Note: Files do not hang around forever in the recycle bin.  You will not be able to restore a file deleted a year ago.  Also, files you delete on another workstation or server may not show up in the recycle bin.

Any device meant to be used as a backup will generally allow you to perform complete backups and incremental backups.  A complete backup is one in which all files are backed up.  An incremental backup selects only those files that have changed, usually since the last backup.  A safe and simple tape backup procedure is as follows:

Start with 16 tapes.  Label one tape for each month of the year.  Label four other tapes Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 and Week 5.

1. The Monday of the first week of each month, install the Month labeled tape.
   
2. Perform a complete backup Monday. Perform an incremental backup Tuesday-Friday.
   
3. The Monday of the second week of each month, install the Week 2 tape.
   
4. Store the Month tape in a safe, secure location, off-site if possible.  This tape will not be reused.
   
5. Repeat step 2.
   
6. The Monday of the third week of each month, install the Week 3 tape.
   
7. Repeat step 4 with Week 2 tape.
   
8. Repeat step 2.
   
9. The Monday of the fourth week of each month, install the Week 4 tape.
   
10. Repeat step 4  with Week 3 tape.
    
11. Repeat step 2.
    
12. The Monday of the fifth week (if there is a fifth week) of each month, install the Week 5 tape.
    
13. Repeat step 4  with Week 4 tape.
    
14. Repeat step 2.