Comparison the Methods of the Back up in Macintosh Apple and Windows - Literature review Example

Comparison the methods of the "back up" in (Macintosh "Apple" and Windows) Back-up is regarded as vital part in any computer system. Backupis used in order to restore a computer system and its allied important files to the previous state. It is a useful tool for undoing any kind of harmful changes in computer as well as to recover any damaged files. There are several backup methods which are used in Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Time Machine feature of Mac and System Restore feature of Windows are the inbuilt backup mechanisms used in these operations systems. Moreover, there are several other backup applications particularly designed for Mac and Windows machine. Keywords: Backup, Mac, Windows 1 Introduction In any computer system, one of the most important aspects is to maintain effective backup. In computer, any kind of threats can damage the important files and valuable resources. Internal factors such as power fluctuations, faults in hard drive and system conflicts among other aspects can endanger the data. Moreover, several external factors such as fire outrage, flood or earthquake can also threaten the valuable data. In traditional times, people usually maintained data on paper and thus, they were only concerned about external threats. Besides, most people also did not make copy of every record, thus the loss was devastating. However, in present days, the data is recorded in a digital format, making it vulnerable to both internal as well as external threats. Nevertheless, the digital information has allowed for simple procedure of data back up in multiple places by using different applications1. 2 Overview of Backup According to Vesperman (2002), information in computer is stored in hard disk. Hard disk has moving components and the data in hard disk can wear out sooner or later. Thus, there is a need for maintaining copy of data in other places2. Backup is regarded as the representative copy of data. This copy comprises vital parts of system such as control files and data files. When the original data is lost or corrupted by any external or internal factors, the backup file is used to restore the physical files. In any catastrophic incident, database backup is considered as the prime method to successfully recuperate the data. Furthermore, restoring and recovering data from backup files can be operationally beneficial3. 3 Backup Media There are a variety of media that can be used for backup such as CDs, DVDs and removable disks among others. The backup media arrives with software which requests for the data users desire to backup. According to Ruggiero & Heckathorn (2012), disk based storage system provides quick backup and restore facilities. In several circumstances, backup to disks is quicker to restore a system to its pervious state, which helps to resume operations in a rapid manner. On the other hand, tape is also used for backing up data. The key advantage of using tape is that it can be used as a removable media. In comparison with tape, disk drives provide quick recovery, enhanced data accessibility, along with stopping data loss and increasing overall technology effectiveness4. Over the years, backup technology has evolved from tape and disk to solid-state storage. It delivers not only simplicity, but also portability, capacity and data integrity. According to Ruhse & Baturova (2012), there are four key mediums that can be used for backup namely cloud storage, internal hard disk and removable drives (see fig 1). Fig. 1. Backup Drives The recent improvement of internet has made cloud storage accessible for people as backup media. In cloud storage, users can use the internet for accessing shared information. Cloud storage helps to safeguard data against adverse conditions for example, natural disaster, critical system failures and manual mistakes. Cloud storage provides the facility of accessing data and software from anyplace and anytime, with the aid of internet connectivity. Furthermore, in cloud storage media, the service providers transparently manage the space as the backup size increases or decreases5. 4 Backup Strategies According to Bouffard (2003), there are three elements of backup strategy namely backup database, restoring database and recovering database (see figure 2). Fig. 2. Backup Strategies Backup database comprises making available certified copies of database file. Available in this context comprises accessibility of data from online or offline media. Restoring database comprises installing and validating database files so that recovery can be done. Finally, recovering database comprises activating database in order to perform recovery by transaction journals. Transaction journals consist of database update activities which have been lost due to unfortunate events6. According to Kissell (2009), there are two specific backup methods namely bootable duplicates and versioned backups. A bootable duplicate is basically a clone or mirror or carbon copy of entire hard drive. Bootable duplicates are quite effective as it runs rapidly and in certain circumstances takes minimum time to backup the whole system. Due to the ease of harmonisation utility, several people use bootable duplicate as the only method of backup. However, bootable duplicates provide no protection against damaged or unintentionally removed files. Bootable duplicates also go out-of-date quickly. On the other hand, versioned backup comprises copies of files, thus they can be presented at numerous points in time. Versioned backup begins with complete copy of a set of files. Unlike bootable duplicates, versioned backups typically take long time, because it performs incremental updates. This signifies that on subsequent runs, versioned backup examines the existing data and copies only those files that are new or modified recently. Applications that create versioned backup copy usually offer a convenient method of restoring all data to a specific folder. However, versioned backup does not signify a complete and unharmed version of entire hard drive. Thus, versioned backup will not perform if there is a problem in main hard drive7. Petkovic (2005) stated that computer uses three different backup methods namely full database backup, differential database backup and transaction log backup. The full database backup captures the condition of database during the period of initiation. In this method, the system copies every information along with corresponding file structure. In differential backup, the only portion of database which has altered subsequently after last full database backup is copied. In transaction log backup, only variations recorded in log are copied8. 