Incremental Vs. Differential Backups
Incremental and differential backups are types of computer backups that work in conjunction with full system backups to protect a computer’s data. They both use less time and backup storage space than full backups but do have some important differences.
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Incremental Backup
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An incremental backup will back up all files that have changed on a computer system since the last time a backup was run. The last backup can be of any type.
Differential Backup
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A differential backup backs up all files that have changed on a computer system since the last time a full backup was performed.
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Backup Implications
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Regularly scheduled incremental backups will run more quickly and use less storage space than differential backups as they will only back up files changed since the previous incremental backup.
Restore implications
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Restoring data is simplified with differential backups as only the last full and most recent differential backup would need to be accessed to enact a complete recovery. All incrementals run since the last full would be required when restoring from incremental backups.
Choosing a Backup Strategy
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The backup strategy chosen should take into account the length of time between full backups, time and resource availability to run daily backups and the criticality of quick restore times. This will help you choose a backup product that offers either incremental or differential backups.
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