Data Protection

The information that you put into a computer represents your the time and creative effort.

This information is stored in files in on your hard drive or other storage device. Here are some suggestions to protect your files:

1. The general rule to protect your data is simple: always maintain backups! It is a simple task to save your work to more than one location, say a diskette (also known as a floppy disk) as well as your hard drive. Although diskettes are still the most common backup media,writable CD-ROM or personal file storage on another computer are other alternatives for file backup purposes. In the event of component failure,you always have a backup available. In most cases, it is legal, for backup purposes only, to make one copy of purchased software. Be sure to read the licensing agreement that came with the software to confirm this.

2. Don't use diskettes as working media - that is, work on the file while it is on the hard drive, then transfer it to a diskette when done.Frequent reads and writes to a diskette can wear it out quickly.

3. Keep diskettes away from heat, moisture, and magnetic fields. Somecommon sources of magnetic fields are phones, sound speakers, car alarmactivators, and laser printers. Never leave your diskette near a laser printer.

If you must transport your diskettes, always carry them in a hard casedesigned for this purpose. Never carry them unprotected in a purse,bookbag, etc... as they can easily be damaged.

4. Diskettes are disposable media - the magnetic field in which theinformation is maintained deteriorates over time. Transfer criticalinformation to newly formatted diskettes every six months or so. Even ifyou take good care of your diskettes, they will go bad over time.
Another way to safeguard your data is to run the error checking utilityprovided by your operating system. This software is designed to findsurface damage and data corruption on the hard drive.

5. Many companies sell programs that can maintain, optimize and andsafeguard the data on your computer. You can find these types of systemutilities and programs in any computer store or bookstore. If you purchaseone of these programs, take the time to read the program's manual.