Continuous backup automatically saves new or modified files to a second location, providing real-time protection against computer crashes. It differs from manual or periodic backups and can cause network issues, but near-continuous backup systems minimize data loss.
Continuous backup, sometimes also called continuous data protection, is a process by which data stored on a computer is backed up to a second storage location whenever the user creates a new file or makes changes to a file existing. This essentially means that file versions are saved as files are created and modified. One of the main reasons to use continuous backup is to make sure that no matter if your computer crashes, the latest versions of all your files are protected. This type of backup is sometimes referred to as a real-time backup. Depending on the administrator’s preferences and needs, specific types of files can be allocated for continuous backup.
The main difference between continuous backup and backups that are completed manually or automatically on a periodic basis is that there is no schedule involved in the process. A manual backup can be performed at any time chosen by the administrator, but is usually performed on a scheduled and periodic basis if the administrator wishes to keep the backup files. An automatic backup takes place on a periodic basis which can be weekly, daily or even hourly. Continuous backup, on the other hand, happens moment-to-moment as files are added, created, or updated.
Systems that allow very frequent automatic backups are sometimes referred to as near continuous backup systems. Even when files are changed, added or updated very frequently, this type of backup program will lead to the loss of an hour of changes at most. While the benefits of this type of backup system are nearly equal to those of a continuous backup system, the two are not the same in terms of process or definition.
One of the advantages of this type of backup system is that, in most cases, files allocated for continuous backup are backed up when changes are made. This means that the latest version of the file is saved instead of simply saving a new draft of the file every time the user of the file makes the smallest change. There are certainly advantages to a continuous backup system, but there are also disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that a continuous backup system can cause network problems. This is especially true in cases where very large and complex files are backed up regularly.
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