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Definition: backup software
Software that copies data from a single machine or from selected computers in a network to a storage medium. At periodic intervals, a backup of the entire hard drive or of selected files and folders can be performed. Backup programs can also be configured to back up files automatically after they have been updated.
When the Hard Disk Crashes
Company and personal data are the most valuable information to back up. However, if only data are backed up, the OS and applications have to be re-installed, which can be time consuming and costly. The recommended method is to back up the entire system, including OS and applications. After a disk crash, everything can be restored to the replacement storage drive, and users can resume from that backup point. See backup storage, backup types, backup server, HSM, data recovery and active archiving.
Built In
When the Hard Disk Crashes
Company and personal data are the most valuable information to back up. However, if only data are backed up, the OS and applications have to be re-installed, which can be time consuming and costly. The recommended method is to back up the entire system, including OS and applications. After a disk crash, everything can be restored to the replacement storage drive, and users can resume from that backup point. See backup storage, backup types, backup server, HSM, data recovery and active archiving.
This 500GB drive came with the backup software pre-installed and saved Alan Freedman, the author of this encyclopedia, a lot of time and grief. No more than three days after making a full backup on this Rebit unit, the computer's hard disk failed completely. When the drive was replaced, the computer was perfectly restored.