| When you hear people talking about databases, it | | | | offline. Full backups can take longer to complete than |
| may seem confusing at first. Here is some | | | | some of the others. |
| background information to give you a head start | | | | Next we have what is called the differential backup. |
| researching what is best for your situation. A | | | | The differential backup only stores a copy of the |
| database is a collection of data arranged together to | | | | data that has changed since the last full backup was |
| make it easier and quicker to find specific information. | | | | completed. It is very important to remember that if |
| They are used in many applications and are the | | | | you do have a database failure, since a differential |
| preferred method of storage for multi-user | | | | backup would not be helpful with recovering lost |
| applications. They are also convenient for single users. | | | | data. You would need both the full and differential |
| Having information stored on a separate database | | | | backups to restore your database properly. |
| can also help you if need to recover deleted files. | | | | If you regularly make backup copies of your files and |
| Of all of the databases available, the most popular is | | | | store them in a separate, safe place, then you can |
| the relational database. A relational database makes it | | | | get most if not all of your information back if |
| much easier to find information because it utilizes a | | | | something happens to your originals. Transaction logs |
| set of tables to store information. The tables are | | | | track all modifications that are done within your |
| made up of columns that store the information. | | | | database, even unfinished transactions. Binary logs |
| A hierarchal database is different in that it stores and | | | | contain all events in the database that did or could |
| organizes data in a tree like structure with an upward | | | | contain modified data. Binary logs are used to support |
| link to each saved record. Yet another type of | | | | server replication and can be used as backup. |
| database model is the network model. This type of | | | | The best backup method depends on the storage |
| database stores its data with links to other saved | | | | engines used by the databases. You have several |
| data records. Whether it is lost data or just the need | | | | options for storing your backup copies. The CD-RW |
| to backup data, a database can be the answer. | | | | allows you to burn your files onto a compact disc. |
| There are several methods you can choose from for | | | | The DVD-RW burns your files onto a DVD. |
| backup and recovery of databases. Some deal with | | | | Then there is the USB flash drive. This is a small hard |
| full backup and some deal with selective backup. | | | | drive that plugs into any available usb port on your |
| Make a checklist of files on your computer. This will | | | | computer and allows you to transfer your files. There |
| help you decide what to backup and what isn't really | | | | are also online storage and backup services. You can |
| necessary or important, in case of lost data. | | | | save your files online and you can access them |
| Full backups are exactly as they sound; a full copy of | | | | anytime you need them. Even though all the |
| the database is stored on the backup media. Full | | | | information may seem confusing, taking time to do |
| backups can be done without taking the database | | | | some research will make it less daunting. |