5 Analysis of Backup Methods of Macintosh and Windows Macintosh or Mac from Apple and Windows from Microsoft are the two most extensively used operating systems (OSs). There are several products available for both Macintosh and Windows which maintain regular backup. For instance, according to Stars (2009), retrospect application is a popular software used in Mac OS and PC Backup is a popular application which is used in Windows OS in order to perform backup1. Both Mac and Windows use different methods of backup. In Mac OS, Time Machine method is used which mechanically and manually backs up the entire system and allows user to revert the old system back to a particular date and time. Mac OS also uses cloud based storage and backup services to refurbish the old system. On the other hand, Windows OS uses System Restore method which can restore the computer system to the previous condition. Furthermore, Windows OS also uses file history for automatically backing up vital files. 5.1 Methods of Backup in Mac OS Time Machine is one of the easiest backup utilities of Mac. It provides best interfaces for recovering certain folders or files. Time Machine is a built-in feature of Mac OS which can effectively back up music, pictures, documents, applications, and system files. Time Machine uses My Book Live drive in order to store the backup files. Hence, during the circumstance of hard disk crash and OS crash, users can easily restore important files9. Time Machine also supports multiple backup drives which enhances the consistency of backup system. With the introduction of Mountain Lion OS of Mac, it has become much easier to add multiple drives for backing up the system. Whenever users plug a portable hard drive in the computer, the Time Machine requests for using that drive as a backup drive. Thus, when users select to use the external hard drive as a backup drive, it starts to store the entire hard drive into that device. Whenever the backup drive is connected, it makes incremental backup. It signifies that Time Machine stores the current files by replacing old ones. The incremental backups are conducted as long as external hard drive is connected to the computer. In case the external hard drive is not connected, Time Machine waits for the next time the user plugs in the particular external drive. It constantly monitors the changes in the computer and stores them whenever the user connects backup drive. Time Machine provides users a graphical interface to search files in backup drive and allows files that users prefer to restore. Time Machine demonstrates existing condition of the files with prior backup versions. Through this feature, users can navigate through time and select the right time of restore10. The key features of Time Machine are: It is completely translucent and undertakes incremental backup It is simple to use and ensures adequate history of backup According to Synology America Corp (2009), the basic advantages of Time Machine is that it is quite simple to install, it can automatically backup files, it can remove older files when required and it can allow recovering of missing files along with the facility to search for file components. However, there are several disadvantages of Time Machine such as it necessitates large amount of space for perfect backup. Besides, pre-set schedule of backup cannot be altered11. Apart from Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner is other backup utility for Mac OS. Carbon Copy Cloner performs complete and incremental backup and creates bootable duplicate. Since Time Machine is a versioned backup, there are several aspects which cannot be completed by this feature. Hence, if any harm occurs in hard drive, Carbon Copy Cloner can allow users to boot from clone and restore the previous system. Similar to Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner also has built-in scheduling feature which can help to maintain current bootable duplicates. Besides, it also allows users to change the scheduling of backup. 5.2 Methods of Backup in Windows OS Windows OS uses System Restore feature as a part of backing up the system. It is an in-built feature of Windows which helps to undo any kind of harmful alterations to the computer system and can restore previous settings. System restore feature returns the computer to the earlier time (which is also termed as ‘restore point’), without losing recent works such as saved files, history and bookmarked lists among others. Changes performed through System Restore are fully reversible. In System Restore, the computer automatically produces restore points at consistent programmed time. The present date and time are automatically added to the restore point so that users can select the period to which they want to bring back the system. Besides, users can manually create restore points in order to make major changes to the system, such as installing new software and altering the registry entry12. Apart from System Restore, Windows also has ntbackup program which can restore the system. This program is also termed as Tape Backup Utility (TBU). TBU can be accessed from GUI interface, which is a subset of backup and restore software. By using TBU, users can back up and restore any file to the computer system. TBU is vital for users who desire to do improvised backup. For example, if a user desires to transfer data from one system to other, he/she can save the data through TBU and then use it for restoring. However, using TBU necessitates tape drive to be compatible between two systems. In order to use the tape drive for the purpose of backup and restore, it must be installed and accessible by Windows. TBU application must be capable of identifying the backup drives through initialisation process. TBU principally uses drives and