Data Loss Prevention Guide

• Data & File Recovery
• Understanding Data Loss
• Recovering Lost Data

Data loss is preventable.

The following recommendations can almost eliminate the chance of loosing data.

• Always work on temporary files or copies.
  No matter what kind of media your data is stored on, never edit (open) the only copy you have. Always copy the original file to a temporary highly reliable location (the Desktop is perfect for this use) and edit that copy.

  This as many advantages. Open files, for example, are more at risk than closed ones. So, maintaining a closed copy of each file is safest. Many programs have a backup feature, but this address different safety issues.

• Never work on second class media.
  Second class media includes but is not limited to all removable media, such as Floppy Disks, Zip and Jazz Disks, and CD-ROMs. These media are more prone to data loss that fist class media -- Hard Disk Drives and Network Storage (Network Home Directory). Even Network Storage has some disadvantages when compared to local Hard Disk Drives.

  This issue is actually addressed in the previous guideline. It deserves special mention, however, because it is a leading cause of data loss. If you always edit copies of your data files, just make sure the copies are on the Hard Disk Drive.

• Make regular backups of your data files.