How the backup works
KTH uses Crashplan to back up the computers in the client platform.
This is how Crashplan works.
Continuous backup
Crashplan provides "continuous backup" that differs from other, more traditional backup applications. Instead of launching a resource-intensive backup session a few times a day, it's much easier and more discreet.
Crashplan uses the computer's own notification system to alert you to changes in data on the drive. It is listening to your operating system to see when files have been added, deleted or changed. It queues the current files to then compress and encrypt data before sending it over the network. This is done by default once a hour.
To ensure that no files are missed, the entire disk is scanned once a day to capture any changes missed. This usually happens around noon every day. If the computer is turned off, the scan will occur later in the day.
Initial backup, subsequent protection
Once the first backup is complete, only modified bits of a given file will be sent on later backup. In addition, Crashplan offers, per device, deduplication (= multiple identical files only saves one of them and other similar files in the backup archive refers to this) provides backups more efficiently.
The integrity of your backups is periodically checked by the software. Any errors in the backup archive are identified and the original files are backed up to ensure protection.
To restore data, the secure web interface is used for a few files, and the dedicated program for larger readings. Refer to the Crashplan documentation to learn more about file reinstallation.
Resource efficient
Crashplan uses minimal processor and network resources when using your computer. Users can customize the network usage for the backup to prevent home network interference as well.