# Backup Schedules
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Backup Rotation Schedules

The best way to ensure that backups are done in a consistent and timely manner is to establish a backup schedule. When creating a backup schedule, the ultimate goal is to prevent the loss of data by becoming able to restore your entire system, or systems, quickly and efficiently. However, disaster recovery is not the only consideration. Daily convenience also needs to be taken into account. A good backup scheme should incorporate an easy way to restore individual files that may inadvertently get deleted. Other considerations include the amount of time allocated for backups relative to the time available and the time needed. On the one hand the more often you run a backup you successfully create the most updated copy of your files, which is tantamount to a successful restore. On the other hand each backup session takes time and consumes data medium.

Usually backup periodicity depends on intensity of work with data. Most users backup daily. If you are a frequent computer user and create/change numerous files daily, you might want to backup daily. If you do not use your computer frequently, backing up weekly may work best. Also you should synchronize your data backup tasks with operational milestones (i.e., backing up data upon the acquisition of over 100 orders; backing up data at the close of trading hours, etc.)

One of the key elements of any backup schedule is to develop a media rotation scheme that protects your data at least once a day. The best rotation schedule is one that provides you with a long, deep and varied history of file versions (as opposed to a Tape-A-Day scheme, for instance, that merely overwrites data from the day previous.).

Here, we outline the most popular rotation schemes that are offered as configurable backup patterns by most backup application software.
Backup rotation schedules:

  1. Round Robin
  2. GFS - grandfather father son
  3. Tower of Hanoi

All offers gives a great depth of file versions. Choose the one that works for you, or customize to your own needs. Then, make sure to put it into place at all locations and across all types of data on every platform.
Once you finish selecting backup rotation scheme, you can schedule your backup to run when the most convenient. If you use backup software, after each backup you will receive a confirmation message stating your backup was complete.You can relax.Your files and data are safe and secure.

See also: Data Backup Methods, Backup Registry, Home Backup Software, Backup Mobile