What type of backup includes all files and resets the archive bit?

A full backup involves copying all selected data and files from the source to the backup storage, creating a complete and usable version of the original data. This type of backup ensures that all files, including system files, application data, and personal files, are included in the backup set.

Additionally, one of the key functions of a full backup is resetting the archive bit, which is an indicator used by many operating systems to track which files have been modified since the last backup. When a full backup is performed, the archive bit is cleared, indicating that the files have been successfully backed up. This is crucial for maintaining accurate backup cycles and ensuring subsequent incremental or differential backups operate efficiently.

In contrast, an incremental backup only captures changes made since the last backup of any type and does not reset the archive bit unless it is a full backup being performed. A differential backup captures changes made since the most recent full backup while still retaining the archive bits set by previous backups. A partial backup, which may refer to a backup of selected files or directories, does not necessarily capture everything or reset the archive bit as a full backup would.

Therefore, the definition and functionality of a full backup align perfectly with the characteristics described in the question.