Data Backup Digest

A backup set is a group of files that are selected from a single resource (like a Microsoft Exchange dataset, for example) and joined together when a backup job is run. It is a convenient way of controlling a backup schedule, its size and the number of files included. When using backup sets it does not use empty data locks, which means that backup sets use less space. You can also compress backup sets in order to further reduce the size.
One program that makes use of backup sets is R-Drive Image, which treats them as one unit. One feature of the software is that users can use backup sets when multiple tasks or scripts are used. This comes up when creating images of the same objects with the same file names, but with different parameters. Backup sets allow for faster and more convenient restores because you can store the large files on your local drive. As such, this makes managing available storage much easier and frees up bandwidth and system resources.
With a backup set you can specify exactly how much space you want to allocate to the files, the number of files you want to store and for how long you want to keep the data. With R-Drive Image, regardless of what parameters have been specified, it will always keep at least one backup set. The parameters that you can set are backup set size quota (total size of the disk that has been allocated for the backup set), maximum number of backup sets (if exceeded then the older backup sets will be replaced), maximum number of image files (if exceeded then it will replace the older files) and maximum backup set age (how long the oldest backup set is kept for).
For example, you could use a backup set to create an image of your drive every Monday. You could then further specify that you only want to allocate 30 GB and that the maximum number of backup sets is 2, with total number of files not exceeding 50. You can also create an incremental backup on a day later in the week should you so desire. These parameters allow you to back up specific files to different locations. For example, you could send all your photos to an offsite location and put all important and private business documents on an external hard drive.
In summary, backup sets allow for faster and convenient restoration of your data. You can take control of what type of file goes where; meaning that managing your storage is much easier. Since you can also limit the amount of data backed up or the number of back up sets, you have a greater control over your resources such as total file space and bandwidth. If you’re looking for a program that makes use of back up sets, try out R-Drive Image or CrashPlan. There are much for out there, so be sure to pick software that is easy for you to understand and suitable to your specific needs.