Your data is important to you and why shouldn’t it be. Computers have grown to be a part of our daily lives, so it’s safe to say that most of us would be devastated if we lost everything on our computer. That is kind of a scary thought as your data depends on a machine to keep and store it, and let’s face it, machines fail. Although computers have become much more reliable, more complex software and the internet has made everyone’s computer vulnerable to complete loss of data.

There is something you can do to fight back though, that is to take matters into your own hands and don’t rely solely on your computer. The best way to do this is to backup your data properly and keep doing that at least once a week, or once a day, depending on the type of data that you are backing up. This is perhaps the most important task that any computer owner can do, and is the simplest, but yet not everyone does it.

On the computer market these days there are a slew of external and internal storage devices that make backing up your data easy and convenient. With so many devices, and so many solutions, it can be tough for someone to decide on a backup method. So let’s talk about the different backup strategies you could implement and which one best suits your needs.

Known worldwide basically as the main method of backing up your data is your floppy disc drive. I know they store a very little amount of data, but for simple data files it’s perfect because every computer already has one, and it is easy to use and access. I thought I would remind everyone of that backup method because it still can be used and won’t cost you anything more.

Now if you want to get down and serious, and backup everything on your computer, then what you want to do is a full hard disk backup. A full hard disk backup is what every computer users should do, and is perhaps one of the best data backup solutions possible. This is true because it makes a full copy of your hard drive, so if all data is lost then your backup could be used immediately and will have everything on it. The only problem with this backup strategy is that it takes a little while to complete the backup, and to get the best use out of it, you should do it once a week. But if your data is really that important, then it is worth the time and energy to do this.

The next backup solution is pretty common and has already been done by just about everyone. You could just backup your data files and folders that are important to you, so if you ever lose all of your data, then you would still have your important files and only have to reinstall the software associated with them, if any. Files and folders are usually the most important type of data that someone needs to back up and is all that matters, so most of you should use this method.

Perhaps the best backup solution there is, next to a full hard disk backup, is a CD or DVD burner. Now since both of those burners cost around the same price, DVD is just a little more, then I recommend a DVD burner. Not only does DVD technology hold more then four times as much data as a regular CD, but a DVD burner will also burn regular CD’s. Also not to mention that fact that you can backup your home movies that then can be played in your DVD player, and can last forever without degrading in quality like VHS.

Well those are the main types of backup strategies and solutions that people are using these days. Whether you run a business on your computer, or just use it for fun, backing up your data is always a good idea and should never be overlooked by any computer user.

Copyright 2006 Michael Cottier

Learn all about data backup and more solutions at http://www.computer-customizing-guide.com/data-backup-solutions.html Michael Cottier can also help you upgrade your computer, step by step, with his website http://www.computer-customizing-guide.com/

When the worst happens to your computer and all your files disappear, never worry! There are a number of quality data recovery companies that are able to restore your critical files quickly and easily.

Instead of tearing out your hair over a stubborn computer that is holding that essential file hostage, let the worries slide away and send off your hard drive to a data recovery company. These companies work their magic and recover files of all sizes in a remarkably quick turn around time. This service is essential for any individual or business that has fallen onto hard times with their computer.

Most data recovery companies operate over the internet and occupy cyberspace as they would a store front. If you find yourself in need of a quality company to find your files, look no further than the World Wide Web.

A simple search of search engines will produce hundreds of quality companies eager to solve your every problem. Before you send off your hard drive, carefully evaluate the chosen company to ensure it is legitimate and reputable. Using an incorrect company may result in further headaches and a loss of money for services not rendered.

Upon your search for a data recovery company, investigate their capabilities and services. Choosing a company that will best serve your needs will ensure the greater success in the end. You may need to compare services versus charges for these data recovery companies.

The old adage, “you get what you pay for” could not be truer when it comes to regaining your lost files. If you are taking the trouble to send off your hard drive in an attempt to reclaim critical files for business or personal reasons, then you should be prepared to spend the appropriate amount of money to get the job done. However, just because one data recovery is more expensive than another one does not mean the pricier company is more successful.

When choosing a data recovery company to reclaim your files, consider contacting individuals who has used their services in the past. This recommendation to use or to avoid the company may be an excellent method to choosing a company.

Also, contact the company directly and explain your specific situation. A representative for the company will be able to discuss the possibility of the recovery of your files and the estimated cost of their services. You should be sure to inquire the expense if the company is unable to recover the lost files. Many companies offer to return your hard drive without charging for their services if they are unable to deliver your compromised files.

Whichever data recovery company you entrust to regain your lost files, be sure to keep the company’s contact information if you are pleased with the services rendered. Having this resource can be invaluable if a similar fate befalls your files in the future and you need a reputable source to recover these files as quickly as possible. If you are pleased with the data recovery company, be sure to tell other individuals in your predicament.

