It is human nature to ignore warnings. We believe in falling in a pit-hole and then trying to get out instead of looking straight ahead and walking carefully. There is a large section of computer users who are still under the impression that data loss will never catch up to them. The stark truth however is that, its not about “whether” it will happen or not, its just about “when” it will happen. Data loss will show its ugly face unless we are careful and plan for safety against it.
So, here’s our list of the most common ways in which you can avoid inviting data loss to your doorstep.
1. Create Backups
This is the most important step. The easiest safeguard against data loss is taking regular and repetitive backups. It is the least you can do. No matter how futile you think it is, it will help you out in case of utter failure. No matter how much it irritates you to invest your precious time on it, a backup will prove its worth sooner or later. And with the development of automatic backup taking software, it has become even easier. Just schedule it and forget it. Such software will help you to take clean, regular and proper backups of your data.
2. Don’t Ignore Hardware Failures
Your computer’s hardware as well as external media is prone to wear out and corruption. The reasons behind them are varied including fluctuations in power supply and simple wear out with time. To ensure that your hardware doesn’t betray you, backup your data regularly (obvious strategy). Also, use SAN or NAS storage if possible and stop using outdated hardware and media for storage.
3. Retire CDs and DVDs from time to time
If you’re using CDs and DVDs to store your files, you MUST keep shifting your data from old ones to new ones. It is no mystery that CDs and DVDs are prone to scratches with over-use and mishandling. Even a small particle of dust on them can lead to a small invisible scratch. That is just the beginning of mayhem. It leads to a bad sector which keeps on increasing till it eats up everything on the disc and makes it unreadable. Hence, retire you’re old CDs/DVDs and move to new ones on a regular basis. We suggest you retire them entirely and move to better storage options like external hard-drives.
4. Don’t under estimate virus threats
Viruses, Trojans, malware and the like tend to take various forms. From a simple e-mail attachment to an intelligently disguised executable program, you may never know when a virus hits you. Having proper anti-virus programs in place is the key. And when it comes to security, there are no shortcuts. Don’t settle for basic security features when it comes to choosing appropriate anti-virus software. A really good one safeguards your disk, your applications, downloads, e-mails, has a firewall, is anti-spam and has many more capabilities. And of course, when it is giving you such a full-proof protection, such software will come at a hefty price. Consider it as an investment and take the plunge! If it can be another step towards saving your data, it is worth it.
5. Automate to eliminate chances of human error
There is always scope for human error. Be it accidental deletion of files or unknowingly forwarding a virus-infected e-mail, the possibility of human error cannot be ruled out. Hence, automate the tasks as much as possible. This is especially beneficial for large organizations with thousands of employees. Automating trivial tasks can save data worth millions. Automation can even be applied to check if company policies are being followed or not. Backups of all machine can be automated, so can the scanning of systems for viruses.
6. Clean up regularly
Believe it or not, a system whose memory is full to the brim is very prone to data loss. How may you ask; here’s the answer. Imagine a laptop with about 200GB of memory. You have installed about 20 programs and applications including 10 heavy ones. Add to that you’re constant habit of downloading large files. Before you know it, you’re system will be screaming for help. And if you don’t offer the help by making space, soon enough you’re system will just halt. To even recover it you’ll need some memory, which will only be possible through formatting. And unplanned formatting will lead to data loss. Hence, clean up while there is still time.
7. Natural Calamities
This is one cause, which no one can anticipate, and/or control. Fire, flood or earthquakes don’t ask before knocking at anyone’s door. Though most surveys keep the percentage of data loss by natural calamities to very low numbers, it is still worth making arrangements for protection against them. Here too backing up comes as the solution and that too at various physical locations. That way you can be sure that even if one physical location storing your data gets completely destroyed, you still have the backup at a different location.
Wrapping it Up
Most loses can be recovered from and that applies to data loss as well. If even after all efforts you somehow suffer loss of your valuable data, recovery software will help you out. A variety of data recovery software is available online suited to different needs. Depending upon your hardware, operating system and the nature of data that is lost, you can pick the recovery software most apt for you. A few recommended data recovery software are Stellar Windows Data Recovery, Stellar Mac Data Recovery.
For more information about data recovery software, visit here.
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