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Static Backups vs. Incremental Backups: What’s the Difference?
Static Backups vs. Incremental Backups: What’s the Difference?
Rapyd Team avatar
Written by Rapyd Team
Updated over a year ago

Static backups and incremental backups are both backup strategies. Static backups involve copying all data from a system to a backup device or medium at once. This means that every file and folder on the system is backed up in a single operation, regardless of whether it has been modified since the last backup. Incremental backups only copy the data that has changed since the last backup, rather than backing up the entire system each time.


Static Backups

• All data from a system is copied to a backup device or medium at once.

• Every file and folder on the system is backed up in a single operation.

• Static backups provide a complete copy of the system's data at a specific point in time.

• Static backups are typically used as a baseline for other types of backups.

• Static backups are useful for restoring a system to a specific point in time.

Incremental Backups

• Only the data that has changed since the last backup is copied.

• Rather than backing up the entire system each time, incremental backups only copy the changes made.

• Incremental backups require less storage space and less time to perform than static backups.

• Incremental backups are useful for backing up large data sets or systems that have frequent changes.

• Incremental backups allow for faster restoration of data since only the changes made need to be restored.

Comparing Static and Incremental Backups

• Static backups provide a complete copy of the system's data, while incremental backups only copy the changes made since the last backup.

• Static backups are useful for restoring a system to a specific point in time, while incremental backups allow for faster restoration of data since only the changes made need to be restored.

• Static backups require more storage space and more time to perform than incremental backups, while incremental backups require less storage space and less time to perform than static backups.

• Static backups are typically used as a baseline for other types of backups, while incremental backups are useful for backing up large data sets or systems that have frequent changes.

Conclusion

Both static backups and incremental backups have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two backup strategies depends on the system being backed up and the recovery goals. Ultimately, the decision between static backups and incremental backups will depend on the specific needs of the organization.

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