Backup
Names and abbreviations on this page
NIST — National Institute of Standards and Technology. A United States agency developing measurement science, standards and technology guidance.
Technology terms & practical skills
What it means
A backup is a separate recoverable copy of information. Its purpose is to help restore work after loss, damage or an unwanted change. A backup is useful only if it contains the needed version and can actually be restored.
Related skills
Choose coverageIdentify which documents and settings matter.
Keep separationAvoid relying on a single device or one synchronized copy.
Verify recoveryRestore a harmless sample file and check that it opens.
An everyday example
Save a dated copy of a completed housing spreadsheet before revising it. Open that copy and check a few values. A filename that says saved is not evidence that the contents can be recovered.
What to check
Protect backup access and avoid copying sensitive documents into public folders. Decide how often copies need updating.