- Always back up your important data.
Keep a copy of your important data
offsite.
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- Avoid data loss and program file
corruption. Always exit Windows by
shutting down properly. Avoid turning
the power off with programs running.
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- Do not move or jar the computer while it
is on and the drive is running.
This includes resisting the urge to
"kick" your computer when it
stops working or locks up right in the
middle of an important project.
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- Allow adequate space around your computer
to enhance cooling. Do not block
the airflow around your computer.
Excessive heat can cause drive failure
and data corruption.
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- Keep sources of electromagnetic radiation
(such as a monitor) and magnets away
from your computer. It may cause
corruption to the data stored on your
hard drive.
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- Operate your computer in a comfortable
atmosphere. In other words if you
are comfortable with the temperature in
your computer room chances are the
temperature is appropriate for your
drive.
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- Data compression schemes make it more
difficult to recover data in the event
of a drive failure. If you use
compression - be sure to backup your
data.
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- Data backups (to any device) are only
good if they have been tested. Be
sure you know how your backup software
works and have become familiar with the
restore procedure. I recommend
that a small test backup be performed
and then the data restored to its
original location on your hard drive in
order to become familiar with the
operation of your backup device.
If you use tape, remember that it has a
"shelf life" and should be
checked regularly to ensure that the
data can be restored.
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- Never reformat your hard disk drive
without first ensuring that you have a
copy of the backup software used to
perform the backup. Without that
software you may not be able to restore
your data.
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- While working with your programs - use
the "Save" option
frequently. The more recent the
last "save" the less work you
will have to redo in the event of a
system failure or lockup.
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- BACK UP DATA REGULARLY. It is not a
question of if you will need to restore
your data it is only a matter of when
will you need to restore your data!!!
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