In computing, what is meant by taking a backup of data?

Introduction / Context:
Data is one of the most valuable assets for individuals and organisations. To protect data against loss from hardware failure, accidental deletion, or disasters, we use backups. Knowing what backup means is fundamental to understanding data protection strategies. This question asks you to identify the correct definition of a backup in the context of computing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are discussing data stored on computers, such as files, databases, and documents.
• The options mention copying data, connecting networks, filtering data, and accessing tape drives.
• We assume common data protection practices used in home and enterprise environments.
• The correct definition should emphasise making a second copy of data to another location.

Concept / Approach:
A backup is an additional copy of data stored separately from the original, usually on a different device, medium, or location. The purpose is to restore the data if the original is lost or corrupted. This may involve copying files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or tape backup system. Simply connecting more network components does not create backups. Filtering data changes how it is viewed or organised but does not create a duplicate. Accessing data from tape describes reading data, not necessarily making a copy. Therefore, the definition that focuses on copying data from its original source to another destination for safekeeping is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key idea behind backup: creating a duplicate copy of important data. Step 2: Recognise that this duplicate is stored separately, so if the original is damaged, the copy can be restored. Step 3: Evaluate option A: connecting the network to more components increases connectivity but does not duplicate data. Step 4: Evaluate option B: copying data from its original location to another destination for safekeeping matches the definition of backup. Step 5: Evaluate option C: filtering old data from new data is a data management operation, not a protective copy. Step 6: Evaluate option D: accessing data from tape describes reading from a backup, but not the act of creating the backup itself.

Verification / Alternative check:
Backup software descriptions explicitly state that they create copies of files and store them in backup archives or on separate media. Disaster recovery plans emphasise keeping offsite backups as additional copies. IT best practice guidelines recommend regular backups by copying data, not merely filtering or accessing it. This consistent description across tools and documentation confirms that backup means making a copy of data to another destination for safekeeping.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Connecting the network to more components: A networking task, not directly related to data duplication or protection. Filtering old data from new data in a database: A data analysis or housekeeping action, not a backup. Accessing data directly from a tape drive: Tape drives are often used to store backups, but simply accessing or reading data is not the definition of making a backup.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion is between backup and archive. A backup is a safety copy meant for recovery, often updated regularly, while an archive is long term storage of data that is no longer actively used. Another pitfall is thinking that using RAID or adding more disks automatically counts as backup. While redundancy can improve availability, a true backup always involves a separate copy of the data that can be restored independently if the main system fails.

Final Answer:
In computing, taking a backup means Copying data from its original location to another destination for safekeeping.