Why Perform Backups?

Selecting backup methods and scheduling regular backups are important aspects of a system administrator's job. Standard procedures reduce the time necessary to perform backups and guarantee that the most recent system information is always available. A regular backup schedule reduces system interruption.

An important part of planning and performing system backups is making sure that the resources you need are available and well managed. Maintain a supply of backup media and labels and establish procedures for identifying and retaining backup media. Examples of these procedures are explained in the pages that follow.