Best Method for backing up a PC computer?
- Thread starter Samuking
- Start date
Same thing. The incremental (differential, delta) process compares the current configuration to the last full backup (baseline). The differences are saved as an incremental backup. Each incremental backup is independent of the prior one. It is possible(but unlikely if done in small enough intervals with relatively small changes) that the incremental backup would be bigger than the full backup.
A simple example: the system has 5 equal sized files : A,B,C,D,E. Later you delete all 5 and replace them with F,G,H,I,J. A full backup then will have just F,G,H,I,J. An incremental backup will be bigger in that it also will have F,G,H,I,J PLUS information about the deleted A,B,C,D,E.
Although I havent written such software in many years (and not as standalone backup software but part of larger software applications) I dont know of any other way to do it.
A simple example: the system has 5 equal sized files : A,B,C,D,E. Later you delete all 5 and replace them with F,G,H,I,J. A full backup then will have just F,G,H,I,J. An incremental backup will be bigger in that it also will have F,G,H,I,J PLUS information about the deleted A,B,C,D,E.
Although I havent written such software in many years (and not as standalone backup software but part of larger software applications) I dont know of any other way to do it.
The whole point of an incremental backup is to help you avoid making another complete backup. System Restore was introduced with windows XP. This allowed you to restore your computer to the state it was at any point. This might work the way you describe, I don't know because I never used System Restore so I can't say for sure.
There is no reason to end the thread Mr. W. Coyote has a right to express his opinion. I have noticed things get heated up real quick in this sub forum. Either it's Apple/Microsoft war or I know better than you. In future if i see any Apple/Microsoft arguments i will simply delete the post.
Samuking asked a simple question there is no reason to go all technical detail here. There is nothing called the "Best" method to backup your computer. It depends on what/why you are backing up. If it's personal info like credit card info/financial data don't rely on online backups. Most of the free online backup sites host their servers offshore. You never know who have access to their locations. My preferred solution for personal info backup is to store them on a "password" enabled USB thumb drive. It's is discreet and easy to handle. If you are looking to backup data for your office/business look for a US based storage solution provider or look for auto network backup solution. If you are backing up pictures and videos just buy an external hard drive and store them. And don't backup PORN!
Samuking asked a simple question there is no reason to go all technical detail here. There is nothing called the "Best" method to backup your computer. It depends on what/why you are backing up. If it's personal info like credit card info/financial data don't rely on online backups. Most of the free online backup sites host their servers offshore. You never know who have access to their locations. My preferred solution for personal info backup is to store them on a "password" enabled USB thumb drive. It's is discreet and easy to handle. If you are looking to backup data for your office/business look for a US based storage solution provider or look for auto network backup solution. If you are backing up pictures and videos just buy an external hard drive and store them. And don't backup PORN!
Almost correct - the whole point of an incremental backup is to allow a backup using a minimum of storage and/ or time. At a certain point the incremental backup takes more storage and/ or time and a full backup is indicated. Then the process starts over with incremental backup. If the amount of data is small enough stick with full backups.
One bad incremental backup (or a backup of containing a virus, or corrupted file) can ruin all the other incremental backups you made up to that point. That's why I prefer to make full backups even if they take extra time. I use an external hard drive large enough to hold two complete backups. I delete the first complete backup before starting the newest complete backup. I always verify my backup before signing off on it.