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PB Sci Admin Backups
Computer Backups for
PB Sci Admin Staff Computers
Files on staff computers are automatically backed up over the campus network to a backup server. Files and folders can be restored from the backup server on request.
About Computer Backups ITS maintains a backup system to make copies of files on PB Sci administrative staff computers. The purpose of the backup system is to ensure your files and documents are copied to a central location in case recovery is needed.

  • File/Folder Recovery
    Deleted files may be restored from the backup system on request and can usually be restored within two business days. Submit a ticket in IT Request to request backup recovery.

  • Disaster Recovery
    File restoration in response to hard drive or computer failure is provided in combination with hardware replacement.

Policy How long are backed up files kept?
Files are kept for approximately one month.

What is backed up?
The following items are backed up on staff computers running Mac OS X:
  • The home directories of the primary computer user in the /Users directory:
    /Users/username/
If more than one user account on a computer needs backup, please submit a request.

Some files are specifically excluded from backups. These are files such as cache files, applications (which shouldn't be in the backed up folders), and other non-work related files (such as downloaded MP3 files which should not be stored on admin computer hard drives).

Pricing Computer backups are available free of charge for all PB Sci admin staff computers.
Related Services & Links Redwood - PB Sci Admin File Server
Software Licence Server - PB Sci Admin Staff

cFile - Social Sciences File Server

Service Levels Planned outages are published on the ITS maintenance calendar.

 Divisional Service For PB Sci Administrative Staff
Using Backups How can I tell if I've been backed up?
To review the backup history of your computer, open the Retrospect Client program in your Applications folder. It should look like this:


At the bottom of the window there is a history section. Drag the slider at the bottom right to review the backup history of your computer.

When is my data backed up?
The backup system runs continuously 24 hours a day/seven days a week. The backup server has a list of all the staff computers. It sorts the list by the date/time of the last backup. The computers that have had the longest period since last backup are first in line for a new backup. If the backup server can't connect to a computer, it skips it and tries to backup the next computer in the list.

Under this system you can expect to be backed up several times per week. If for some reason your computer is not available when the backup server tries to connect to it, don't worry. Your computer will just be bumped to a higher priority for the next pass.

If you go on vacation and turn off your computer, your computer will not be backed up. Backups can only take place when your machine is on and connected to the campus network. Upon your return from vacation your backups will resume.

Laptop backups
Due to the polling nature of the backup server, laptops are not guaranteed to be backed up.
Getting Help For help with backups or file restores:
ITS Support Center
Online:
 Request Help
ITS Support Center
ITS Frequently Asked Questions
Phone:
 (831) 459-4357 (campus ext. 9-4357)
Email:
 help@ucsc.edu
In-Person:
 Kerr Hall Room 54
ITS Divisional Liaisons

Page updated: July 16, 2009 Request Service | Change Log | Getting Help | Catalog Feedback | Service Management Toolkit