What is an incremental backup?

Answer 1

To keep backing data up on a regular basis, creating multiple backups, even when this means some data will appear on several backups. As a result a number of backups will exist, not just a single one. If there is a computer crash, it is possible to go back to the most recent backup. If it is necessary to get data that may have legitimately gone from the system, but did exist on an earlier backup than the most recent one, that backup can be restored to retrieve the data. When what is needed is got, the most recent backup could be used to get the system closest to where it was. The older backup could even be restored onto a separate computer, so it does not disrupt the current data. Incremental backup is good for systems where there is a regular change in data, and where old data may need to be retrieved regularly.