Database Backup and Recovery: Master the Art of Data Protection

Question 1

When designing a backup and recovery strategy for a database system with high transaction volume, which factor is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Frequency of database updates

Answer

Storage costs

Answer

Availability of recovery tools

Answer

Database size

Question 2

Discuss the critical role of database administration best practices in preventing and mitigating data loss.

Accepted Answer

Regular data backups, system updates, and data validation

Answer

Ignoring software updates, neglecting data backups, and failing to implement data encryption

Question 3

How does point-in-time recovery protect against data loss?

Accepted Answer

By restoring the database to a specific past moment, minimizing data loss.

Answer

By backing up the database continuously, ensuring the latest data is always available.

Answer

By deleting old backups to free up storage space.

Answer

By creating multiple backups at different times to increase recovery chances.

Question 4

What is the difference between a full backup and a differential backup?

Accepted Answer

A full backup includes all data in the database, while a differential backup only includes data that has changed since the last full backup

Answer

A full backup only includes data that has changed since the last backup, while a differential backup includes all data in the database

Answer

A full backup is faster to create than a differential backup

Answer

There is no difference between a full backup and a differential backup

Question 5

What is the purpose of a recovery point objective (RPO)?

Accepted Answer

To define the maximum amount of data loss that can be tolerated

Answer

To establish the maximum amount of time that the database can be unavailable

Answer

To identify the critical data that must be recovered in the event of a disaster

Answer

To determine the frequency of database backups

Question 6

Which backup strategy best automates database protection in disaster preparedness?

Accepted Answer

Automated backups scheduled regularly

Answer

Manual backups done occasionally

Answer

Creating duplicate backups in different locations

Answer

Combining full and incremental backups

Question 7

Which disaster recovery strategy prioritizes rapid recovery, albeit at a higher implementation cost?

Accepted Answer

Hot site

Answer

Cold site

Answer

Cloud-based recovery

Answer

Warm site

Question 8

When selecting a database backup strategy, which of the following considerations is of paramount importance?

Accepted Answer

Recovery Point Objective (RPO)

Answer

Database size

Answer

Hardware capabilities

Answer

Data encryption

Question 9

Which backup method involves creating a single archival file containing the entire database?

Accepted Answer

Full backup

Answer

Incremental backup

Answer

Differential backup

Answer

Transaction log backup

Question 10

Which recovery technique allows restoration of a database to a specific point in its history?

Accepted Answer

Point-in-time recovery (PITR)

Answer

Cold recovery

Answer

Hot recovery

Answer

Warm recovery

Question 11

What is the fundamental objective of a disaster recovery plan (DRP)?

Accepted Answer

To ensure data and system availability in the face of catastrophic events

Answer

To enhance database performance

Answer

To prevent data breaches

Question 12

During a full database backup, which type of log records the database modifications since the previous backup?

Accepted Answer

Transaction log

Answer

Error log

Answer

System log

Answer

Event log

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential drawback of incremental backups?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged restore times compared to full backups

Answer

Elevated risk of data loss

Answer

Compatibility issues with older database versions

Answer

Increased storage space requirements

Question 14

What is the primary function of a recovery catalog in database recovery?

Accepted Answer

Storing metadata pertaining to backups and restore operations

Answer

Scheduling restore jobs

Answer

Performing database backups

Question 15

Which term accurately describes the process of restoring a database to a usable state?

Accepted Answer

Data recovery

Answer

Application recovery

Answer

System restore

Answer

Database patching

Question 16

When devising a backup plan, why is it essential to consider backup frequency and retention periods?

Accepted Answer

To ensure timely data recovery while optimizing storage utilization

Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to data

Answer

To enhance database performance

Question 17

Which type of backup incrementally captures database alterations since the previous full backup?

Accepted Answer

Incremental Backup

Answer

Log Backup

Answer

Full Backup

Answer

Differential Backup

Question 18

Which recovery approach entails reverting a database to a specific point in time before an incident?

