Data Back Up Flashcards

What is data deduplication in the context of backups?

Answer: A storage optimization technique that eliminates redundant copies of data within backups, significantly reducing storage requirements

Data deduplication identifies and eliminates duplicate data blocks across backup sets, storing only unique data and references to it, dramatically reducing backup storage requirements.

What is a bare-metal restore?

Answer: Restoring an entire system—operating system, applications, settings, and data—to new or wiped hardware from a backup image

A bare-metal restore recovers an entire system from a backup image to blank hardware, including the operating system, all applications, configurations, and user data, without requiring a pre-installed OS.

What is immutable backup storage and why is it important?

Answer: Backup storage where data cannot be modified, deleted, or encrypted once written, protecting against ransomware and accidental deletion

Immutable storage enforces a write-once-read-many (WORM) model where stored backup data cannot be altered or deleted for a specified period, providing guaranteed protection against ransomware and malicious deletion.

What is the role of automation in backup processes?

Answer: Automation ensures backups run consistently on schedule without relying on human memory, reducing the risk of missed backups and human error

Automated backups eliminate the risk of human forgetfulness and error by running on predetermined schedules, ensuring consistent data protection without requiring manual intervention.

What is the difference between backup and archiving?

Answer: Backups are copies of active data for recovery purposes, while archives are long-term repositories of data that is no longer actively used but must be retained

Backups are regularly updated copies of active data designed for recovery from loss, while archives preserve inactive data for long-term retention due to compliance, legal, or historical requirements.

What is snapshot-based backup?

Answer: A point-in-time copy of a storage volume or file system that captures its exact state at a specific moment

A storage snapshot captures the exact state of a volume or file system at a specific moment in time, providing an instant recovery point without the time required for a traditional full backup.