backup and is another set-it-and-forget-it solution which offers off-site backup to remote
servers. The biggest difference between Carbonite and Mozy is the price: Carbonite is $50 per year
upfront compared to MozyHome's $5 per month, which adds up to $60 a year but doesn't lock you into a
year. Carbonite does not offer a free version like MozyHome Free's 2GBs, but there is a 15-day trial. For
more user comparisons, check out our Carbonite vs. Mozy faceoff.

1. AOMEI Backupper
If you like your backup programs to be simple than AOMEI Backupper's straightforward interface will
appeal immediately. Choose the drive or partition to back up, the destination drive, and a click later
Backupper will be creating an image for you.

2. EaseUS Todo Backup Free

Just like most free (for personal use) editions of commercial products, EaseUS Todo Backup Free has a
few limitations - but the package still has more than enough features for most people.
The program can run both image and file-based backups, for instance, manually or on a schedule. You're
able to run full or incremental backups.
An option to limit write speed reduces the impact backups have on your system performance. It's possible
to individual files or folders, or an entire image via the program's recovery disc. And there are tools to
clone and wipe drives, too.
On the negative side, you don't get encryption, there's no differential backup, and you only get a Linuxbased disc (not Windows PE). But EaseUS Todo Backup Free still looks like a great program to us.

3. Redo Backup and Recovery

Redo Backup and Recovery is an imaging backup tool with a difference. Instead of installing a program,
you download a large (249MB) ISO file, and burn it to CD or USB key drive. Then just boot from it to
launch a simple tool which can back up your drives, and restore them later (even if Windows won't start).

There's also an undelete tool, and even a web browser if you need to look for help on your PC problems.
The program isn't exactly convenient, then. You can't schedule backups, they all have to be run manually,
and there are very few options.
But it's also easy to use and free for everyone, so if you only want to run backups occasionally - or want a
system you can use on any PC, without installing software - then it might be worth a look.

5. Macrium Reflect Free

One of the most popular free (for home use) disk imaging programs around, Macrium Reflect
Free delivers a solid, if basic feature set via an easy-to-use interface.
The program doesn't have incremental or differential backups. And you don't get encryption or password
protection. This does make creating a backup job very easy, though (choose the source drive, the
destination, maybe set the compression level and you're done).

7. FBackup
FBackup is a capable file backup tool, free for both personal and commercial use. The interface is simple
and straightforward, and there are a number of features you don't always see elsewhere.
Plug-ins allow you to back up individual programs with a click; there's support for include and exclude
filters; and you can run "mirror" backups, which just copy everything without zipping it up (which makes
restoring files very easy).

Backup Methods[edit]
Backups are the vital storage of data, so if data is lost there is still an identical copy that will allow the key data
and information to still be accessible and used for day-to-day work flow.[14] Backups can also be done through
online storage[15]and can allow continuity of service, and also help to ensure that vital data is not lost in the
event that the data storage fails. This is particularly useful for large organisations as data make up the vital
pieces that will allow them to be able to carry out their work.
These are the Backups most typically used in large high technology organisations:
Normal (Full) Backups
Incremental Backups
Differential Backups
Mirror Backups

Full Backups[edit]
Full backup is the starting point for backups and is generally the first backup that is made. It involves backing
up all of the data in one go, and is a good method of backing up when there is not much needed to be backed
up,however if there is a lot to be backed up then the back up may take a considerable amount of time. [16]
Advantages[edit]

File restoration is relatively easy and can be done from one backup.

The files can be backed up on to one central storage unit instead of many.

Disadvantages[edit]

A full backup is more time consuming than other backup options.

Full backups require more disk, tape, or network drive space.

Incremental Backups[edit]
Incremental backup refers to the type of backup that stores files since the last backup that was made. This will
mean that incremental backups take the lease time to backup, however restoration may take some time in
order to be able carry out the process. It is a wise choice for large organisations who have lots in order to
backup and as a result it will save time and can allow regular work flow rather than having to wait for backups

to be carried out. However the restoration may take time as the last full backup and incremental backup needs
to be restored in order for data to be brought back.
Advantages[edit]

Backup time is faster than full backups, as there is less needed to be backed up.

