Data loss is an inevitable event that can occur with any computer user irrespective of the Operating System (OS) he uses. Along with all other OS users, Linux users also encounter data loss when they modify, save, or create data in their system. Some of the common causes that result in data loss on Linux systems are:
Accidental Deletion of Data or Other Human Errors: Accidental deletion of data is one of the common reasons of data loss from any OS based computer. Accidental deletion and other human errors may include removing the files thinking that they are backed up or unimportant, and lacking the understanding of basic computer operations. Unplanned formatting of Linux based hard drives also comes under this section of data loss.
Virus Infection: Virus infection and attack of other malicious software is another cause of data loss on Linux based hard drives. Generally, the virus infection occurs through compromised websites as you download a piece of information from there or other such sources like emails that contain malicious attachments.
Sudden Power Loss: Unexpected shutdown of computer due to sudden power loss, results in corruption of file system, and hence data loss.
Bad Sectors on Hard Drive: 'Bad blocks' on your hard drive are another reason for data loss. Though data loss due to bad blocks is not instant, the user comes to know about it later when situation becomes worst.
Hardware Related Issues: Physical damage to hard drive or any of its components results in data loss. This at times results in 'Total system failure'. This generally occurs when your hard drive is dropped or kicked. However, wear and tear of hard drive over time can also be responsible for the same.
File System or Other Logical Corruptions: Corruption of file system of your hard drive and other logical issues that occur due to various contingencies are some other possible issues of data loss from Linux based hard drive.
Incompatible Installed Applications: It is many times seen that various installed applications are responsible for creating issues with hard drive, and hence causing data loss. These conflicting applications result in operating system crash. For example, a malware or a conflicting application that corrupts MS Word results in the loss of all the files saved with this program.
Hard Drive having Low Disk Space: Sometimes, it is seen that when you try to save files on a hard drive having low disk space, you encounter data loss.
These are some of the common causes of data loss from computers having Linux as Operating System. However, if in such situations, you follow certain precautions, then you can avoid data loss to great extent:
Maintain Backup of Your Data: Maintaining backup of your invaluable data is one of the golden rules to prevent data loss. The basic meaning of backup is – you are keeping at least one copy of your data. It is recommended not to take the backup on the same disk.
Be Cautious While Working on Your Computer: To avoid human errors, it is recommended to be cautions while working on it. Practicing good habits like switching off the computer properly and thinking twice before deleting any file saves you from various human errors.
Use UPS: To avoid data loss caused due to interrupted power supply, it is suggested to use UPS. On power loss, the spare battery of UPS gives you sufficient time to save your work and shut down your system properly.
Keep Your System Protected with Updated Anti-Virus Software: The best way to prevent data loss caused due to virus infection is with the help of a professional anti-virus software that has definitions for all latest viruses.
Perform Disk Maintenance Activities: It is suggested to practice disk maintenance like disk defragmentation. Disk defragmentation arranges your data contiguously and hence ensure its easy access. Apart from this, cleaning up temporary or unused files in your system also keeps you away from various cases of data loss.
Mentioned above are some of the precautions that every Linux user must observe in order to avoid data loss.
Accidental Deletion of Data or Other Human Errors: Accidental deletion of data is one of the common reasons of data loss from any OS based computer. Accidental deletion and other human errors may include removing the files thinking that they are backed up or unimportant, and lacking the understanding of basic computer operations. Unplanned formatting of Linux based hard drives also comes under this section of data loss.Virus Infection: Virus infection and attack of other malicious software is another cause of data loss on Linux based hard drives. Generally, the virus infection occurs through compromised websites as you download a piece of information from there or other such sources like emails that contain malicious attachments. Sudden Power Loss: Unexpected shutdown of computer due to sudden power loss, results in corruption of file system, and hence data loss. Bad Sectors on Hard Drive: 'Bad blocks' on your hard drive are another reason for data loss. Though data loss due to bad blocks is not instant, the user comes to know about it later when situation becomes worst. Hardware Related Issues: Physical damage to hard drive or any of its components results in data loss. This at times results in 'Total system failure'. This generally occurs when your hard drive is dropped or kicked. However, wear and tear of hard drive over time can also be responsible for the same.File System or Other Logical Corruptions: Corruption of file system of your hard drive and other logical issues that occur due to various contingencies are some other possible issues of data loss from Linux based hard drive.Incompatible Installed Applications: It is many times seen that various installed applications are responsible for creating issues with hard drive, and hence causing data loss. These conflicting applications result in operating system crash. For example, a malware or a conflicting application that corrupts MS Word results in the loss of all the files saved with this program.Hard Drive having Low Disk Space: Sometimes, it is seen that when you try to save files on a hard drive having low disk space, you encounter data loss.These are some of the common causes of data loss from computers having Linux as Operating System. However, if in such situations, you follow certain precautions, then you can avoid data loss to great extent:
Maintain Backup of Your Data: Maintaining backup of your invaluable data is one of the golden rules to prevent data loss. The basic meaning of backup is – you are keeping at least one copy of your data. It is recommended not to take the backup on the same disk. Be Cautious While Working on Your Computer: To avoid human errors, it is recommended to be cautions while working on it. Practicing good habits like switching off the computer properly and thinking twice before deleting any file saves you from various human errors.Use UPS: To avoid data loss caused due to interrupted power supply, it is suggested to use UPS. On power loss, the spare battery of UPS gives you sufficient time to save your work and shut down your system properly.Keep Your System Protected with Updated Anti-Virus Software: The best way to prevent data loss caused due to virus infection is with the help of a professional anti-virus software that has definitions for all latest viruses.Perform Disk Maintenance Activities: It is suggested to practice disk maintenance like disk defragmentation. Disk defragmentation arranges your data contiguously and hence ensure its easy access. Apart from this, cleaning up temporary or unused files in your system also keeps you away from various cases of data loss. Mentioned above are some of the precautions that every Linux user must observe in order to avoid data loss.
