We’ve all heard horror stories about people losing all of their data. With most of our important documents being digitized now, it’s more important than ever that we create up-to-date backups of this information. As hard as we try to prevent them, though, problems can still happen. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your data in the event of a disaster.
Hardware Failure
All of the files stored on your computer are located on the system’s hard disk drive (HDD). These are commonly referred to as “spinning disks,” as they store and retrieve information from rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material. Over time, these components can become worn down and cause the HDD to stop functioning correctly. While there isn’t a defined lifespan, statistics do show that a HDD that’s two-to-three years old is significantly more likely to fail than a comparative component that’s only one year old. This means that while you don’t need to buy new parts every few months, you should create a regular upgrade schedule if you value your data.
Combining Solutions
Cloud storage platforms provide businesses with the ability to store their data without having to worry about HDD failures. It works by making digital copies of your files that are stored across multiple physical servers owned by the hosting company. There are also additional benefits for business owners and their employees in terms of mobile access to data, meaning files can be accessed by freelancers and home workers rather than being confined to a physical server. However, this doesn’t mean these services can’t have problems. If the company has an issue on the server side, their website may temporarily shut down which would mean you could be left without access to your files. This is why the best course of action is to use a combination of both local and cloud-based backups of your data to fit every situation.
Recovering Lost Data
If you do suffer from some kind of data disaster, recovering this information can not only be a time-consuming procedure, but also a very costly one. While cloud-based services like Microsoft’s OneDrive will keep your deleted files stored for one year, if you suffer from a corrupted HDD you’ll be left to third-party software and professional maintenance experts to try and reclaim the files. These services are often priced at a large premium because they know the value of people’s data in the modern age. If you have any sensitive information that’s unique to your business, though, it’s in your company’s interest to do all you can to recover them.
Ever had to deal with a data disaster? Tell us your stories in the comments below.
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