Restore vs recover (IT)

[user1473069303]

Hi,

A bit random but could anyone explain in simple terms the difference between restore and recover in the context of IT (backups)?

I'd be really grateful!

The actual terminology is a bit loose but there are two kinds of backup

File backup is usually done by backing up every file on a (say) weekly basis then either once a day or continuously adding changed files as you go. This sort of backup allows individual file restoration.

Image backup takes an exact copy of a disk drive and this allows you to recover from wiping or failure of a disk.

From a file backup you can't usually restore operating systems or programs. From an image backup you often can't restore individual files.

Hi cdtaylornats,

Thanks for your help!

nats is cloning the envelope of the two and worthwhile? (This is what I've been doing fortnightly as I had a spare SSD and am paranoid after previous balls ups)

Cloning your system drive is worthwhile whenever you make a change you can't afford to lost.

Backing up data is worthwhile on a schedule that suits you. If you spend hours updating data then back it up if you make easily remembered changes then back it up each end of day.