Winter 2014

Data Security

Backup, Restore, and Recovery

Daniel Kolesar

What is a backup and why should you do it?

A backup is a copy of all of the folders and files on a computer. It is most commonly saved on external physical storage devices or digital storage hosted online. This makes it possible to restore the backup from a remote location in the event the local machine’s hard drive fails. Folders and files can be selectively backed up, allowing users to exclude unimportant files to reduce the size of the backup copy.

Another nice feature of a backup is that it also saves the computer’s state. If your computer is functioning well today, it is a great idea to create a backup. If your computer contracts viruses in the future and you do not like the way that it is operating, you can bring the computer back to the saved state. However, recovering a computer using a backup does not guarantee the removal of the viruses and malware on your computer. It will get rid of some viruses, but persistent viruses may require further action.

Restore Points

The feature System Restore creates a restore point which saves all settings, programs, and applications installed on a computer. If you reset to a restore point, only the drivers, programs, and settings that were installed after the restore point are removed while personal files remain untouched. Restore points need to be created to recover your computer. By default, the computer automatically creates restore points weekly and when System Restore detects a change to your computer, such as the installation of a program or driver. Furthermore, the restore points are very clearly titled, providing you with information like “Created before installing Dropbox”. You can also create a restore point manually at any time and with any name you like.

System Restore and Recovery

System Restore can either run from a previously created backup or from a previously created restore point. When System Restore is run using a backup, then all of the settings, programs, and personal files will be reverted. Any new programs or personal files added after the backup will not be available. If System Restore is run from a restore point, then only programs and settings will be restored as they were at the time of the restore point, new or updated personal files will remain available. Once a System Restore has been performed, the process cannot be undone. However, you can restore the system to an even earlier restore point. System Recovery or “Desperate Recovery” is another option that can restore your computer’s state back to its factory default. This option is a last resort; it should only be used if you have saved all of your important files on another device or online and you want to start with a blank slate.

Backup and Restore on Mac

A backup on a Mac is very similar to one on a PC, with only the options and software being different. Macs use Time Machine, which keeps a spare copy of every file and remembers how the system was configured in the past. There is also the option to exclude files, folders, or entire volumes from being backed, up to reduce the size of your backup, or to restore only certain files and folders. Finally, Time Machine backup can also be migrated to a new Mac. You can transfer all of your applications, files, settings and other information to a newly purchased Mac.

Time Machine is a free built-in program on Mac, but there is an advanced way to perform a backup with AirPort Time Capsule. Though it is a bit expensive ($299 for 2TB or $399 for 3TB of storage on the newest 2013 model), this utility is a standalone, all-in-one device that works wirelessly. Its two main features are a Wi-Fi router and network storage server, mainly used for backups. Since its storage is large, many use it to store backups from multiple Macs. All that is needed is a onetime setup using Airport Utility, and from then on the device will run backups in the background on a regular basis. The AirPort Time Capsule can also be used as external drive storage, so it’s a multifunctional device.