For more information on Data Recovery, visit http://www.datarecoveryaid.info.

Just think of the hassle that you would half to go through if you had to redo all the work on your computer for that day because of a power failure. Everyone thinks that they are safe because they are connected to a surge protector but yet that means that when you loose power your computer still has a hard shut down and all it does is help stop a power surge to hit your computer.

Can you just imagine that you had a presentation on your computer that you were working on all day and forgot to save it? Then all of the sudden the power goes out from an electrical storm and you loose all that days’ hard work.

Just how would you get through the presentation if you had to sit down and redo all the work that you already spent all day doing once when lets say that the presentation is first thing in the morning.

Here is a way to make sure that your computer doesn’t crash when the power suddenly goes out when you are working on an important project at work or at home. This UPS battery is something like a surge protector but it has a series of batteries in side so that you do not loose all power at once.

With the UPS battery you will have a chance to save all your work and safely shut down the computer before you loose everything. Just think of the pain and embarrassment that you would not half to go through when you don’t half to redo all your work a second time around.

Plus just think, then you would not be too warn out and tired from trying to redo all the work that night for the next day if you waited until the last minute to get your work done.

Do you think that everyone would be better off if they would get a UPS Battery for their home and office? Lets see it would be a benefit because then you would not half to loose any of your hard work because of a power failure from the weather or from an accident.

For more information about UPS batteries, please check out http://www.rechargable-nimh-batteries.info

Data Storage for artificial intelligence is a crucial issue and indeed quite serious as artificial intelligent systems will be programming themselves. This means that each time they make a new page of data sets perhaps in an XML spreadsheet, to be used as part of the decision matrix for future decisions to determine the next move that it must put an anchor somewhere. That is to say a notation of when and where and why the data sets were created and when to use them, in an appendix type archiving system of its memory storage.

Of course when the evaluation process occurs and it must; of each decision made by the artificially intelligent system it must then decide if the data sets imprinted or gathered into its memory are indeed worthy. Should this data be discarded or remain? If it is discarded by perhaps may be some day needed for a future task to prevent the artificially intelligent machine from starting from scratch, it is important to trash can the data sets into an area that is still fully linked by the archival appendix system.

Although this is an abstract thought and not necessarily the way in which modern software engineers approach such issues it makes sense to consider this line of reasoning when designing the architectural format for the artificially intelligent self teaching, learning and programming computer system, so do consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Have you ever noticed that when you see your personal data displayed that it is wrong? Just an occasional look at your credit report to insure that no one has stolen your identity shows how screwed up the data can be. The government has data too, but for the most part it is all garbage. Some believe that the government’s databases are so full of junk that they are completely irrelevant. If this is the case and of course we all know it is, then may I ask how come they are using these databases at all?

What we need is a way to abandon old archived databases of junk information to protect citizens from bad profiling by authorities and costly investigations tracing down bogus data. If we archive the old databases into a trash can type system, then we can save it if we ever really need it. But if someone ever is working on a case and finds the bogus data and checks it out, then it must be deleted because as it stands there is way too much garbage in government and business databases and we need to discharge it if we are to move on in any meaningful way.

How can we go thru all this data that is bogus and obviously corrupted? How can we fix this problem? It seems the only way is to just start over with fresh data. Consider all this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Data security is a very important part of a successful computer involved business. It is essential to keep vital data secured in order to have piece of mind. Backing up data and having dedicated computers running just to store data are great ways to maintain data security.

Computer systems are subject to failures or accidents. Such failures and accidents affect the availability of data. Many businesses depend on their data for per second decision-making, and cannot afford a downtime of 5 or 10 minutes, which might result into losses of millions.

Another problem with data security is malicious computer viruses. The ideal data security for any business would be to have separate computers that constantly get updated with new back ups, but are never connected to any internet network.

For any business that could simply not afford to have its vital data be wiped clean from the face of the earth, backing up in other parts of the world can be a great way to avoid things like theft, natural disasters and human error. As long as you have absolutely topnotch network security, your data will be safe on a server in a different part of the world.

If you happen to wipe a hard disk clean, there are ways to recover that lost data. Many times damaged hard drives can be recovered, many times they cant, and often data recovery costs massive amounts of money.

How a hard drive works is a complicated process, but if you know that when you delete data off a hard drive, it doesn’t disappear, its still there, but it is ready to be written over. If you make a boob, delete something, as long as you don’t go filling up those same disk sectors you can probably retrieve that data. Mind you, this process is not easy, and a regular computer chump probably couldn’t do it, this is why data recovery is often left to professionals, and often costs you big bucks.

