A:

OSCit maintain a set of methodologies to consult with you on how to best backup you data. Data backup can be roughly separated into three categories:

 

- Operating system backup: A backup or snapshot of the state of the entire operating system. This is the most complete method of ensureing you can recover not only your personal data but also the last known state of your computer. This is especially inportant if you have expensive and specialized research devices attached to the computer which require a specific method of installation. You should consult with OSCit staff who will advise you if this backup option is required for your operations.

 

- Personal data backup: A backup of only your personal data. Most PCs at the OSC which are installed by OSCit are designed to allow you to dave personal data to the "E:" drive (if using Windows). This storage location is resident on your personal PC. If the PC experiences failure your data might be lost. Therefore, OSCit make available a mirrored data location wher you can save you data securely. This location is available to anyone who can log into the main OSC server "oscit.osc.mun.ca". While OSCit are not responsible or liable for the safety of your data, the servers are mirrored and backed up to ensure the best practices for data backup at the OSC. Your personal account can accomodate apporximately 6GB of data. If you require more or if you require a specific backup solution for a large set of research files, you should contact OSCit staff.

 

- Operating redudancy: This refers to a computer system which is designed to safeguarg data against hardware failure (eg. hard disc failure). These systems usually contain a set of drives to which an identical set of data is written simultaneously. This ensures that if a single drive failes, the sytem continues to operate reliably. All OSCit servers by default operate in this manner. Should yourequire this type of functionality for your laboratory computers, you should consult with OSCit staff who can design a system which will operate in thsi manner. These types of systems are frquently referred to as RAID enabled systems. The acronym RAID refers to "Redundant Array of Independent Discs".