HP B6960-96035 - Manual (Page 261)

Figure 74 Full and incremental backups
In Figure 74 on page 261, conventional backups were performed. To restore to the
latest possible state, you need the full backup and all four incremental backups. The
restore chain consists of five elements, which often reside on different media.
Such a restore can take a considerable amount of time, as each incremental backup
must be read. If tape devices are used, time is spent for loading and unloading of
several media and seeking for object versions to restore.
Figure 75 Synthetic backup
In Figure 75 on page 261, a synthetic full backup exists, which is used for restore by
default. The restore chain consists of only two elements, namely the synthetic full
backup and the subsequent incremental backup. The restore is significantly simpler
and quicker than that without the synthetic full backup. In the figure, both possible
restore chains are shown.
Concepts guide 261