Policy compression and log settings

When Admin users create or edit policies, they can specify data compression and log settings for backup jobs on the Common tab.

When a policy is assigned to a computer, the policy compression level and log options are not automatically applied to jobs on the computer. When creating, editing or scheduling a job, a user can use these settings or select other values.

Compression Level

The compression level specifies the amount of compression, if any, for backup data. Compression levels optimize the amount of data stored vs. the backup speed. In some cases, it might be better to use additional time and processing to compress the data before sending it.

The more that data is compressed, the smaller its “footprint” (size) is on the vault.

From the list, select one of the following options:

• Better — Minimizes backup size, possibly at the expense of extra processing

• Maximum — Always minimizes backup size, regardless of the amount of processing required
• Minimum — Minimizes processing, possibly at the expense of a larger backup size
• None — Does not compress data

• Normal — Balances processing against backup size

  Note: The compression levels shown above are not available for Agent versions 7.5 and later. For Agents version 7.5 and later, the following options are available:

  • Faster — Minimizes the amount of time that is required for backing up the data

  • Smaller — Minimizes the size of the backup data, but can take longer to process the data

  If you upgrade an earlier Agent version to version 7.5 or later, existing jobs are run with the Faster compression option unless you change the compression option to Smaller.

Log File Options

Select one of the following job logging levels from the list:

• Files — Provides the most detailed information, and is typically used for troubleshooting. Provides information about files that are backed up.
• Directory — Provides less detail than the Files logging level. Provides information about folders that are backed up.
• Summary — Provides high-level information, including the vault and Agent version, and backup sizes.
• Minimal — Provides high-level information, including the vault and Agent version.

Changing the logging level only affects log files that are created from that point and after. It does not affect previously-created log files.

Note: For Image Plug-in jobs, the selected logging level does not affect the content of the logs.