Gasboy CFN III Mgnr's Mnl V3.4 - Manual (Page 159)

MDE-4315 CFN Series CFN III Manager’s Manual for Windows NT · August 2004 Page 143
Backup System Data and Disk Files
14 – Backup System Data and Disk Files
Why Make Backups?
Backups prevent data disasters!
A backup is a copy of data or files that is kept separate from the original for
safety and security. For example, you should make a backup copy of the Site
Controller release disk. You should also make backup copies of command files
that you use on your Site Controller. Gasboy provides some programs and
command files that allow you to back up Site Controller system data. You
should use these to back up data that has been loaded into or collected on the
Site Controller.
There are several reasons for keeping current backups of files and system data.
• When you install a new release of the operating system, some of the tables
that contain system data may be reconstructed and the data will be lost. If
you have a current backup, you can restore the data from the backup.
• The software for a Site Controller is supplied on the hard disk and also on a
backup floppy disk. During normal system use, any configuration changes
or command files that you add to the Site Controller are can be placed on
the hard disk. These changes must be copied onto the backup floppy disk to
keep your backup current.
• The tables that contain system data may be reconstructed if the Site
Controller crashes.
• Data may inadvertently become corrupted through user error.
• Files may be deleted or changed by accident.
• Floppy disks or hard disks can become damaged or corrupted.
• Although unlikely, the system could fall victim to deliberate sabotage.
• In spite of every precaution in the design and installation of the system, it
could experience a physical failure (or fire, flood, or other disaster).
To ensure you always have an up-to-date backup, it is a good idea to back up
the system data every day. If your site is polled for transactions by a remote
system at least once a day, you do not need to back up transactions, as there will
be a record of them on the remote system.
The amount of time it takes to back up the system is very small compared to the
time it would take to reconstruct the data if a current backup were not available
when needed.
At a minimum, you should back up system data before you install a new
release, and after you change any system data, such as price or product data.