Floppy, Zip/Jazz etc., CD/DVD, Hard Disks including parallel or shadow hard drives, second hard drives, external and removable hard drives. CD and DVD are at most write-once. Although RAM usually refers to primary memory, disks are also random access; i.e. access is not sequential as in tape. Additionally, these are not the only types of random access. Human memory has some random access features. Although automation is valid it is secondary to synthesis of function. This synthesis is not fully automated

The primary types of backups in use in my work as of June 9, 1997are:

§ Human memory and notes: this is a key tool because of its dynamic and relational characteristics as a result of which it can construct or reconstruct data. Biomemory shows a lack of complete distinction among object, subject and process

§ Floppy disks for short programs and documents

§ 100 MB Zip disks for long documents and document directories with content

§ 1.6 to 3.2 GB tape for system backup and large files and directories of any type

3 Types of Backup

Outline

1. On Screen and RAM

2. Data

3. Programs

4. System

Reality is not as discrete as may be implied by this outline; this is brought out by the following discussion

In particular the distinction between data and programs becomes indistinct. This is embodied in the concept of object. This concept is related but not identical to the idea of object in the comments on biomemory above and points to the development of adaptive or evolutionary computation. In this development, computational entities share responsibility in reality orientation and creation

§3.1 Shadow backup of onscreen data and primary RAM

§ Documents: manual and autosave. In Word 97 explore Tools-menu/Options/Save-tab

§ Other data: program so as to write to memory. Note programs are data are not fully distinct even semantically as in installation, and object oriented programming

§ In the two previous items data may be written to system disk and/or other media

§ Explore other options

§3.2 Documents, Text, Hand Generated Data

§ Floppy and Zip disks are the primary media here. Floppy disks may function as primary backup for short and medium length items. Zip disks would be primary for long items and directories. Initial, incremental and final backups are possible and play somewhat different functions. For critical items a second copy or copies may be made and may be stored in a secure place or places. Multiple copies can be made for distribution; these can also provide security against loss and misuse

§ Print is indicated for accessibility and longevity. Reading of print to machine storage may be done by scanning with optical character recognition

§ May reside on system disk especially while the file is being frequently worked on or used. This functions as a form of backup. An additional backup copy is created upon backup of the system disk

§3.3 Programs, Imported and Machine Generated Data

§ Original supplied disks: floppy or compact disk

§ Primary backup media at present will be Zip disks. Floppies will be secondary. Intermediate backups may be indicated for computation intensive processing

§ Considerations for critical items, second and multiple copies, print, residence on system disk, and additional copy with full system backup are similar to those in §3.2

§3.4 System/System Disk

§ Primary backup is to tape. A second copy may be indicated at times. Tape is high volume, low cost, but slow

§ The function of a second disk may be achieved by partitioning a single disk as long as its total capacity is significantly larger than the amount of disk space in use. This kind of virtual disk would not provide security against all disk failures. A real second disk will be a more secure shadow disk

4 Backup Scheduling

§4.1 Scheduling According to Function

§ System Backup - Backup of the Primary Hard Drives

Full Backup. A good time to do a full backup is immediately after system installation and tuning and after the installation of new devices, applications and upgrades when the system is in good working condition. A full backup should also be done after many differential or incremental system backups

Incremental and Differential Backups with All Files Selected. An incremental backup backs up all files that have changed since the last full or incremental backup and then turns off the archive flag. Use this backup type for the partial backups in your backup cycle if you work with different files each day, if you need to save each day’s version of the files you work with, or if you back up to cartridge and you want to keep all backups on one cartridge. The differential type backs up all selected files that have changed since the last full backup, and does not turn off their archive flags. Consequently, the backed-up files will be backed up again in the next differential backup. Use this backup type if you generally work with the same files each day and you only need to save the most recent versions of the files. Efficiency: multiple linked files; append additions and deletions

§ Upgrade of the operating system

Before operating system upgrades, backing up critical business or personal data and updating and checking the startup disk is prudent. [Note: find how to do this.] Files to back up before installing Windows 95 include:

All initialization [.INI] files in the Windows directory

All Registry data [SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT] files in the Windows directory. Each time

Windows 95 successfully starts these files are copied to SYSTEM.DA0 and USER.DA0

All password [.PWL] files in the Windows directory

All Program Manager group [.GRP] files in the Windows directory

All critical real-mode drivers specified in CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT

CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT in the root directory

Proprietary network configuration files and login scripts

Data: Text, Documents and their Directories

Shadow

Autosave - especially if working for long periods, or if processing is unattended

Each Work Session

§4.2 Scheduling According to Time

§ When work is scheduled according to time - especially if there is a large volume of work

§ When it is desired to automate the backup schedule

5 Learning the Backup System - Ditto

§ Source: Ditto Online Information and Help

§ Issues: Include [a] Qbwin, [b] How to program jobs - how to define, select, and maintain a job

6 The Backup Process

· Preparation

Prepare the Backup Tape or other Medium

Physical preparation such as retension and clean

Erase unnecessary files and catalogs

Clean the system

Cookies - clean system files and delete foreign files

History

Temporary Internet Files

Backup catalogues on the hard drive

Documents folder - start and programs menu

AOL - clear download manager of debris and compress the personal filing cabinet

Other unnecessary files including documents and programs; be careful to not delete essential files or

useful records

Renew and backup applications data and documents

My Documents

Briefcase

Other personal and application/development files

Scandisk and Defragment

Recreate and Duplicate the Startup Disk

Turn off all running programs including:

Multiple users and password activation, screen saver and non-standard desktop options, backup

options other than the present backup, antivirus utilities including RAM shields [Vshield], and mini-icons on the taskbar. Essential items to turn off have been italicized

Note: I need to resolve the issue of accessibility of Qbwin during backup

Insert the tape cartridge, adjust its tension and erase any unnecessary files

Prepare all backup settings according to the backup job. Erase unnecessary backup directories

§ Run and Monitor the Backup

§ After the Backup

Compare the backed up copy with the original to check for errors. Do this only if compare is not programmed as part of the backup

Check system, backup utility and backup tape status

Print the job summary

Remove and store the cartridge

§ Turn Back on Any Essential and Desired Programs or Utilities that were turned off

7 Restoring: Recovering from Disk Failure

§ Reinstall Windows 95 setup with a setup disk

§ Reinstall the backup [Ditto] software

§ Restore

§ Turn the system off manually

§ Turn it back on