If your computer is connected to a local area network, you might be able to use the network server as a backup device. Before entrusting your data to a server, check with the network administrator to makesure you are allowed to store a large amount of data on the server. Because you might not want strangers to access your data, you should store it in a password-protected, non-shared folder. You also should makesure the server will be backed up on a regular basis so that your backup data wont be wiped out by a server crash.
Several Web sites offer fee-based backup storage space. When needed, you can simply download backup files from the Web site to your hard disk. These sites are practical for backups of your data files, but space limitations and download times make them impractical for a full-system backup. Experts suggest that you should not rely on a Web site as your only method of backup. If a site goes out of business or is the target of a Denial of Service attack, your backup data might not be accessible.
Backup software
To make a backup, you can use backup software a set of utility programs designed to back up and restore files. Backup software usually includes options that make it easy to schedule periodic backups, define a set of files that you want to regularly back up, and automate the restoration process.
Backup software differs from most copy routines because it typically compresses all the files for a backup and places them in one large file. Under the direction of backup software, this file can spread across multiple tapes if necessary. The file is indexed so that individual files can be located, uncompressed, and restored.
Boot disks
A boot disk is a floppy disk or CD containing the operating system files needed to boot your computer without accessing the hard disk. A barebones boot disk simply loads the operating system kernel. It is needed, if your hard disk fails or a virus wipes out the boot sector files on your hard disk, you will not be able to use your normal bootprocedure.
To create an MS-DOS boot disk, insert a blank floppy disk in drive A. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer, and then right-click the Drive A icon. Select Format and check the box labeled Create an MS-DOS startup disk.
Task 2. Match the beginnings of the sentences in the first column with the endings in the second one.
| 1. A backup is a copy of one or more files | a) to restore your computing environment to its pre-disaster state with a minimum of fuss. |
| 2. A good backup plan allows you | b) and automating the process requires a large capacity tape backup device or a second hard disk drive. |
| 3. You must devise your own backup plan | c) that is tailored to your particular computing needs. |
| 4. A full-system backup takes a lot of time | d) that has been made in case the original files become damaged. |
| 5. Your backup schedule depends on how much data | e) value of your data, your current equipment, and your budget. |
| 6 The backup device you select depends on the | f) you can afford to lose. |
| 7. If your computer is connected to a local area network | g) you might be able to use the network server as a backup device. |
Task 3. Put the appropriate unscrambled words into the sentences on the right.
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| covreer evitartalen lailtsner emagad mumide | 1. Because you backed up only data files you must manually ___ all your software before restoring your data files. 2. You need a backup plan that helps you ___ data thats been wiped out by operator error, viruses or hardware ___. 3. Store your backups in a safe place or a fire or flood that ___ your computer could also wipe out your backup. 4. A workable ___ to a full system backup is a selective backup that contains only your most important data files. 5. A backup is usually stored on a different storage ___ from the original files. |
Task 4. Fill in the blanks choosing from the variants given.
1. A backup is usually (detected/stored) on a different storage medium from the original files.
2. A workable alternative to a full system backup is a (selective/overall) backup that contains only your most important data files.
3. Storing your backups at a different locations is (not a good/the best) idea.
4. The backup device you select depends on (how much data you can afford to lose/the value of your data/your current equipment and your budget).
5. A full-system backup (can be done in no time/takes a lot of time).
6. Under normal use most people schedule (an everyday backup/once-a-week backup).
Task 5. Match the beginnings and the endings of the instructions/steps given and put them into correct order.
| 1. Your backup schedule depends on | a) that is tailored to your particular computing needs. |
| 2. No single backup plan fits | b) most people schedule a once-a-week backup. |
| 3. You cant always prevent data disasters | c) how much data you can afford to use. |
| 4. You must devise your own backup plan | d) everyones computing style or budget. |
| 5. Under normal use | e) but at least store them in a room apart from your computer. |
| 6. The best idea is storing your backups at a different location | f) so you need a backup plan that helps you recover data thats been wiped out. |
Task 6. Fill in the gaps in the text.
A backup is a copy of one or more files that has been made in case the original files become damaged. For safety, a backup is usually stored on a different storage medium from the original files. A good backup plan allows you to ___ your computing environment to its pre-disaster state with a minimum of fuss.
No single backup plan fits everyones computing style or budget. Your personal backup plan depends on the files you need to back up, the hardware you have available to make backups, and your backup software. In any case, it is a good idea to back up the Windows ___ and make sure your files are free of ___. Backups should be stored in a safe place, away from the computer.
Backups can be recorded on floppy disks, writable CDs and DVDs, networks, Web sites, a second hard disk, or tapes. Many computer owners depend on writable CDs for backups, and use My Computer or Windows ___ to simply select files and copy files to the backup. ___ drives and backup software are typically used in business situations when a full-system backup is desirable. Backup software differs from most copy routines because it ___ all the files for a backup into one large file.
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In addition to file backups, you should have a ___ disk containing the operating system files and settings needed to start your computer without accessing the hard disk.
Task 7. Speaking. Discuss the following questions.
1. Why do you need to make backups?
2. What are the major strategies and plans of backup? What does their choice depend on?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of different backup devices?
4. What can you say about network and internet backup?
5. What can you say about backup software?
6. What is a boot disk? How can it be created?
