The Backup Categories You Need to Know - and One You Don't!

Backing up your data is an essential part of any data security strategy. But with so many types of backups out there, it can be hard to figure out which backup categories are the best choice for your data. Knowing which of the following is not a backup category is just as important as understanding the ones that are. This blog post is here to help you understand the different data backup categories and which one you should avoid.

What Are Data Backup Categories?

Data backup categories refer to the different types of backups available for protecting your data. Different scenarios and applications require different types of backups. Understanding the different categories of data backup can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Types of Backup Categories

There are three main categories of data backups: full, incremental, and differential. Let's take a look at each one in more detail.

1. Full Backup

A full backup is the most comprehensive type of backup. It involves copying all of the data in a system to a secondary location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. Full backups are useful for restoring a system to a previous state in the event of a disaster.

2. Incremental Backup

An incremental backup is a type of backup that only copies the data that has changed since the last backup. This is useful for saving time and storage space, as only the changed data needs to be backed up. Incremental backups are best used in systems where data changes frequently.

3. Differential Backup

A differential backup is like an incremental backup, but it copies all of the data that has changed since the last full backup. This is useful for saving time and storage space, as only the changed data needs to be backed up. Differential backups are best used in systems where the data changes frequently, and a full backup is not practical.

Which of the Following is Not a Backup Category?

Conclusion

Data backups are an essential part of any data security strategy. Knowing which of the following is not a backup category is just as important as understanding the ones that are. There are three main categories of data backups – full, incremental, and differential – and none of these is considered a backup category. Mirroring is not a backup category, as it is simply a type of data replication. Understanding the different types of data backups can help you choose the right one for your needs.