Describe procedures that should be designed to create automatic backup files. In a paragraph, be sure to consider the pros and cons of these procedures.

What will be an ideal response?

Backup will be performed on two levels.



a. All transactions entering the system from online screens will be placed on log (or journal) transaction files. These are located on a smaller, second hard disk within the server computer. If there is a head crash or other problem on the main hard disk, the backup files would still exist. The format of the log files is:





b. All database files are copied to tape every night. These are removed to one of the other campus locations and stored in a vault.



Advantages:



i. Backup of all major files

ii. Faster backup because major files do not have to be backed up before each update

iii. Continual backup using the log files



Disadvantages:



i. Programs must be written to restore database records in a batch mode from the log files

ii. Streamer tape units may be initially expensive