Backup strategies in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a full backup?

A full backup copies all selected files and data every time it runs. It is simple but can take more time and space.

beginner

Explain incremental backup.

An incremental backup saves only the changes made since the last backup, making it faster and smaller but requires all previous backups to restore.

intermediate

What is the difference between differential and incremental backups?

Differential backups save changes since the last full backup, while incremental backups save changes since the last backup of any type. Differential grows larger over time; incremental stays small.

beginner

Why is it important to test your backups?

Testing backups ensures data can be restored correctly. Without testing, backups might be corrupted or incomplete, risking data loss.

beginner

What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?

Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy offsite. This protects against hardware failure, theft, or disasters.

Which backup type saves only files changed since the last backup of any kind?

A Incremental backup

B Full backup

C Differential backup

D Mirror backup

Incremental backups save only changes since the last backup, making them efficient in time and space.

What does the '1' represent in the 3-2-1 backup rule?

A One backup copy stored on the same device

B One backup copy stored locally

C One backup copy stored offsite

D One backup copy stored in the cloud only

The '1' means at least one backup copy should be stored offsite to protect against local disasters.

Which backup type requires all previous backups to restore data?

A Snapshot backup

B Full backup

C Differential backup

D Incremental backup

Incremental backups depend on all previous backups to restore the full data set.

Why might differential backups grow larger over time?

A They save changes since the last full backup

B They save changes since the last incremental backup

C They save all files every time

D They compress data more

Differential backups accumulate all changes since the last full backup, so size grows until next full backup.

What is a key reason to automate backups in Linux CLI?

A To avoid using disk space

B To ensure backups run regularly without manual effort

C To delete old backups automatically

D To speed up the computer

Automation ensures backups happen on schedule, reducing risk of forgetting or human error.

Describe the main types of backup strategies and when you might use each.

Think about how much data changes and how fast you want backups.

Explain the 3-2-1 backup rule and why it is important for data safety.

Consider risks like hardware failure and disasters.