As you can see, data security is vital for the smooth operation of any business. If you practice good data security then you don’t ever need to worry about data recovery.

Bart Samuri enjoys writing about all kinds of great topics. Feel free to re-print this article as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intact, and the bio remains the same. Thank-you - Please visit my data recovery and data security website @ data-security-center

Increasingly, the need for a written, highly structured document and data management policy is becoming vital to any private company. While the recently enacted Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission require such a written policy for public companies, there are ample reasons for private companies to also adopt a written document and data management policy.

Various statutes now require most companies, whether public, non-profit or private, to securely maintain written records in regard to certain aspects of their personnel information and business operations. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), for example, companies may be sued if a security breach or other mishap results in the unauthorized disclosure of medical records. The controversial Patriot Act requires disclosure to the federal government of certain customer data and can subject the disclosing company to a lawsuit if the customer was not sufficiently advised of the possibility of such disclosure. A proposed amendment to the federal Rules of Civil Procedure would require lawyers representing parties in litigation to discuss document management systems of their clients prior to any legal proceedings. Another proposed amendment to the federal Rules of Civil Procedure would provide a safe harbor for companies that lose information but have otherwise acted in good faith, precluding any sanctions for such information loss. Certain state laws, such as the California Online Privacy Protection Act of 2003, require website disclosure of privacy policies in regard to personally identifiable information (such as name, address, credit card number, social security number, email address, etc.), which should include a statement about the security procedures in place to protect such information.

Prudence also dictates that written records be maintained in the event of employee claims or litigation involving the company. Companies should also be vigilant in documenting incidents involving any inappropriate or improper behavior by an employee. Emails and instant messages are now often crucial in determining court cases. Employee emails are generally considered to be the property of the employer, and the company’s HR policy and employee manual must clearly state so. Accordingly, employers should ensure that copies of all employee emails and instant messages are retained in the event of any employee-related litigation. For the same reason, in addition to maintaining copies of executed contracts and written correspondence, companies should retain copies of all emails and electronic document interchange (EDI) transactions with vendors and customers in the event of any litigation with such third parties. Companies should develop disaster recovery plans and test the recovery of all important data and information. Electronic imaging of physical documents should become standard.

In order to ensure that such procedures are in place and followed, company management must create an infrastructure that will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of such procedures. This must come from the top down in the organization. The Board of Directors or a committee of the Board should review internal controls and written processes designed to ensure the retention and security of all company records and information and avoid misuse or unauthorized disclosure of such records and information. The Board or such committee should consult closely with members of the company’s information technology (IT) or finance department and others responsible for company files and records in order to ensure compliance with a clearly defined operations policy for the storage, maintenance, protection and destruction of company records and information. There are numerous sources of guidance for company management and IT or finance departments in this regard. These include the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO), an independent auditing industry group that has received implicit endorsement from the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Sedona Principles is a set of best practices for e-discovery and the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) detailing the IT or finance department’s role in information and security controls is recommended reading for private companies, even though it is directed at public companies in the post-SOX era.

Company management must also ensure that the IT or finance department has the necessary resources to properly maintain and safeguard electronic records. Extensive storage capabilities and related software are required for document management, data backup, and email and instant message archiving, as such records must be maintained for an extended period of time. Under SOX, for example, records are required to be stored for seven years and must be non-erasable and non-rewritable. Hundreds of outsource storage companies have emerged to assist companies with their e-document management and data storage needs. It is vital that such software and services include fast and reliable document and data search capabilities as well.

Paper records should be organized logically to facilitate their retrieval at a later date. Ideally, the contents of the files should be logged electronically using database software specifically designed for this purpose (the XML standard has gone a long way in standardizing how to identify data). Companies should also ensure that off-site records can be remotely searched.

Access to company records should be closely controlled and restricted to a limited number of individuals. Just as electronic records have audit trails of who has access and when the data was accessed, paper records should not be open and available for anyone to simply walk in and review them, or alter them.

Finally, a document destruction policy should be included as part of the written document and data management policy. Time periods for purges of electronic data and paper records should be established and followed explicitly. As a general rule, it is not recommended that data or records be destroyed until at least seven years has elapsed since the initial archive or storage of such data or records. However, the appropriate time limit depends on many factors, including the nature of the data or records, relevant statutes of limitation and governmental requirements. Company management should therefore consult with legal counsel and a document management professional before establishing a document destruction policy.

Kent Clayton is a partner and co-chair of the Business Practice Group at Berger Kahn, a full service business law firm with offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay area. Michael Siersema is Managing Partner and CEO of Phoenix2000 Group LLC, a technology leadership and advisory services company with offices in Huntington Beach, California, West Lake Village, California and Washington, D.C.