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

A full backup is designed to capture all data at a specific point in time, creating a complete copy of the data being backed up. This type of backup includes every file and folder within the specified source, ensuring that users have an exact snapshot of the data as it exists at that moment. This comprehensive approach facilitates easy restoration, as everything needed to recover the system is contained within that single backup set.

In contrast, incremental backups focus on capturing only the data that has changed since the last backup, whether that was a full or incremental backup. Differential backups also prioritize data that has changed but do so relative to the last full backup, capturing all changes since then. Sync, or synchronization backups, simply update a second location to mirror the current state of data, which can miss certain elements if not newly modified. Therefore, the unique characteristic of the full backup is its complete capture of all existing data at a single point in time, making it the most holistic approach for comprehensive data protection.