DP4 prompts you to take a backup at the interval specified in your preferences, and also warns you when the transaction log is approaching its maximum size. You can backup your database to disks or to tape.
To backup the database, first make sure you have a supply of backup media, and then run the backup utility. For diskettes, or other removable media, the utility writes the database in a special file format that can be spread over several disks. The backup utility prompts you to label each disk with the name of the database (for example, "SALESORD") and the number of the disk (for example "1 of 3").
The normal practice when backing up a database is to close the database to make sure no-one is using the database. However, DP4 also provides you with the facility to take a dynamic backup while the users are still logged on. This facility is useful in banking and retail situations where a database is in constant use. A recently added feature of this program enables you to back up the database in the normal database format making it possible to check the integrity of the database at the time the backup is taken. This program is the preferred means of backing up the database if you have enough room on your database disk for a complete second copy of the database.