This type of backup generally required less space then a full back up, and as a result more
incremental backups can be carried out over time.

Disadvantages[edit]

Restoration time might take a considerably long times as all the other incremental back ups or a full
back will need to be found. This may take further time actually looking for the back ups which is not very
good for large enterprise to which time is so valuable.

Differential Backups[edit]
A differential backup is the backup for all of the changed files since the last full back up, This way it is able to do
a very quick back up in addition to saving a lot of memory space which will allow for many backups in the
future. The reason why it is saving memory space is as a result of it not backing up all of the files however only
the files that have been changed. The advantages and disadvantages of Differential Backups are stated below:
Advantages[edit]

Differential backups require even less disk, tape, or network drive space than incremental backups. [17]

It is the quickest in backup out of Full and Incremental

Disadvantages[edit]

Restoration of an individual make take time to locate and as a result having to go through both
Incremental and full backups

Restoration may take some time as a result of the potential in having to retrieve both full and
incremental backups.

Mirror Backups[edit]
Mirrored backups will backup the files on to two hard drives in order to ensure that the data is safe and is on
two physical devices in order to ensure extra security in addition to being able to ensure that the back ups are
not lost over time. This is a common strategy used by e -commerce businesses in order to be able to have
continuity in service as if their hard drives fail then the online site cannot function.

It will back up onto two hard drives to avoid losing back ups [18]

Classifying server problems

Server problems can generally be broken down into a few categories:

Hardware problems

Operating system configuration problems

Application/services-related problems

Its important to determine which category your problem fits into; otherwise, you can waste
hours of troubleshooting time searching for a needle in the wrong haystack. What seems like an
OS problem (STOP errors or unexpected reboots) may actually be hardware problems caused
by faulty memory or a dying power supply.
Ten troubleshooting tips
Depending on the source of your problem, getting your server back up and running may or may
not be quick and simple. These ten troubleshooting tips will give you a starting point for tracking
down the culprit responsible for your servers demise, and address several of the most common
server problems.
1. Develop a standardized troubleshooting routine
To identify and correct server problems most efficiently, you should have a standardized
troubleshooting procedure that you follow each time something goes wrong. Troubleshooting
server problems is generally more complicated than troubleshooting problems with client
machines, because the operating system itself is more complex and because of all the services

that run on a server machine.

Use checklists and forms (see sample here) to guide the troubleshooting process. This will
prevent you from leaving out essential steps or overlooking the obvious.

Download our TPG server troubleshooting checklist

Plaster this checklist all over your server room so your entire staff has a step-by-step process to
guide them through the server troubleshooting process.

2. Start at the bottom: Troubleshooting physical layer problems

The first step in troubleshooting server problems is to determine whether the physical layer is
functioning properly. This includes the server computer hardware, any attached peripherals, and
the cabling. Switching out network cards or cables will help you identify whether the hardware is
at fault. For testing long runs of cable that cant be easily switched, use a cable tester or
multimeter.
If you have recently added new hardware to the server, make sure that its compatible with the
operating system.

Tip
If youre running a Microsoft server operating system, check the hardware compatibility list on
the Microsoft Web site.

You should also make sure that you have the correct drivers installed for your new hardware.
Check the hardware vendors Web site for updated drivers.
3. Traffic control: Troubleshooting addressing and routing problems
Once youve eliminated hardware as a suspect, you should check the operating system
configuration. The typical business network runs on TCP/IP, and incorrect TCP/IP settings can
result in addressing and routing problems.
Make sure the servers TCP/IP settings are correct. TCP/IP settings have been known to
mysteriously change, for example, when you install an application. The most common situation

is that the servers TCP/IP configuration is reset to make the computer a DHCP client. In most
cases, servers should have static IP addresses. You may not notice the problem with a file or
print server, but if your DNS server or domain controllers configuration is changed, your clients
will experience problems.
Figure A illustrates the TCP/IP settings on a Windows .NET server.

