Explore fundamental concepts of backup and restore strategies, including types of backups, scheduling, verification, and common best practices. This quiz helps users assess their understanding of essential data protection methods and disaster recovery planning.
Which type of backup copies only the files that have changed since the last full backup?
Explanation: An incremental backup saves only the data that has changed since the last full backup, making the process efficient and quick. Full backups copy all data each time, which is time-consuming and uses more storage. Differential backups copy all data changed since the last full backup, resulting in larger backup sizes over time. Selective backups involve manually choosing files, which is not based on change history.
What is the main advantage of storing backups offsite, such as at a remote location?
Explanation: Storing backups in a remote location adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring that data is safe if a local disaster, like fire or flood, occurs. While offsite backups might not speed up the backup process—sometimes it can even be slower—they do not reduce file sizes and still require proper scheduling. Backup schedules are still necessary to maintain up-to-date copies.
In a scenario where daily backups are made and storage space is limited, which backup method is most space-efficient?
Explanation: Incremental backups only save changes made since the last backup, greatly reducing storage space requirements. Full backups consume more space because they copy all files each time. Mirror backups also use considerable space as they replicate an exact copy. Snapshot backups save data at a specific point, but depending on the technology, can also take up significant space.
Which step should always be performed after restoring data from a backup?
Explanation: Verifying data integrity ensures that the restored files are intact, complete, and usable. Deleting the original backup is risky and not recommended. There is no need to change all usernames simply due to a restore operation. Compressing the restored files is optional and not directly related to ensuring a successful restoration.
Which backup strategy involves creating a backup immediately before making major system changes?
Explanation: A pre-change backup is made to safeguard data right before modifications, allowing recovery if unexpected problems arise. Continuous backup involves real-time saving; it's not specifically timed before changes. Rolling backups maintain a set number of backup versions. Annual backups occur once a year, not necessarily before changes.
Which policy defines how long backup copies should be kept before being deleted or overwritten?
Explanation: A retention policy outlines how long organizations must keep backup copies, ensuring data is available when needed and storage is managed efficiently. Encryption policies focus on data protection rather than duration. Quota policies set storage limits but not timeframes. Restoration policies describe how to restore data, not how long to keep it.
Which of the following is a best practice for creating a strong backup schedule?
Explanation: Setting up regular, automated backups ensures that new and changed data is reliably protected without human error or oversight. Backing up only during holidays or once a year leaves data at serious risk. Performing backups only after errors is reactive and not a proactive strategy.
If a backup can be quickly restored without reprocessing multiple files, it is described as what?
Explanation: Full backups copy all selected data in one go, enabling fast restoration without needing to combine multiple sets. Serial backup is not a common term in this context. Partial backups only cover some files, potentially missing crucial data. Minimal backups may not provide complete protection or quick recovery.
What is the purpose of regularly testing your backup and restore process with sample data?
Explanation: Testing backups with sample data allows users to verify that both backup and restore operations function as expected, preventing surprises during real emergencies. This process has no effect on storage space or password lengths. It also does not influence network speed.
Which is the safest method to prevent accidental loss of original data during a restore operation?
Explanation: Restoring data to a separate location ensures that original files remain untouched until the restore is verified. Overwriting original files without checking can lead to irretrievable loss. Deleting backups before restoring removes your safety net, and randomly renaming files adds confusion and potential risk.