Common backup methods include:
Full-image backup: You back up the full image of your data to create a restore point you can instantly roll back to. Because you’re performing a full backup, this technique takes the longest to store.
Differential backup: Backs up all changes since the last full-image backup. Restoration only requires two files: the last full-image backup, followed by the most recent differential backup.
Incremental backup: You incrementally back up changes since the last full-image restore point. After a set number of incremental backups, the cycle completes with a full-image backup. Restoration starts with the last full-image backup, followed by incremental backups to the target RPO.
Real-time backup: Also called a continuous backup, this method involves instantly copying every change to your data to a separate storage device. It provides the most granular and comprehensive backup.