Featured article by Calvin Page, IT Specialist
Perhaps the most valuable thing about your computer is the data and files that you have saved on it. After all, the main reason for having your PC or laptop is in order to store the data that is on it, and it’s the main priority for putting a protective strategy in place, such as anti-virus software. Whilst operating systems and downloadable software can always be re-downloaded or re-installed, unique, user created data has the potential to be lost forever. Let’s look at some simple steps that can be taken in order to protect your computer or laptop from data loss.
Use the Cloud
When you store data on the internet rather than on hardware devices such as a hard drive or memory card, it is a lot harder to lose. Whilst data stored on a computer’s hard drive is at more risk of being lost for good should the computer ever become lost, stolen or damaged, data stored in the cloud can be accessed from almost any device that has an internet connection, so it doesn’t matter if your PC is damaged – your files will be safe online.
Back Up
Using a backup system is important to protecting your files from data loss. How often you back up is dependent on how important your files are – how much can you afford to lose? Whilst you should not only back up your files onto your computer, it’s also a good idea to keep your files backed up onto removable hardware devices such as a CD, DVD, USB pen drive or removable hard drive. Although these devices are also susceptible to damage or loss so the method isn’t completely fool proof, it always helps to have extra copies of your important files, documents and images.
Recovery Software
Using a file recovery software program such as those provided by starxsoft.com is also a great way to help protect your important files in the event of a system crash or virus infection that could cause data loss. If your files are lost or damaged the software will kick in, restoring them to their original state.
Anti-Virus Software
Because one of the most popular causes of file and data loss is viruses and malware, it’s important to make sure that your computer or laptop is fully equipped with an up-to-date, working version of a good anti-virus software program. There are a range of anti-virus software systems available, however it’s a good idea to note that the best ones usually charge a fee. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can protect your files just as well with a pirated or free version of an anti-virus software program, as these won’t contain the vital regular updates that are needed to keep your computer and files fully protected.
How do you protect your important files from data loss? Or, have you experienced data loss, and managed to successfully recover your files afterward? We’d love to hear your advice and stories in the comments below.
