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Data verification for Time Machine?

Does Time Machine use some type of bit for bit data verification?

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 21, 2010 12:37 PM

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5 replies

Jun 21, 2010 1:08 PM in response to kkamin

What sort of verification? File bits are not used for verification of data. Data verification is generally performed in some other manner such as hash codes or re-read after write, packet data headers, etc. A filename bit can be set to indicate if a file has been archived, if it's readable, writeable, deletable, executable, and the like.

Jun 21, 2010 1:41 PM in response to kkamin

Well, the operating system normally does packet verification on its own during all disk read/write operations. This typically involves creating a hash code that can be used to verify that the data in the packet is correct. I'd be surprised if Chronosync's advertising is simply reporting what the OS does.

In this respect, TM is verifying that the data written to the backup drive is the same as the data read from drive backed up. However, it can't verify if the data itself is correct. In other words if a file is corrupted on your drive, then the backup will consist of the same corrupted file.

Jun 21, 2010 1:50 PM in response to Kappy

Chronosync isn't creating a hash code. It compares each bit of a file. Copying files ends up taking about twice as long when this feature is utilized.

If Time Machine is just doing what the OS does normally, then I think I will switch to Chronosync for creating bootable backup. There are some issues with how the OS verifies files and mistakes can fly under the radar. I do professional photography and there is much written on 'data verification', and the need for greater tools to ensure proper data transfer.

Jun 21, 2010 1:59 PM in response to kkamin

You'll find that simply copying a file in OS X involves comparing the copy to the original bit by bit. The hash code is a code embedded in the packets written so that when the packet is retrieved at some later time the hash code is used to verify that the data being read from the copy is the same data that was written. The hash codes are unique so any defect in the copy from what was originally written will cause it to return a different code indicating a problem with the data in that packet. I fail to see how that is any different from what Chronosync is stating in their marketing information. Any piece of software could opt to suspend the use of normal data verification in order to make for faster file transfers in lieu of more reliable file transfers.

That said Chronosync is a good product that is a reasonable substitute for Time Machine. I certainly have nothing bad to say about it.

Data verification for Time Machine?

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