Backup and Restore
1. Backup
Definition: Backup refers to the process of creating a copy of important data, files, or settings to protect it from loss due to accidental deletion, system failure, or any disaster.
This is the act of making a copy of your important files, settings, or entire system. The purpose is to keep your data safe in case something goes wrong (like system crashes or accidental deletion). You can back up your data to external devices (like a hard drive), cloud storage, or other secure locations.
Purpose: The main purpose of a backup is to ensure data safety. If something goes wrong, you have a backup copy to restore your information.
Types of Backup:
Full Backup: A complete copy of all data and files.
Incremental Backup: Only the changes (new or modified files) are backed up since the last backup.
Differential Backup: Backs up all changes made since the last full backup.
Backup Methods:
External Storage: Hard drives, flash drives, DVDs.
Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud.
Network Storage: Backup to a server or remote network.
Example of Backup:
Scenario: Imagine you have a computer with important documents and photos. You make a backup of these files by copying them to an external hard drive or uploading them to Google Drive.
Action: You schedule backups every week to ensure your files are protected in case your computer breaks down.
Another Example: Copying your photos to a cloud storage service so they are safe if your phone is lost or broken.
2. Restore
Definition: Restore refers to the process of retrieving data from a backup and putting it back into your system. It is used when files or data are lost, corrupted, or accidentally deleted.
This is the process of recovering your data from a backup. If something happens to your original files (they get lost, corrupted, or deleted), you can restore them from the backup copy.
Restore Methods:
Manual Restore: Select and copy specific files from the backup.
System Restore: Reverting the entire system to a previous state (e.g., operating system or settings).
Automated Restore: Tools that restore the entire system or files based on a schedule or trigger.
Example of Restore:
Scenario: One day, your computer crashes, and you lose some important files. You had made a backup of your documents to an external hard drive.
Action: You use the restore function on your computer to retrieve the lost files from the backup. If you used a cloud service like Google Drive, you simply download the files back to your computer.
Another Example: After reinstalling your computer’s operating system, you can restore your files from a previous backup.
Class Example: Backup and Restore in Action
Step 1: Backup
You have an important project folder on your computer with documents and images. You decide to create a backup.
You choose to back it up on Google Drive. You upload the folder to Google Drive by selecting the folder and clicking the "Upload" button.
Every week, you upload any new or changed files in the project folder to ensure you have an updated backup.
Step 2: Disaster Happens!
One day, your computer's hard drive fails, and you lose everything. But you don't worry because you made a backup on Google Drive.
Step 3: Restore
After fixing your computer, you access Google Drive on a new device. You find the backup folder and download all the files to restore them back to your computer.
Now, your project folder is safe again, and you can continue working.
Summary of Key Concepts:
Backup is the act of making copies of your important data to protect it.
Restore is the process of retrieving and returning that data when it is lost or damaged.
Regular Backups are essential to ensure data safety and prevent data loss.
