3 types of backups ready, depending on what you need
Q. I purchased an external hard drive to back up the files on my PC. After using it, I learned that it does not overwrite my saved files. While it did copy all my selected files on the first run, each subsequent one only copies the changes that are made to a particular file. This makes it virtually impossible to use, because I have to look through numerous copies to find the changes I have made. Can you help?
A. There are three types of backups. Full, incremental and differential.
A full backup is a one-time copy of all the data you have indicated that you wish to back up. The problem with a full backup is that, as you use your computer, the data on your computer changes. That is why you need to consider incremental and differential backups as an added component of your backup strategy.
Incremental backups only update the files on your hard drive that have changed since the last full or incremental backup. Incremental backups are faster, as only data that has changed gets backed up. This type of backup also creates a timeline so that you have copies of data files for each change that is made. This can be helpful if you need to recover previous versions of files you are working with.
Differential backups save files that have changed since the last full backup was performed. So the more you use your PC, the more changes to your files and the more the backup has to run to account for all the changes.
Determining which backup option to use depends on how you need to access files in the backup.
Personally, I tend to back up only the files in my user profile. In the event of a system failure, I am happy to reinstall the operating system and all the applications. The only files I can’t reinstall are my personal data files — documents, images, music, video and so forth. Keeping these backed up are the most important to me.
Others may be more comfortable performing a full system backup. This backs up the operating system and all files and applications. With a full backup, you can be back up and running in a shorter time in the event of a system failure.
Backup software comes in many forms. Windows contains a built-in backup utility as does Apple’s OSX in Time Machine. I love Time Machine, but am not a fan of the built-in Microsoft utility, so I typically use a program like Acronis True Image (acronis.com) for my Windows backups.
Backups can be intimidating, but not completely mystifying once you educate yourself. Check out the Dummies “What You Need to Know about Windows Computer Backups” article at tinyurl. com/helplinebackup.