Disk Cloning

Definition - What does Disk Cloning mean?

Disk cloning is the process of copying the contents of a computer hard drive to an image file that is used for transfer to another location, per user requirements. Disk cloning is different from standard copy functionality in a computer, as it also copies used and hidden computer files.

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Techopedia explains Disk Cloning

Disk cloning benefits IT organizations and computer manufacturers because it helps save resources by not creating partitions or using software applications or operating systems (OS). It also facilitates mass deployment and provides a high degree of data theft protection.

Disk cloning is used in the following scenarios:

Helps restore a hard drive to its original configuration during system recovery
Recreates the system configuration in a different computer
Facilitates the installation of configurations and settings, in the event of large groups of systems

Disadvantages of disk cloning are as follows:

The new hard drive is larger because extra disk space is left out.
The image format used is in a proprietary format and can only be accessed by the software in use.
Because the process is time-consuming, it is not ideal for frequent backups.