What is the difference between sync and backup?

[linsipad]

I've read on this forum that there have been times when someone has restored to a backup. What is that and how do you do it?

 

[Poser]

when you sync your device to the computer using iTunes it auto backup your device.....usually the settings, text messages, notes, contacts, etc, etc......please find out what else is backed up.

backups are good,... example: if you lose your device, the new device can use your old backup, and basically look the same way you left it.
other good uses for backups, but you should get the point.

not everything gets backed up, do your own research.

 

[Poser]

image 1 above, you can backup without syncing, and transfer purchases is always recommended, although iOS 5 is covering most of this.

 

[linsipad]

Oh, so a sync does a backup?

 

[Poser]

Oh, so a sync does a backup?

when you sync, it does steps...in image below, the first step does a backup, so when you sync, just check to see if it does a backup, its almost guaranteed to do one.

 

[skimonkey]

I, too, have often wondered if the words,"sync" and "back up" were synonymous...thanks for making it clearer to me as well!

 

[Poser]

this can keep your apps and such in sync, over the air....automatically.

example: 2 devices(or as much), on 1 iTunes ID, with this image below, found in iTunes preferences(once they are checked)....when you download an app on 1 device, it will automatically download to the other devices and iTunes.

 

[sjleworthy]

you can sync without backup or auto back up. syncing is literally your pc and ipad hooking up together to read from the same score sheet. usually transferring stuff.

 

[linsipad]

So, if I only want to backup what I have installed on my ipad from itunes (books & music) then do I have to sync? And how would I do that?

 

[takeshi]

I, too, have often wondered if the words,"sync" and "back up" were synonymous...

Even in a general sense (not just referring to the iPad) they're not. A backup is just essentially a copy for safekeeping. Sync involves updating data on both ends (additions, deletions, changes).

 

[linsipad]

Thank you. So, if I only want to backup the purchases I made on the ipad to the pc, I don't need to sync?

 

[Poser]

Thank you. So, if I only want to backup the purchases I made on the ipad to the pc, I don't need to sync?

the images answer your questions.

an image above shows "transfer purchases"(it does exactly what it says). post #2

 

[Poser]

Thank you. So, if I only want to backup the purchases I made on the ipad to the pc, I don't need to sync?

post #7 in red box....once checked, they will auto backup to iTunes also.
and onto other devices too, if using the same account.