P3 : Describe the use of internet for different types of business activities

METHOD OF BACKING UP DATA

What is Data Backup?

Data Backup is a process where data is being duplicate to allow retrieval of the duplicate set after a data loss. Data Backup can archive files and folders for the purpose of being able to restore them incase loss of data. There are many kinds of data backup services that helps the enterprise and organisations to ensure data is secure.

Why do we need to back up?

Data loss can be caused by a lot of things for example computer viruses to hardware failures, flood or theft (etc). Backing up Data are important parts of running a business. Business must be prepared with having data backup system. These systems are using offsite server or using separate drives to store a massive amounts of information. Without these data backup system can become perilous situation where businesses can lose their information.

There are several ways to backup data by using third party apps such as :-

• Cloud backup
• External hard disk 
• USB flashdrive
• Disc (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)

CLOUD BACKUP

Figure 1 : Cloud Backup

Cloud backup is a type of service which cloud computing resources and infrastructure are used to create, edit, manage and restore data, services or application backup. This is done remotely over the internet. Cloud backup may also be called online backup or remote backup.

Advantages of Cloud Backup

• Unlimited storage capability
• Improves recovery time for small data sets.
• Data secured in a remote location. You can access it anywhere you can reach the internet
• Secure transmission of data 
• easy to use

Disadvantages of Cloud Backup

• Must have internet in order to access your backup files.
• Free storage limitations
• Risk of having site closing

iCloud

Figure 2: iCloud

iCloud is an apple product which simply a service that keeps all your devices in sync. The information can be shared between an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and a computer. The information on each device is automatically updated to make sure the most current information is available on all devices

Advantages of Using iCloud:-

• Unlimited storage capability 
• Pictures can be seen by anyone with access and it can be used from any computer with internet access.
• Allowing to back up and restore data on all the Apple products

Disadvantages of Using iCloud:-

• iCloud service is compatible only with IOS devices and has widespread accessibility issues

Dropbox

Figure 3: Dropbox

Dropbox is a personal Cloud storage service which is usually used for file sharing and collaboration. Dropbox application are available in any desktop operating system and also available on mobile devices. Dropbox provides 2GB of storage for free and up to 100GB on various for free plans. it provides up to 350GB storage.

Advantages of Using Dropbox:-

• Easy sharing ( sharing files using dropbox )
• Restores Files.
• Reliability ( Available on computers and mobile phones )

Disadvantages of Using Dropbox:-

• Limited free storage after 2GB. Needs to purchase in order to earn extra space.

Google Drive

Figure 4: Google Drive

Google Drive is a free cloud based storage service which enables users to store and access the files online. Google Drive stores documents, photos and more on mobile device, tablets and pc's. Google Drive gives a free 5GB storage once you sign up the account.

OneDrive

Figure 5: OneDrive

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud service which connects to all the files. It helps to store and protect files, share them with others, and get to to them from anywhere on all devices. when using OneDrive it will provide an account by the company or school. OneDrive sometimes being called as the OneDrive for business.

External Hard Drive

Figure 6: External Hard Drive

External Hard Drive are the biggest growth in data storage because they offer the possibility of a transportable respiratory for all users valuable data, documents, photographs, music and movies. It provides a destination for user to backup their valued files.

Advantages of Using external Hard Drive:-

• Stores and retrieves data much faster than a floppy disk or CD/DVD
• Large capacity
• Easy to use

Disadvantages of Using external Hard Drive:-

• Hard disk drives run the risk of failure
• Far slower to access data than ROM or RAM chips

USB Flash Drive

Figure 7: USB Flash Drive

It is a device used for storing data which includes a flash memory and USB interface. USB flash drives are removable and rewritable.

Advantages of Using USB Flash Drive:-

• Affordable
• Portable 

Disadvantages of Using USB Flash Drive

• Misplace easily or can be stolen
• Capacity limits

CD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc

Figure 8 : CD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc

It is an unpopular method to backup data but still reliable. It helps to burn data to CD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc

Advantages of Using CD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc:-

• Drive failure is not an issue
• Can be stored safely in a second location

Disadvantages of Using CD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc:-

• Large amounts of data can cost more to but additional disks.
• Slow process and takes times to manage backup.