Effective Task Scheduling and Data Backup Strategies

Posted on Feb 9, 2025 in Computers

Accessing Router via LAN

Similar to the previous method, but without a modem. No browser settings are needed.

The router acts as a computer on the network, with each client computer using the gateway router address.

Scheduling Tasks

Automate tasks and procedures such as backups, disk cleanup, and monthly billing (e.g., on the 30th of each month).

Task Scheduler Locations:

  • Windows XP: Control Panel, Scheduled Tasks.
  • XP, Vista, and 7: Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scheduled Tasks.

Windows 7 and Vista feature an improved scheduler, allowing tasks to be associated with events (e.g., logon) rather than just calendar dates. Tasks can be created for a single user, multiple users, or all users.

Data Backups

Backup Devices Considerations

  • Reliability
  • Long-term support (e.g., hard drives)
  • High-speed data transfer
  • Large storage capacities
  • Low cost per megabyte
  • Simple interface (backup software)

Examples: Zip, Jaz, Ditto, magnetic tape streamer, and MO.

Backup Methods

  • Daily Backup: Backs up selected files without marking them as copied.
  • Differential Backup: Backs up files created or modified since the last normal or incremental backup. Files are not marked as copied.
  • Incremental Backup: Backs up files created or modified since the last normal or incremental backup. Copied files are marked.
  • Middle Backup: Backs up selected files without marking them as copied.
  • Normal Backup: Backs up selected files and marks them as copied.

Choosing Between Backing Up and Copying Files

  • Backups: Protect against mechanical and human errors (e.g., power failures, hard drive failures, accidental file deletion).
  • Copying Files: Save specific files over time (e.g., photos).

Backup Standards

  • Daily Backup of Changed Files: Perform daily backups of modified files for faster processing.
  • Operating system and application files often remain unchanged, but data and settings should be backed up daily.
  • Include the date and time for each backup.
  • Weekly Full System Backup: Create a full normal copy of the entire computer contents on a rapid, high-capacity drive.
  • Monthly File Copying: Copy files to a different medium (tape, disk) than backups.

Decide which directories and files to copy.

Determine which files to delete after copying.

Compress files before copying to save time and space.

Maintain a list of copied files.

Store copies in a safe place.

Establishing a System Image

  • Start your computer, select the drive, properties, tools, back up now.
  • Open Backup and Restore.
  • Create a system image (left) and choose a storage location.

Creating a System Repair Disk

Requires a CD or DVD to create a bootable recovery disk.

  • Home, computer, selected drive, properties, to back up now.
  • Open Backup and Restore.
  • Create a system repair disk.