| All of the backup methods discussed will
allow all critical data to be restored in the event of loss. The
ability to restore data quickly is the true test of a good backup
system. It is not enough to do nightly backups and not actually
practice the restoration process. Users are not typically required to
back up their own files. This is the job of the network administrator
or network support staff. The network support staff must not only do
regular backups but also test the backups periodically to verify they
are good and they can restore from them. Backups should be checked
regularly by conducting 'test restores' to verify the tapes are good
and that the staff can perform the necessary steps to restore data
under a variety of conditions. The time to verify the restore process
is not when the hard drive fails and workers are wandering around with
nothing to do and the boss is looking over your shoulder asking why it
is taking so long.
To adequately test your ability to
recover from data lost, the network support staff should be able to
accomplish the following restoration tasks:
- Restore a File - Thousands of
files are typically backed up in any organization. If a user
accidentally deletes or overwrites a file, an administrator should
be able to find that file on the backup tapes and restore it to
the user's home directory on a server or on their workstation.
- Restore a Directory - If a
directory is damaged, an administrator should be able to restore
the entire directory structure with all subdirectories and files
intact.
- Restore a File System - If
necessary, an administrator should be able to restore an entire
file system.
- Restore a Hard Drive - In
the event of a total failure of a hard drive, an administrator
should be able to recreate the contents of the original drive
including the operating system, applications software, and data if
applicable.
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