tapes. While undertaking backup, users can choose desired drives and folders that need to be backed up. Users can also verify the backed up data for successful restorations. In TBU, five types of backup methods are possible namely normal, copy, differential, incremental and daily. Normal backup indicates complete backup of selected data. On the other hand, copy backup indicates duplicating the files from one disk to the other. In differential backup, users can restore only those files which are modified. Incremental backup is also similar to differential backup, but the only difference is that unlike differential backup, incremental backup does not make a mark on disk. Finally, daily backup signifies the backup of those files which have been modified on a specific day13. Bott, Siechert & Stinson (2009) specified that the ntbackup program of Windows has been improved to Windows Backup program in later versions of Windows OS such as in Windows Vista and other upgraded versions. The Windows Backup program is typically an executable file namely Sdclt.exe which is installed automatically in Windows OS. The functions of ntbackup have also improved in Windows Backup program by providing more choices to the users. For instance, Windows Backup program allows users to create a separate drive in internal hard drive which can hold file for the purpose of restoring system. However, this option has a crucial disadvantage i.e. if there is any event of internal hard drive failure, the backup files will also be removed. Windows backup program also allows users for saving backup data on external hard drives. Apart from this, Windows Backup program is also featured with shared network folder. In this feature, users can backup the files and system in another computer, having ample space. According to Bott, Siechert & Stinson (2009), Windows Backup program has the following features. In Windows Backup, every backup activity is characterised by Volume Shadow Copy Service which certifies constancy of information Widows Backup uses ‘Windows Recovery Environment’ which is helpful for offline repair and restoration of files14 Nova Backup is the other popular backup application used in Windows OS. It can effectively restore programs, settings and files to the previous state. Nova Backup program uses two mode of backup namely copy mode and image mode. Image mode creates a single encrypted file of backup and copy mode allows robust copy and synchronisation of files15. 5.3 Comparisons of Mac’s and Windows’ Backup Method The backup system of Mac and Windows is quite different from each other. The first different of Mac’s backup and Windows back is time. Mac’s Time Machine operates in every hour thus ensures adequate backup of files whereas Windows’ System Restore operates in every week. Besides, concerning System restore and Time Machine options, it can be stated that Mac has more features than Windows regarding backup. Time Machine of Mac not only safeguards the system settings but also can revert any changes made at certain period of time. On the other hand, System Restore of Windows can revert unnecessary changes that have been made in the system. The other vital aspect of Time Machine with System Restore is that Time Machine drive must be an external drive, coversely Windows Backup can use both internal and external drives. System Restore is particularly useful for rolling back updates and unlike Time Machine it does not require much space. Regarding the process of backup, Time Machine is considered as a simpler mode than System Restore, having certain easy steps. Finally, it can be stated that both Mac and Windows have the ability to restore previous versions of any file or to restore entire system. However, if users are interested in maintaining the history of backup, rather than upholding active workflow, Mac can provide better solution than Windows. 6 Conclusion Data protection is crucial for every computer system as any unfortunate event can lead to the loss of vital information, files and settings. Concerning data protection, backup is the most useful process of OS. Both Mac and Windows provide users with this backup feature by which users can restore the entire system or certain portion of the system to the previous state. Where Mac uses Time Machine feature, Windows uses System Restore feature for the purpose of backup. Besides, there are different applications which are designed exclusively for backup in Mac and Widows based machines. These applications are capable of undertaking bootable duplicates and versioned backups. Furthermore, they are used for restoring and recovering databases. 7 References 1. Bott, E., Siechert, C., & Stinson, C. Windows® 7 inside out. Microsoft Press, 2009. 2. Bouffard, C. ‘Comparing disk-based and tape-based backup methods’, Storage Environment, 2003, pp. 99-102. 3. Jade Software Corporation Limited, ‘Developing a backup strategy’, JADE Development Centre, , 2007 (accessed 17 October 2013). 4. Kissell, J. Take control of Mac OS X backups. TidBITS, 2009. 5. Leber, J. ‘Windows NT backup software’, Florida State University, 2001, pp. 1-21. 6. NovaStor, ‘Overview’, Backup and Restore, , 2013, (accessed 17 October 2013). 7. Petkovic, D. Microsoft SQL server 2005: a beginners guide. McGraw-Hill Prof Med/Tech, 2005. 8. Ruhse, K., & Baturova, M. ‘Cloud computing as an integral part of a modern it strategy examples and project case studies’, ISACA Journal, Vol. 3, 2012, pp. 1-4. 9. Ruggiero, P., & Heckathorn, M. A. ‘Data backup options’. Carnegie Mellon University, 2012, pp. 1-6. 10. Stars, J. Learn FileMaker Pro 10. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2009. 11. Synology America Corp, ‘Backup in a data driven world: affordable backup options for home and SMB’, Synology: A New NAS Experience, 2009, pp. 3-8. 12. The Art Institute of Chicago, ‘Setting up time machine’, Backing Up With Time Machine, , No Date, (accessed 17 October 2013). 13. Vesperman, J. ‘Introduction to backing up and restoring data’. The Linux Documentation Project, 2002, pp. 1-6. 14. Western Digital Technologies, Backing up’, Apple Time Machine, , No Date, (accessed 17 October 2013). 15. Warren, S. ‘How do I recover my system in Windows XP using System Restore?’ Benjamin Computer Services, 2008, pp. 1-7. Read More