Image
Image backups for whole disk (entire computer) backups.
File / Folder
File backups simply back up your data… documents, pictures, etc.
Backups Explained
There are only 2 types of backups
When it comes to backups there are only two types… image backups and file/folder backups.
Image Backups
Image backups back up everything… data, programs… everything. Image backups are ideal for servers. The idea in imaging your server is that in a worse case scenario we can obtain another computer and put the backup image onto it… bringing the server back to a useful state as quickly as possible.
We utilize Datto to image servers. Datto not only makes images of the server throughout the day but will also “spin up” if needed. This means that if a server goes down the actual Datto device itself can act as a temporary server… usually within 30 minutes! If someone walked in and literately took your server out of the building Datto would have you up and running within 30 minutes giving you time to obtain a new machine and prep it for your network.
File / folder backups
File / folder backups are just that… they back up files and folders on your computers. File / folder backups are good for your typical workstation. If something happens to a workstation you want to be set up so that you can obtain another workstation and restore the files and folders from your backup.
With a file / folder backup the programs are not backed up. Programs, like Microsoft Word or Excel, get on to your computer through an installation process… thus programs need to be reinstalled. Data like documents and pictures are just sitting on the computer and can be copied back in place.
Ideally you want to document a workstation setup… which programs did you install? Where are those programs so you can install them again? Did you have to tweak the programs once installed?
Utilize The Right Backup
Image backups are more expensive and are usually reserved for servers and very important workstations while file / folder backups should only be used for workstations.
If a computer completely dies you’ll need to purchase a new one, do any configurations needed to get it onto your network, install any necessary software, tweak that software and then restore data. It is usually the timeline to get this done that mandates servers to utilize image backups.
Each backup type, image and file/folder, can utilize cloud storage. Cloud storage is a must as the data is stored offsite and properly.
If you have any questions please reach out to us for the answers!
True Story
“They” say that most businesses that lose their data without having a backup fail within a year…
We set up a business with a server and backup… the backup was a fairly inexpensive system that did not utilize cloud resources. In addition the owner of the company wished to manage everything himself after setup.
We received a call years later because the users could not access their data or the server. It turned out that after some time the owner took the backup devices home to use for music storage. The company moved locations and ended housing the server in a small closet without ventilation.
When we arrived the server was too hot to touch… we had to pull the plug on the server and let it sit for a bit. The server was set up in such a fashion that it had two drives that mirrored each other… one of them had died some time ago but no one knew.
The other drive failed due to the heat in the closet.
The business went away shortly after that… They didn’t know who they owed, who owed them, their schedules, etc.
With many Managed Server Providers, such as VSL Computers, you don’t need to purchase full-boat packages… this company could have hired us to monitor their backups and server dual drive status to make sure everything kept working. They could of also hired us to just move the server when they changed locations. Maybe this could have been avoided.