Which is Better: Backup or Copy Files?

A significantly larger number of users now understand the importance of data backups to prevent distressing data loss. This is because with backups, if data becomes compromised, it can typically be easily restored. When it comes to backing up PCs, some users think they must manually copy their data to another drive using a file copying utility. Conversely, many others opt for using specialized data backup software, like a data backup tool. When presented with these two options, you might find it challenging to determine which method is superior.

What method do you employ to back up your PC? Do you simply replicate all its contents, or do you utilize a reliable backup software to its full potential? This article will delve into both approaches and conduct an in-depth comparison.

Backup does not equal Copy.

"Backup" in American English is spelled and pronounced the same way: "backup."

A backup refers to a copy of vital data that is stored in a separate location, ensuring its restoration in case it is accidentally erased or damaged. Backup can be considered the superset of file copying. Ideally, it encompasses additional elements such as partition layout, security attributes, and other item metadata that would not be present in a standard file copy.

Types of Backup Methods

• Cloud storage: This is a type of offsite backup that enables users to share and synchronize their files across various devices.
• External drive: A semi-portable backup solution with a relatively smaller capacity that is easy to use.
• USBs and Flash drives: These are the most portable backup choices, though they typically have the least storage capacity.

Functions of Backup

• Preventing data loss - We've all heard about or experienced devastating data loss. The main purpose of data backup is to safeguard crucial files in case of system failures or hard drive damage.
• Increased productivity - By leveraging existing backup files, you can enhance efficiency and minimize wasted efforts.
• Serenity from regular data backup - Knowing that you have a backup in place provides reassurance against cyberattacks, system failures, or disasters.

Translation: Copy

A copy backup is similar to a full backup, except that activity logs are not deleted after the backup is finished. We can regard copying a backup to disk drives as an on-site copy.

Backup or Copy?

Backup is the most efficient and recommended method for data protection. This is because backup creates a duplicate of your data which can be restored in the event of original data loss. Primary data losses can result from hardware or software failures, data corruption, or human-induced actions such as malware attacks (viruses or malware) or accidental data deletion. By restoring from a previous point in time, you can recover from unforeseen incidents.

Additionally, utilizing a backup tool instead of simply copying will prove to be much more effective since it can be tailored to back up virtually anything. This level of customization is unattainable with a basic file-copy program. Backup tools can also be configured with pre-set settings, initiated automatically, and run on a regular schedule. They offer users multiple alternative options such as full, partial, and split backups. On the other hand, the approach of backing up data through "copy" is essentially cloning.

Cloning refers to the method of creating an exact replica or copy of another software or object. It involves duplicating something such that it mimics the characteristics, functionality, and behavior of an existing item or software program, without necessarily possessing the original source code for that particular item or program. The process of cloning involves replicating a folder, file, or disk, along with all its subdirectories and contents.

There are occasions when user cloning is essential, for instance, when your computer's hard drive needs to be replaced. This involves creating an exact 1-to-1 replica of the entire hard disk, whether it's a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD), not just the files. Disk cloning serves to upgrade an existing drive or to substitute an old one with a new one. Once cloned, the duplicate can be employed to replace the original disk within the host machine.

Creating a portable boot disk is another situation where cloning is necessary. A boot disk is a CD/DVD/USB drive that contains a fully operational Windows operating system. The boot disk does not affect the OS previously installed on a PC's hard drive. It comes equipped with various tools to boot up a computer and address most startup, PC setup, and system administration issues.

Best Choice: Software Supporting Both Backup and Cloning

It's worth mentioning that while Windows comes with built-in backup utilities, it does not include a cloning feature. If you require both data backup and disk cloning, it's advisable to utilize a tool like Todo Backup. Todo Backup is a backup software that allows you to back up the system disk, specific files, and entire hard drives. By mounting the backup image as a virtual hard drive, Todo Backup's restore function offers the easiest way to access your backed-up files.

Todo Backup Features Translation: Features of Todo Backup Tool

• Windows 11 is supported, along with Windows 10, 8, and 7.
• Backups will automatically be split into smaller segments for more efficient storage management.
• Adjust the CPU power allocation for Todo Backup to ensure backup tasks don't become overly slowed down.
• Network transmission speeds can be reduced to conserve bandwidth.
• Backup photos can be set to expire after a specific number of days.
• Only Standard compression is available during backup compression.
• When backing up a hard disk or partitions, you can choose to backup every sector, including both used and unused space, to create an exact replica of the original.
• Individual files can be restored separately from a full disk or partition backup.
• Automatically run previously skipped backup tasks.
• Data can be swiftly restored to its original location or an alternative one.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup and choose "Create Backup" on the homepage, then click "Select backup contents".

Step 2. Click "OS" among the four available categories to begin the backup process.

Step 3. The system partition will be selected automatically, you just need to choose the location.

Step 4. You can save the backup file to your Local Drive, Cloud, or NAS. You also have the option to connect an external hard drive to store the system backup files.

Step 5. You can customize the settings in "Options" at the bottom left corner. After that, click "Backup Now", and the process will start.

*Upon completing the backup process, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

For information on Todo Backup's cloning feature, please refer to: How Do I Clone M.2 SSD to Larger M.2 SSD on Laptop/PC

Conclusion

Your device might abruptly power off, potentially compromising or destroying data stored on a hard disk drive if it malfunctions. If the hardware or software of the system fails, the data within it could be lost. To prevent data loss and ensure you can retrieve crucial information when needed, it is essential to back up important data regularly.