What is created to guard against accidental loss of software or data?

The concept of a backup is essential in safeguarding against accidental loss of software or data. A backup refers to the process of copying and storing data in a secondary location to ensure that it can be recovered in case the original data is lost, corrupted, or compromised. This can include duplicating files, databases, and entire systems, allowing users to restore their data to a previous state.

Backups are typically performed regularly and can be automated through software that schedules these tasks. They can vary in type, including full backups, incremental backups, or differential backups, each serving different recovery needs.

In contrast, an archive is primarily focused on storing data that is no longer actively used but may need to be retained for long-term preservation, making it less about recovery from loss. A restore point is specific to creating system restore snapshots, typically in operating systems, and is not a comprehensive solution for all data. Duplicates are simple copies of data and do not inherently include the broader strategies and procedures that backups encompass to protect against loss. Thus, the backup is the most appropriate and comprehensive answer for guarding against accidental loss.