Accepted Answer

Point-in-Time Recovery

Answer

Backward Recovery

Answer

Partial Recovery

Answer

Forward Recovery

Question 19

Which element is pivotal in a disaster recovery plan?

Accepted Answer

Identification of critical systems

Answer

Backup frequency

Answer

Recovery time approximations

Answer

Data encryption protocols

Question 20

What is the primary function of transaction logs in database recovery?

Accepted Answer

Recording database changes for rollback and redo operations

Answer

Storing data in a compressed format

Answer

Enhancing query performance

Question 21

Contrast a hot backup from a cold backup.

Accepted Answer

Hot backups operate on a live database, whereas cold backups require the database to be offline.

Answer

Cold backups offer higher reliability than hot backups.

Answer

Hot backups are faster than cold backups.

Question 22

Which backup tool is best suited for large, frequently modified databases?

Accepted Answer

Incremental backup tool

Answer

Differential backup tool

Answer

Log backup tool

Answer

Full backup tool

Question 23

Define the recovery point objective (RPO).

Accepted Answer

The maximum data loss acceptable during a recovery scenario

Answer

The time required to recover a database from backup

Answer

The frequency of database backups

Question 24

Which of the following is a recommended method for database backup validation?

Accepted Answer

Restoring a backup to a test environment and verifying data integrity.

Answer

Checking the backup file size.

Answer

Utilizing a backup monitoring tool.

Question 25

What is the purpose of database restore?

Accepted Answer

To restore data from a backup or alternative source into a database

Answer

To alter the database structure

Answer

To create a backup of a database

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of a recovery log?

Accepted Answer

To capture changes made to the database since the last backup.

Answer

To authenticate database users.

Answer

To store a complete copy of the database.

Answer

To speed up database queries.

Question 27

Which recovery method allows for restoration of the database to a specific point in time?

Accepted Answer

Point-in-time recovery

Answer

Cold recovery

Answer

Hot recovery

Answer

Warm recovery

Question 28

What is the fundamental objective of disaster recovery planning?

Accepted Answer

To ensure continued access to essential data and systems following a major disruption.

Answer

To restore lost data from corrupted backups.

Answer

To prevent data loss in the first place.

Question 29

Which of the following is a widely used technique in disaster recovery planning?

Accepted Answer

Data replication

Answer

Database encryption

Answer

Query caching

Answer

Index optimization

Question 30

What is the primary purpose of a commit log?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a record of committed transactions before their application to the database.

Answer

To serve as a backup for the database in the event of a failure.

Answer

To store intermediate data temporarily during transactions.

Question 31

What is a key benefit of using incremental backups?

Accepted Answer

Reduced backup time and storage requirements

Answer

Improved performance of database queries

Answer

Enhanced data encryption

Answer

Faster recovery

Question 32

What is the primary purpose of utilizing a recovery log in database management?

Accepted Answer

Record database modifications to allow for recovery in the event of system failures.

Answer

Enhance database performance.

Answer

Serve as a duplicate copy of the database.

Question 33

Differentiate between physical and logical backups in the context of database management.

Accepted Answer

Physical backups copy the entire database file, whereas logical backups only copy the data and metadata.

Answer

Logical backups are faster to perform than physical backups.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT an advantage associated with implementing a database backup and recovery strategy?

Accepted Answer

Enhancement of database performance

Answer

Minimized downtime

Answer

Data protection

Answer

Disaster recovery

Question 35

What is the intended purpose of utilizing a checkpoint in the database recovery process?

Accepted Answer

Establish a point in the recovery log where recovery can commence.

Answer

Optimize database performance.

Answer

Create a backup copy of the database.

Question 36

Identify the primary disadvantage associated with cold backups.

Accepted Answer

They necessitate the database being offline during the backup process.

Answer

They are slower than hot backups.

Answer

They can only be used to restore the entire database.

Question 37

Which practice is considered best for testing a database recovery plan?