Figure A

Make sure that all TCP/IP settings on the server are

correct when you have a network connectivity
problem.

4. Identification required: Troubleshooting name resolution problems

Whats in a name? A great deal, when computers communicate using names, which must be
resolved to IP addresses. If you have an apparent connectivity problem, always try pinging
another system by both name and IP address. If your server is out of touch when attempting to
communicate by host name but is able to connect to other computers by IP address, check its

DNS settings, WINS settings, and/or HOSTS and LMHOSTS files.

5. Trouble at the top: Troubleshooting application problems
The applications that get installed on servers are different from the productivity applications that
are typically installed on workstations. Server applications tend to be those that allow you to
manage, maintain, or monitor the server (such as disk utilities, network monitoring, or sniffer
programs, etc.), or those that add another server service, such as proxy server software
installed on top of the server operating system.
Compatibility with the underlying operating system is essential. Programs such as Microsofts
Certified for Windows 2000 program give you a way to evaluate the compatibility of server
applications.
On a Windows server, check the application log (Start | Programs | Administrative Tools | Event
Viewer) for application-related errors.

Tip
The event logs are always a good place to start in troubleshooting server problems. In addition
to the application logs, Windows NT/2000/.NET servers provide the system and security logs
and additional logs (such as DNS and Directory Services) when specific server services are
installed. The Error, Warning, and Information messages in the logs can be your best clues in
determining what went wrong.

6. Paper chase: Troubleshooting print server problems

The source of printing problems can be at any one of the following levels:

The printing device attached to the print server computer

The configuration of the print server

The physical connections between printer and server or server and network

The configuration of the client

Your first step in troubleshooting print server problems is to make sure that the printing device is

working and all connections are secure. Make sure the correct printer drivers are installed.
Check that the print spooler service is running and to see that theres plenty of disk space on the
server for spooling. Check the permissions set on the printer. If your network is a Windows 2000
or .NET domain, check group policy settings for printers.
7. Its in the mail: Troubleshooting e-mail server problems
E-mail is the most used network application today. Problems with the mail server can be due to
the same connectivity problems Ive already discussed (hardware problems, TCP/IP settings). In
addition, check the following:

Make sure that the Mail Exchange (MX) resource records in your DNS entries are

correct. For more information about MX records, see this fine site.

Make sure the mail server has plenty of disk space for user mailboxes. You may

need to impose limits on mailbox sizes if you have many high-volume users.

If you want your mail server to receive mail from other mail servers, make sure that

your mail server is configured to enable relay; otherwise, these requests will be blocked.

Tip
Be aware that opening your server to relays can make your server vulnerable to be used to relay
spam through your server. Make sure the server is configured to accept relay messages only to
your own mail domains.

8. Terminal condition: Troubleshooting Terminal Services problems

The thin client solution is becoming more and more popular now that Microsoft includes
Terminal Services built into its Windows 2000 and .NET server operating systems. For problems
with your terminal server, check the following:

In a Windows 2000/.NET domain, check group policy and individual users account

properties in Active Directory if users are unable to connect to the terminal server or are
unexpectedly disconnected.

Check the Terminal Services configuration settings (Start | Programs |

Administrative Tools | Terminal Services Configuration). Make sure that the terminal server is
running in Application mode; otherwise, only administrators can connect, and you can only
have two active sessions at a time.

Make sure that you have set up a Terminal Services license server and that you

have sufficient licenses.

Figure B shows the Windows 2000 Terminal Services Configuration tool.

Figure B

Make sure the terminal server configuration is set to

the proper mode.

9. Cant call home: Troubleshooting dial-up/remote access server problems

A remote access server allows clients to dial in to connect to your network or establish a
connection through a VPN over the Internet. If clients are unable to connect to your remote
access server, check the general connectivity issues mentioned earlier, then check the
following:

Make sure that remote access services are installed and configured on your server.

