Full Backup
A complete copy of all selected data, providing a baseline for incremental or differential backups.
Also known as: Complete Backup, Normal Backup, Full System Backup
Category: Concepts
Tags: backup, data-protection, recovery, storage
Explanation
A full backup is a complete copy of all selected data, files, and system configurations at a specific point in time. It serves as the foundation for data protection strategies and provides the baseline from which incremental and differential backups operate.
**How it works**:
A full backup copies every file and folder within the defined backup scope, regardless of whether the data has changed since the previous backup. This creates a self-contained snapshot that can restore a system to a known state without requiring any other backup sets.
**Advantages**:
- **Complete independence**: Each full backup is self-sufficient for restoration
- **Fastest recovery**: Single backup set contains everything needed
- **Simplest management**: No dependencies or chains to track
- **Highest data integrity**: No risk of chain corruption
- **Easy verification**: Straightforward to test and validate
**Disadvantages**:
- **Longest backup time**: Must copy all data regardless of changes
- **Highest storage requirements**: Full dataset duplicated each time
- **Greater bandwidth usage**: Problematic for cloud or remote backups
- **System impact**: Extended operations may affect performance
**Best practices**:
- Schedule full backups during low-activity periods
- Perform at regular intervals (weekly or monthly) as baseline for incrementals
- Retain multiple generations for point-in-time recovery options
- Store at least one copy offsite following the 3-2-1 rule
- Verify backup integrity after completion
**When to use**:
- As the foundation of any backup strategy
- Before major system changes or updates
- When storage and time constraints permit
- For critical systems requiring rapid, reliable recovery
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