Feb 08 2007
Protection is more important than recovery
It is not easy to recover data, especially data that has no back ups. This realization dawns only when there is a system failure. That is when organizations realize that protection is more important than recovery. The same applies to individuals. They too wake up when their hard drive crashes, and valuable data is lost.
You need to take the following protective steps if you want to avoid this happening to you:
– Operate your computer in a dry, cool, dust-free place. Placing your computer in a low-traffic area will protect your system and storage media from harmful jarring or bumping.
– Create regular backs ups. Make sure that the media is reliable.
– Use an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) or a surge protector. Sudden surges of power can ruin your machine.
– Scan regularly for viruses. They can cause serious data loss. It is always advisable to install virus detection software in your computer.
– Be alert to unnatural sounds. If you hear any, turn off your computer immediately and call a professional. Never try to attempt any repair work unless you have adequate knowledge. Amateurish attempts can be your nemesis.
– Invest in data recovery programs.
– Be especially careful about your hard disk drive. That is where your date resides. Remember hard disks are sensitive pieces of machinery. You should make take care to see that your hard disk drive is not subjected to falls and tosses.
– Static electricity is a silent enemy that can ruin the wiring inside computer chips and transistors. Make sure that none accumulates on your hard disk.
– Taking back ups is not the only thing you must focus on. Ensure that your storage media is well looked after too. If your back up is lost so are you.
– If you use tapes, keep them boxed upright until you need them. Exposing them to natural elements could affect the tape’s dependability. Never load a tape that you suspect may be damaged. Not only will your tape be affected, your machine will be damaged too.
– Extreme temperature can ruin your tapes. Keep them at room temperature. Excessive heat can shrink the plastic used in tapes and cause irreversible damages.
– Avoid magnetic fields as they can erase the information stored on your tapes. Keep them away from speakers, microwaves and printer heads.
These are not difficult practices to adopt. But they can generate great returns.
