CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Which backup type should be used to compare and save changes from the last full backup?

1. Differential

2. Full

3. Clone

4. Incremental

The correct answer is: Differential

The appropriate backup type to use for comparing and saving changes from the last full backup is a differential backup. A differential backup captures all the changes made since the last full backup. This means that each time a differential backup is performed, it includes all files that have been modified or added since the most recent full backup, providing a complete picture of changes. In a backup strategy, using differential backups allows for more efficient recovery. If a system needs to be restored, you would only need the last full backup and the most recent differential backup, making it quicker and simpler to recover data compared to using the original data and multiple incremental backups. The differential backup grows in size as more changes are made, but it is quite effective because it helps streamline the restoration process by only focusing on changes since the last full backup. Understanding this can also clarify why the other types of backups differ. For instance, a full backup encapsulates all data every time it is executed, while an incremental backup captures only the changes made since the last backup—whether that backup was full or incremental—leading to a potential need for multiple backups to restore data. A clone creates an exact copy of data, which doesn't facilitate incremental changes effectively for backups. Thus, a differential backup is the best