How does a hot backup operate while the system is in use?

A hot backup operates by allowing backups to occur while the system remains accessible to users and without interrupting their activities. This method is particularly advantageous in environments where uptime is critical, as it ensures that business operations can continue seamlessly. During a hot backup, the system captures the current state of the data while concurrently processing user transactions, which means users can still access and modify data without needing to wait for backup processes to complete.

In contrast, other options imply that user activity or applications are halted during the backup, which would cause interruptions and potentially significant downtime. A hot backup aims to avoid these scenarios, allowing for continuous data protection without disrupting user interaction. The mention of a secondary server is not inherently required for hot backups, as the primary system can handle the backup process while still serving user requests. Thus, maintaining operations during the backup is the hallmark of how hot backups function effectively.