Make sure the service is started.

Make sure that your dial-in, PPTP, and/or L2TP ports are enabled to accept

inbound remote access calls.

Make sure that the remote access server is configured to allow connections on the

protocol(s) that are being used by the remote clients (IP, IPX, AppleTalk, or NetBEUI).

Tip
To view and configure properties of the Windows 2000 Remote Access Server, select Start |
Programs | Administrative Tools | Routing And Remote Access, right-click the server name, and
select Properties.

Figure C shows you how to access the Remote Access Servers Properties.

Figure C

10.

On a Windows 2000/.NET server, open the Routing And Remote Access console and
right-click the server name to view or configure its properties.
Listen for zebras: What else could the problem be?
A good philosophy for troubleshooting server problems is the old adage: When you hear hoof

beats, expect horses, not zebras. This means you should consider the more common sources
of problems: hardware failure, misconfigured network settings, etc., rather than the exotic ones.
But what happens after youve checked out all the usual suspects and still cant connect to your
server? Then you may want to consider some less commonly discussed possibilities:

Check your servers security settings, as well as any site- or domain-wide security

policies that may be preventing connectivity.

Check client licenses and licensing settings. If your server is configured to use per-

seat licensing and is set for 100 licenses, the 101st client may not be able to connect even
though youve purchased additional licenses, if you havent changed this setting.

Always consider the possibility that the server itself is not at fault. Check the

routers and the client computers to make sure that the real problem doesnt lie elsewhere.
Preventative maintenance: The importance of backing up
You know how important it is to always have a current backup of your mission critical data, but
do you actually practice what we all preach? Not only should you back up important data
everyday, but you should also regularly do a test restoration to make sure that your backup
software and hardware are in good working order. If not, you want to find out before you actually
need it.
Power to the server: The importance of a good UPS
Power surges or outages can be responsible for all manners of mysterious glitches, even if
your server appears to have survived intact. Its crucial to protect your server with a good
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to prevent this.
Good to go: Using VM software to mirror your server configuration
The ultimate in disaster protection is server clusteringcreating an exact duplicate of your
server on a second machine, which can instantly take over the duties of your failed server so
that your users experience little or no interruption in network services.
Clustering solutions range from expensive to veryexpensive. If your budget doesnt allow for this
ideal solution, consider the poor mans version of clustering: Create a mirror of your server
configuration on a virtual machine using VMware or similar software on another computer on
your network. This virtual server might not stand up to long-term or heavy use, but it can take

over your servers duties for a short time while you re-create your server, and it can be used as
a guide in that re-creation process if you havent documented all of your servers settings as you
should have.

Magnetic tape
Magnetic tape has long been the most commonly used medium for bulk data storage, backup,
archiving, and interchange. Tape has typically had an order of magnitude better capacity/price ratio
when compared to hard disk, but recently the ratios for tape and hard disk have become a lot closer.
[6]

There are many formats, many of which are proprietary or specific to certain markets like

mainframes or a particular brand of personal computer. Tape is a sequential [clarification needed] access medium,
so even though access times may be poor, the rate of continuously writing or reading data can actually
be very fast. Some new tape drives are even faster than modern hard disks.
Hard disk
The capacity/price ratio of hard disk has been rapidly improving for many years. This is making it more
competitive with magnetic tape as a bulk storage medium. The main advantages of hard disk storage
are low access times, availability, capacity and ease of use.[7] External disks can be connected via local
interfaces like SCSI, USB, FireWire, or eSATA, or via longer distance technologies
like Ethernet, iSCSI, or Fibre Channel. Some disk-based backup systems, such as Virtual Tape
Libraries, support data deduplication which can dramatically reduce the amount of disk storage
capacity consumed by daily and weekly backup data. The main disadvantages of hard disk backups
are that they are easily damaged, especially while being transported (e.g., for off-site backups), and
that their stability over periods of years is a relative unknown.
Optical storage
Recordable CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs are commonly used with personal computers and generally
have low media unit costs. However, the capacities and speeds of these and other optical discs are
typically an order of magnitude lower than hard disk or tape. Many optical disk formats
are WORM type, which makes them useful for archival purposes since the data cannot be changed.
The use of an auto-changer or jukebox can make optical discs a feasible option for larger-scale
backup systems. Some optical storage systems allow for cataloged data backups without human
contact with the discs, allowing for longer data integrity.
Solid state storage

