A Few Simple Ways of Avoiding Data Loss

An important rule all amateur users should know is to never save files in the Drive C of the pc (personal computer.) If you are a beginner at computers, herein is a word of information.

The computer you work upon has many drives, which it identifies with different designated letters. Drive A is a floppy drive and so is Drive B (which is not fitted in many.) Drive C is a hard drive and above that are Drive D and the others that are assigned for CD ROMs, etc (if they are fitted in).

The Drive C contains the operating system software. Never save your files in this particular drive. If the operating system were to fail, you may not be able to boot the computer and thus lose access to all your data. Save your files in any drive other than the C Drive and protect it with a backup in your own pc.

Create a Backup in Your PC

You can create a backup for your files either by installing a new hard disk or by partitioning the C Drive using special software that can divide your hard disk into as many partitions as you wish. If you partition the C Drive into two, the operating system will recognise them as two drives.

While partitioning the C Drive, first ascertain the space held by the OS (operating system.) It is possible to view the space used by the OS. While partitioning, ensure that the new size of Drive C is larger than the one held by the OS (before partition – preferably more than 10 GB.) There should be enough room for enabling subsequent installation of other applications.

You can now create a backup for your important files in the partition other than the one that holds the OS. If you are uncomfortable about having a backup in the same pc, then take printed copies of your data.

Take a Printout of Your Important Data Files

Much of the sensitive data contained in a company’s hard disk exists without the protection of a printed version; for it is an expensive process. (Yet, 523 million pieces of printed paper are simply thrown out in the UK every year, for they contain print that is not of much value.) Printing costs may be high, but data is much more valuable. Protect valuable information by printing it out and keeping it safely. Even if you face data loss, you can carry on your work uninterrupted by accessing the printed information.

If the printed data is not updated, (most of the data backup methods are not updated for IT staff feel it is a mundane job that entails much expenditure and few benefits) you may have to seek your lost data by opting for the data recovery methods.

Recovering Lost Data

You can recover your lost data by downloading the data recovery software and using it carefully following the given guidelines. If you are unwilling to take chances, (failure rate of data recovery software is many times higher than those of data recovery experts) you can avail the help of data recovery experts to retrieve your lost data.

However, prevention of data loss is always better than seeking data recovery. One simple manner by which you can protect yourself from data loss is by safeguarding your pc from virus infection.

Protect Your PC from Virus Infection

Exercise caution while opening the attachment you receive with your e-mail. Never open those sent by unknown sources. Look at the name of the attachment. If it looks like the extension of an executable file, then delete it immediately.

Even while surfing the web, download programs from reputable sites only. If you want to download a file from the internet, check it by using the antivirus software. Virus infects your computer only if you run an infected program; it will not infect your computer if you simply have it in your system.

Computers are prone to many problems other than virus infection. It is, therefore, necessary that you keep your data protected by creating regular backups. If certain lapses might have occurred in data protection, try to retrieve inaccessible data either by using the DIY software or by soliciting help of data recovery professionals.

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on Data Recovery see http://www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk

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