<
operating system> ("back up" when used as a verb) A
spare
copy of a file, file system, or other resource for use in the
event of failure or loss of the original.
The term commonly refers to a copy of the files on a
computer's
disks, made periodically and kept on {magnetic
tape} or other removable medium (also called a "
dump").
This essential precaution is neglected by most new computer
users until the first time they experience a
disk crash or
accidentally delete the only copy of the file they have been
working on for the last six months. Ideally the
backup copies
should be kept at a different site or in a fire safe since,
though your hardware may be insured against fire, the data on
it is almost certainly neither insured nor easily replaced.
See also
backup software,
differential backup,
incremental backup,
full backup. Compare
archive,
source code management.
(2004-03-16)