Function

• Each time the user syncs his iPhone with iTunes, the device will back up unless the backup process is interrupted.
  
  

Significance

• The backup process will create a disk image of all personal data on the device. When a restored iPhone is connected, iTunes will ask if the user wants to restore using this disk image.
  
  

Features

• The following data will be backed up and ready to restore in the event of a crash: contacts, settings, applications, text messages, email messages, recent and missed call lists, any mobile Safari favorites, notes saved, set alarm and most preferences.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Unlike failures in other phones, the iPhone's syncing process (and the regular backup) prevents the loss of data.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Prevent the need to restore by only installing applications through the App Store. Unauthorized applications through other means can cause the phone to fail or need to be restored in some cases.
  
  

Warning

• Never interrupt the backup process. You never know when you may need the backup you just interrupted.