Also known as flash memory, thumb drives, USB flash drives, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory
Stick, Secure Digital cards, etc., these devices are relatively expensive for their low capacity in
comparison to hard disk drives, but are very convenient for backing up relatively low data volumes.
A solid-state drive does not contain any movable parts unlike its magnetic drive counterpart, making it
less susceptible to physical damage, and can have huge throughput in the order of 500Mbit/s to
6Gbit/s. The capacity offered from SSDs continues to grow and prices are gradually decreasing as
they become more common.
Remote backup service
As broadband Internet access becomes more widespread, remote backup services are gaining in
popularity. Backing up via the Internet to a remote location can protect against some worst-case
scenarios such as fires, floods, or earthquakes which would destroy any backups in the immediate
vicinity along with everything else. There are, however, a number of drawbacks to remote backup
services. First, Internet connections are usually slower than local data storage devices. Residential
broadband is especially problematic as routine backups must use an upstream link that's usually much
slower than the downstream link used only occasionally to retrieve a file from backup. This tends to
limit the use of such services to relatively small amounts of high value data. Secondly, users must trust
a third party service provider to maintain the privacy and integrity of their data, although confidentiality
can be assured by encrypting the data before transmission to the backup service with an encryption
key known only to the user. Ultimately the backup service must itself use one of the above methods so
this could be seen as a more complex way of doing traditional backups.
Floppy disk
During the 1980s and early 1990s, many personal/home computer users associated backing up mostly
with copying to floppy disks. However, the data capacity of floppy disks failed to catch up with growing
demands, rendering them effectively obsolete.

Local Storage Options

1. External Hard Drive
These are hard drives similar to the type that is installed within a desktop computer or laptop
computer. The difference being that they can be plugged in to the computer or removed and kept
separate from the main computer. They typically come in two sizes :

Desktop External Hard drive : Uses a 3.5 inch hard drive similar to that used in desktop
computers.
Portable External Hard drive : Uses a 2.5 inch hard drive similar to that used in laptops.
Desktop External Hard Drives are generally cheaper than Portable External Hard Drives for the
same storage space. Desktop External Hard Drives and usually faster and more robust.
Capacity : 160GB to 3TB (approx 3000GB)
Connection : Most common connections to the computer are through a USB 2.0 or USB3.0
connection. May also be available in a SATA or eSATA connector

Advantages :

Very good option for local backups of large amounts of data.

The cheapest storage option in terms of dollars per GB. Very reliable when
handled with care

Disadvantages :

Can be very delicate. May be damaged if dropped or through electrical surge

2. Solid State Drive (SSD)

Solid State Drives look and function similar to traditional mechanical/ magnetic hard drives but the
similarities stop there. Internally, they are completely different. They have no moving parts or rotating
platers. They rely solely on semiconductors and electronics for data storage making it a more
reliable and robust than traditional magnetic. No moving parts also means that they use less power
than traditional hard drives and are much faster too.
With the prices of Solid State Drives coming down and is lower power usage, SSDs are used
extensively on laptops and mobile devices. External SSDs are also a viable option for data
backups.
Capacity : 64GB to 256GB
Connections : USB 2.0/3.0 and SATA

Advantages :

Faster read and write performance

More robust and reliable than traditional magnetic hard drives
Highly portable. Can be easily taken offsite

Disadvantages :

Still relatively expensive when compared to traditional hard drives

Storage space is typically less than that of traditional magnetic hard drives.

3. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

NAS are simply one or more regular IDE or SATA hard drives plugged in an array storage enclosure
and connected to a network Router or Hub through a Ethernet port. Some of these NAS enclosures
have ventilating fans to protect the hard drives from overheating.