Accepted Answer

Regular execution of recovery drills

Answer

Sole reliance on documentation

Answer

Ignoring the recovery plan until it becomes necessary

Answer

Postponing testing until a disaster occurs

Question 38

What is the purpose of a transaction log in database backup and recovery?

Accepted Answer

To record all database modifications, allowing recovery to a specific point in time.

Answer

To provide a duplicate copy of the database.

Answer

To improve database performance.

Question 39

Which backup type captures a copy of all database data at a specific point in time?

Accepted Answer

Full backup

Answer

Incremental backup

Answer

Differential backup

Question 40

What is the primary function of a recovery log?

Accepted Answer

To record database modifications, facilitating recovery from system failures.

Answer

To provide a backup copy of the database schema.

Answer

To store historical data for archival purposes.

Question 41

Which recovery method restores the database from a backup taken prior to the failure?

Accepted Answer

Cold recovery

Answer

Hot recovery

Answer

Log-based recovery

Answer

Warm recovery

Question 42

What is the primary distinction between a physical backup and a logical backup?

Accepted Answer

A physical backup captures the entire database file, while a logical backup records the database's structure and data.

Answer

Physical backups utilize operating system tools, whereas logical backups employ database software.

Question 43

What is the purpose of a differential backup?

Accepted Answer

To capture only the changes made to the database since the last full or incremental backup.

Answer

To back up transaction logs, enabling recovery from recent failures.

Answer

To back up the entire database, excluding specific tables or objects.

Question 44

Which of the following is not a recognized database recovery technique?

Accepted Answer

Data warehousing

Answer

Log-based recovery

Answer

Point-in-time recovery

Answer

Hot standby

Question 45

What is the primary advantage of using a transaction log for database recovery?

Accepted Answer

It enables recovery to a specific point in time, minimizing potential data loss.

Answer

It reduces the time required for database backups.

Answer

It enhances database performance by optimizing disk writes.

Question 46

Which element is essential for an effective disaster recovery plan?

Accepted Answer

Regular testing and validation

Answer

Solely assigning responsibilities

Answer

Solely identifying recovery resources

Answer

Solely maintaining detailed documentation

Question 47

What is the primary objective of a backup window?

Accepted Answer

To establish a designated time frame for backups, minimizing disruptions to database operations.

Answer

To guarantee backups occur at regular intervals.

Question 48

Which recovery method allows for restoring the database to a specific point in time?

Accepted Answer

Point-in-time recovery

Answer

Differential recovery

Answer

Incremental recovery

Answer

Full recovery

Question 49

What is the primary function of a transaction log in database recovery?

Accepted Answer

Recording database changes to support rollback and recovery operations

Answer

Maintaining database indexes for efficient data retrieval

Answer

Storing database backups securely

Question 50

Which advantage is associated with using an online backup method?

Accepted Answer

Minimal interruption to database operations

Answer

Reduced potential for data corruption

Answer

Lower storage costs

Answer

Enhanced data security

Question 51

What is the distinction between a logical and a physical database backup?

Accepted Answer

Logical backups capture data structures, while physical backups capture physical database files.

Answer

Logical backups are faster but less reliable than physical backups.

Answer

Physical backups are more versatile but less secure than logical backups.

Question 52

Which tool is commonly used to automate database backups?

Accepted Answer

Backup management utility

Answer

Query optimizer

Answer

Index manager

Answer

Database engine

Question 53

What is the intended purpose of a recovery point objective (RPO)?

Accepted Answer

Establishing the maximum acceptable data loss in a recovery scenario

Answer

Specifying the backup storage location

Answer

Determining the backup frequency

Question 54

Which factors should be considered when selecting an appropriate backup strategy?

Accepted Answer

Data volume, recovery time requirements, and budgetary constraints

Answer

Hardware compatibility solely

Answer

Database vendor exclusively

Question 55

What is the defining difference between cold and hot backups?

Accepted Answer

Cold backups are performed when the database is offline, while hot backups are performed while the database is online

Answer

Cold backups are faster to complete than hot backups

Answer

Hot backups are inherently more reliable than cold backups