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Backing Up Your Data

• Data on your computer faces three major threats• Unauthorized access• Tampering• Destruction

• Backups are copies of files that you can use to replace the originals If they’re lost or damaged

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Backing Up Your Data (cont.)

• Two types of files need backups• Program files: Files used to install software• Data files: Files you’ve created or purchased

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Backing Up Your Data (cont.)• Two main options for backing up files• Incremental backup (partial backup): Backing up only files that have

changed or been created since the last backup• More efficient

• Image backup (system backup): All system, application, and data files are backed up• Makes an exact copy of the setup

TYPE OF BACKUPSType Data Archive

FlagFull or Normal

All Clear

Incremental Modified since last full or incremental backup

Clear

Differential Modified since last full or incremental backup

Not Reset

Copy Backup – ignoring the archive flag

Not Reset

Daily Based on today’s date Not Reset

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Backing Up Your Data Hands on practice (cont.)• Backups must be stored away from where your computer is located and

should be stored in at least two different places to be truly secure• Three main choices• Online (in the cloud)• External hard drives• Network-attached storage (NAS)

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What to backup• Purchased software and music downloaded from the internet• Bank records, tax information, financial information• Photographs• Email address book• Personal projects• Internet Bookmarks (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc)

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What media should I use to backup my files?• There are several options you can use to backup files.

• External drives, such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive• CD/DVD• Online backup utilities and storage

• Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages

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Deciding on a method• Once you have chosen a media on which to backup your data, you will need to

decide how to back it up.• If you’re using CDs/DVDs, you can

ZIP (compress) the files before copying them.• How often will you need to back up? • You can copy files to an external hard drive or flash drive• Where will you store the backed-up media?• Will you use backup software, such as Norton Ghost

or Windows Backup Utility?

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Backup BasicsJust because you backup your files once does not mean that you are finished.• Write on your calendar or put a reminder on your computer to backup your files routinely. Once per

month is a good frequency to backup your files.• Store your backup media in a secure location. If you have backed up bank records and tax information,

it’s best to put this media (CD, DVD, flash drive) in your safe or lockbox.• “Shelf life” for different forms of media vary.

Know how long your storage media will last,and check to make sure it contains the data you backed up.

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Backup Tips• The following web addresses provide very helpful information in

addition to this presentation.• Protecting your Backup:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/protectbackup.mspx• Using the Windows XP Backup Utility

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/howbackup.mspx• What Media to Select (as linked earlier)

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/wherebackup.mspx

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Backing Up Your Data Hands on practice

• Windows 8 includes the Windows 7 File Recovery utility

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Backing Up Your Data Hands on practice (cont.)

Backing Up Your Data Hands on practice (cont.)

Backing Up Your Data Hands on practice (cont.)

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Backing Up Your Data (cont.)• For OS X users, the Time Machine feature in OS X that detects when an

external hard drive is connected• Files stored on a school’s network are most likely regularly backed up –

check with your school’s network administrators

SUMMARY • A network backup solution consists of backup hardware, backup software, and a

plan for using them.• Incremental and differential backup jobs use the archive bit to determine what

files need to be backed up.• Network backup software enables you to back up data from computers anywhere

on the network.• Volume shadow copy enables users to access copies of files they have

accidentally deleted or damaged.• In Windows Server 2003 Backup, the System State object provides an easy way to

back up Active Directory.• Active Directory can be restored only through Directory Services Restore Mode.