Advantages :

Very good option for local backups especially for networks and small businesses.
As several hard drives can be plugged in, NAS can hold very large amounts of

data
Can be setup with Redundancy (RAID) increasing the reliability and/ or read and

write performance. Depending on the type of RAID level used, the NAS can still
function even if one hard drive in the RAID set fails. Or two hard drives can be
setup to double the read and write speed of single hard drive.
The drive is always connected and available to the network making the NAS a
good option for implementing automated scheduled backups.

Disadvantages :

Significantly more expensive than using single External Hard Drives

Difficult to bring offsite making it very much a local backup hence still susceptible
to some events like theft and floods, fire etc

4. USB Thumb Drive Or Flash Drive

These are similar to Solid State Drives except that it is much smaller in size and capacity. They have
no moving parts making them quite robust. They are extremely portable and can fit on a keychain.
They are Ideal for backing up a small amount of data that need to be brought with you on the go.
Capacity : 4GB to 64GB

Advantages :

The most portable storage option. Can fit on a keychain making it an offsite

backup when you bring it with you.

Much more robust then traditional magnetic hard drives

Disadvantages :
Relatively expensive per GB so can only be used for backing up a small amount of data

5. Optical Drive (CD/ DVD)

CDs and DVDs are ideal for storing a list of songs, movies, media or software for distribution or for
giving to a friend due to the very low cost per disk. They do not make good storage options for
backups due to their shorter lifespan, small storage space and slower read and write speeds.
Capacity CD : 650MB to 900MB
Capacity DVD : 4.7GB to 17.08GB
Advantages :

Low cost per disk

Disadvantages :

Relatively shorter life span than other storage options

Not as reliable as other storage options like external hard disk and SSD. One
damaged disk in a backup set can make the whole backup unusuable.

Remote Storage Options

6. Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is storage space on commercial data center accessible from any computer with
Internet access. It is usually provided by a service provider. A limited storage space may be provided
free with more space available for a subscription fee. Examples of service providers are Amazon
S3, Google Drive, Sky Drive etc.

Advantages :

A very good offsite backup. Not affected by events and disasters such as theft,
floods, fire etc

Disadvantages :

More expensive then traditional external hard drives. Often requires an ongoing

subscription.
Requires an Internet connection to access the cloud storage.
Much slower than other local backups

There are quite a number of backup types and terms used when it comes to backups of your digital
content. This is a compilation of the most common types of backup with a brief explanation of their
meaning, common examples, advantages and disadvantages of each backup type.

Full Backup
Full backup is a method of backup where all the files and folders selected for the backup will be
backed up. When subsequent backups are run, the entire list of files and will be backed up again.
The advantage of this backup is restores are fast and easy as the complete list of files are stored
each time. The disadvantage is that each backup run is time consuming as the entire list of files is
copied again. Also, full backups take up a lot more storage space when compared to incremental or
differential backups. Read more

Incremental backup
Incremental backup is a backup of all changes made since the last backup. With incremental
backups, one full backup is done first and subsequent backup runs are just the changes made since
the last backup. The result is a much faster backup then a full backup for each backup run.
Storage space used is much less than a full backup and less then with differential backups. Restores
are slower than with a full backup and a differential backup. Read more

Differential backup
Differential backup is a backup of all changes made since the last full backup. With differential
backups, one full backup is done first and subsequent backup runs are the changes made since
the last full backup. The result is a much faster backup then a full backup for each backup run.
Storage space used is much less than a full backup but more then with Incremental backups.
Restores are slower than with a full backup but usually faster then with Incremental backups. Read
more...

Mirror Backup
Mirror backups are as the name suggests a mirror of the source being backed up. With mirror
backups, when a file in the source is deleted, that file is eventually also deleted in the mirror backup.
Because of this, mirror backups should be used with caution as a file that is deleted by accident or
through a virus may also cause the mirror backups to be deleted as well.