Backup Software Compression
A Backup Article Contributed by Ashley Lister
Backup Software Compression
The majority of backup softwares available use some form of compression during the storage process. This is a valuable facility to have at your disposal.
The Majority of Users Who Have Employed Any Backup Utility Software Will Have Been Faced with the Choice of Balancing Compression Size Against Backup Speed. the Greater the Compression Size the Longer the Backup Process. but This Usually Results in a Smaller Backup File. in Terms of Cost to Time and Effort This Means That Tight Compression Can Reduce the Required Quantity of Removable Media (Such As Floppy Discs, Optical Discs or Tapes).
However, It is Worth Bearing in Mind That Most Compression Algorithms Used in Backups are Unique to Each Particular Software.
This can have a great bearing on the decision you make regarding the type of compression to use when making your backups. While it is sensible to take account of the cost of storage media, it is also prudent to evaluate the longevity of the backup software itself. Freeware options and low cost alternatives might be appealing when you are facing the initial outlay of cost but their worth can only be gauged against the guarantee they offer for future backups.
To illustrate: if you are using a Windows 98 (second edition) operating system, and a backup program written exclusively for that platform, you will probably be content to backup and restore files as long as you are using that environment. However, if you upgrade your operating system to Windows ME or Windows XP, and then discover that your backup software is not compatible with that environment, you are left with no way of accessing the previous backups you have made.
In this situation the only alternative would be to revert to the original Windows 98 (second edition) operating system, install a more transportable backup software that you will be able to carry over to your upgraded operating system, and then make copies of the most salient backups that you will want to retain.
All of which is a complicated procedure and could be avoided if the correct choice of backup software is made in the first instance.
Alternatively, operating backup software without compression means that files are bulkier, but they can usually be accessed and marked for restoration by a host of other programs. While this does mean that the resultant backup files are larger and more expensive to store, it negates the problem of what to do if you ever have the need to change backup software.
Making the decision for which compression to use (if any) is a matter of personal choice for the user.
