Windows Server 2008 Backup Methods and Software Deployment

Windows Server 2008 Backup Methods

Windows 2008 allows five types of backups:

• Normal Backup: A normal backup is a full backup of all selected files and directories. This process deletes the modified bit (archive bit) of each file copied.
• Incremental Backup: During an incremental backup, the program examines the modified bit and performs a backup only of files that have changed since the last incremental or normal backup. As with the normal backup, this task clears the bits of each modified file that was copied. This type of backup minimizes the time and space needed to save data by storing only changed files. However, if you need to restore files after a disaster, you must have all previous tapes available up to the first normal copy.
• Differential Backup: This follows the same process as the incremental backup, except the program does not remove the modified bit from the files copied to tape. This means a differential backup copies all files that have changed since the last normal or incremental backup. The advantage is that it requires less space than a normal copy, and the restoration process requires only the latest tape along with the normal copy. On the other hand, it is more time-consuming to perform and uses more space than an incremental backup.
• Daily Backup: This only copies the files that have changed on the day the backup job is running, regardless of the current state of the modified bit. It does not clear the archive bit (dirty bit) while running.
• Copy Backup: Similar to a normal copy, except that it does not clear the archive bit. It is often used to perform additional backups on critical systems.

Software Installation Packages

MSI Packages

MSI files are software installation packages. These files are usually provided by the software distributor to facilitate the installation of a particular application. You must keep these files, along with any other required files, in the Managed Software distribution point.

ZAP Files

ZAP files are not packages themselves, but are files similar to ".ini" files. They are created with a text editor like Notepad and only allow you to publish (not assign) software. They specify the network path to an executable installer that is displayed in "Add or Remove Programs" within the Control Panel on the computer where the user has logged on. The user must have administrative privileges to perform the installation and register it on the local computer.