newbie question regarding backup device and backup foile

[Jason Rahl]

This is probably a simple question but I have to ask it anyway. When backing up I can backup to a file on my local drive but I also can create a device to the same location on my local drive. Is this doing the same thing. If I so desire to backup to the local drive(bear with me) what is the difference between creating a device and a file called mybackup or just choosing to backup to a file called mybackup? Should I always create a device? I know these are dumb question but....

Jason

[Me]

Please read the BOL. It covers backup and restoration in detail.

You can test your first question yourself.

Regarding your second question, a device is persistent -- you can use it until you drop it. The alternative is to use a temporary backup device "with disk= . . .."


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Jason Rahl at 5/10/01 4:39:23 PM

This is probably a simple question but I have to ask it anyway. When backing up I can backup to a file on my local drive but I also can create a device to the same location on my local drive. Is this doing the same thing. If I so desire to backup to the local drive(bear with me) what is the difference between creating a device and a file called mybackup or just choosing to backup to a file called mybackup? Should I always create a device? I know these are dumb question but....

Jason