Disk Images v. Backups
Louisville computer users frequently ask me about the differences between an imaged drive and a regular backup. It’s a great question, especially as there’s a very big difference between the two.
With traditional disk backups, the files you create are typically backed up to another hard disk or tape. This means the Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoint presentations and Quicken or QuickBooks files you create are backed up to a second location. It’s always a best bet to locate a second copy offsite, too. Doing so protects against data loss due to theft, flood, fire or other catastrophe. Other files typically protected by a traditional back up include digital photos, iTunes and music files and even Outlook email and calendars.
When a hard disk fails (and all hard disks will fail, it’s just a question of when), the traditional response has been to either purchase a new computer or replace the hard disk in the existing computer and recover your data from your backup. The only problem with that method is recovery takes quite a bit of time. In fact, on a complex server, rebuilding a system could consume several days (particularly if record keeping is inefficient and certificates of authenticity, application and operating system CDs and product keys and licenses aren’t readily available).
Disk images eliminate issues associated with recovering a system from scratch. Instead of requiring that Windows be reinstalled, user accounts be recreated, settings be reconfigured, applications be reinstalled and data be recovered from the backup file, a disk image backup is just that: an actual image, or copy, of the computer’s hard disk. In some cases recovery from a failed hard disk may require less than 15 minutes to complete! The only catch is cost, as disk imaging applications cost more than typical backup software programs (Windows even includes a free backup utility).
Have more questions? Contact Louisville Geek at 502-897-7577.
