Backups and Archives

It is important to back up valuable data especially your research.

DAMTP System Backups

Data kept in your home directory on departmental machines is backed up every day by the computer officers (with some exlusions).

• What to do if you delete an important file (or files)
• Further details of DAMPT backups and archiving including exclusions

Laptops and non computer-officer managed machines

Data kept on laptops is not backed up by the computer officers. If you are keeping valuable especially research data on a laptop, please make sure you back it up. Some options include:

• Laptop Data Backup Service.
• Using the departmental public windows computers to transfer your important files into your damtp account.
• Using Backup Software.
• Copying your data over the network to your DAMTP home-directory.
• Synchronizing your laptop data with your departmental data.
• Regularly copying your data to a cdrom/dvd or USB device eg memory stick.

Beware: Some groups run their own computers, as these computers are not looked after by the departmental computer officers, local home directories on them are not necessarily backed up. Ask your group computer officer for details or make sure you are saving data into your DAMTP home directory. Email help if unsure (departmental linux/macos computers are listed here).