Time activation enables a backup program to activate itself automatically on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Some backup programs include a tickler or reminder program that the backup program installs in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Every time you boot your system, the tickler program runs. The program quickly looks at your hard disk to determine which files haven't been backed up in a while. Then it presents you with a short message informing you that there are files awaiting backup.