A backup routine should include the following activities:
Close all files before performing a backup.
Perform backups at least once each working day.
Verify the accuracy and completeness of the backup.
Remove the latest backup from your office for safeguarding.
Incremental backups are not recommended.
Most backup applications do not save files that are open. If a file has not been closed, it might not be saved during the backup. This omission could result in essential data not being backed up. When this happens, systems usually provide a message indicating an error, and you can take corrective action. Be certain that every computer has been logged out and no one is using the system prior to performing backups.
To capture records of each business day’s activities, you should perform backups routinely at the end of each working day. It is recommended that a separate medium be purchased and labeled for the day it will be used. Additional media can be used on a weekly or monthly basis. Some products may recommend more specific backup activities.
A system crash, or hardware failure, can occur at any time. Your backup may be the only mechanism you have that enables you to recover your system data. Before a possible system crash, it is very important to verify the accuracy and completeness of the backup. Make sure you check your backup logs on a regular basis.
The media containing the latest backup should be taken off site for safeguarding.
Follow the media manufacturer’s guidelines for proper storage.