Data backup methods
There are different methods of data backup. When creating images with Acronis Backup, the Full backup and Differential backup methods are supported.
- A full backup saves all selected data in an image each time the backup is performed.
- A differential backup saves only the data that has changed or been added since the last full backup. A differential backup always requires a previously created full backup.
During job configuration, you can specify whether differential backups should be created and define the interval for performing full backups.
- If a job is executed before the configured time period is exceeded, a differential backup is created.
- If the configured time period since the last full backup has been exceeded, a new full backup is created.
Both files - the full backup and the differential backup copy - are required for restoration.
A regular differential backup requires less storage space than a full backup. However, restoring from a differential backup is slower than restoring from a full backup, as both the last full backup and the differential backup are needed.
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