operating system (Sometimes "back up" when used as a verb) A
spare copy of a file, file system or other resource for use in
the event of failure or loss of the original.
The term is most commonly used to refer to a copy of all the
files on a computer's
disks which is made periodically and
This essential precaution is neglected by most new computer
users until the first time they experience a
disk crash or
accidentally delete the only copy of the file they have been
working on for the last six months.
Ideally the backup copies should be kept at a different site
or in a fire safe since, though your hardware may be insured
against fire, the data on it is almost certainly neither
insured nor easily replaced.
(2003-06-22)