Backups

Making backups is probably the most important activity that you will perform in Panacea.  Please read this very carefully.

Backups should not be viewed as a "last resort".  Many of our clients pay very little attention to their backups because they don't think they will ever be needed.  There also seems to be a common belief that, in the event of data loss, a techie will attempt other solutions before resorting to your backups.  This is simply not true.  Backups almost always represent the quickest and cheapest way to solve a problem and, in this sense, they should be regarded as one of the "first resorts".

Making a backup in Panacea involves making a copy of all the data that is contained in Panacea's database.  The data is saved into a single file, which can be stored on a flash drive, CD, DVD or any other media.  In the event that you need to restore your database it is a fairly simple task to read the data from the backup file back into Panacea's database.  This may be necessary if your hard drive crashes, your computer is stolen or any number of other possibilities, including human error (e.g. accidently clearing your database).

Spread your risk

Think carefully about where you store your backup files.  For example, if you make backups onto your hard drive then you will not be able to access them in the event that your hard drive crashes.  If you make backups onto an external flash disk, but store the flash disk with your laptop then both will be lost in the event that your laptop is stolen.  You should try to keep your backups in a separate location from the computer.  You should also make backups onto multiple media in case one of those media fails.  For example you could rotate a set of 3 flash drives.  Having multiple backups also has the benefit that you can choose which one to use.

Making a Backup

On the "File" menu select "Backup".  The backup tab will be displayed:

Panacea automatically suggests a filename that is made up of the word "Panacea" and today's date and time.  This ensures that the filename is unique and will not overwrite a previous backup file.  You can change the filename and location simply by clicking in the selector and editing it, or you can click the magnifying glass to use Windows' file dialog.

Note: The first time you make a backup Panacea may not suggest a filename and location.  However, on subsequent backups Panacea will remember your settings from your previous backup.

Once you have selected an appropriate filename click "Start backup".  Panacea will start to make the backup and will show the progress:

Note that while the backup is in progress you are able to continue using Panacea.  The backup will proceed in the background.  Depending on the size of your database backups can take anything from a few minutes to more than an hour.  Once the backup has finished you can close the tab and carry on working.