Since experienced data loss incident, I learn not only usually use Mozy backup files, but also extract something from the Internet of prevention tips.
1. Never store your documents on the same drive as your operating system
While most word processing system will save your files in the My Documents folder, this is the worst place for them. Whether it is a virus or software failure, the majority of computer problems affect the operating system, and oftentimes the only solution is to reformat the drive and reinstall the operating system. In such an instance, everything on the drive will be lost.
2. Back up your files regularly, no matter where they’re stored
Just storing your files in a different location than your operating system isn’t enough; you need to create regular backups of your files, and let’s face it, even your back up is subject to failure: cds get scratched, hard drives break, and floppies get erased.
It makes sense to increase your odds of being able to retrieve a file by having a second back up of it; if the data is truly important, you might even want to think about storing a backup in a fireproof vault.My advice is to do multiple backups, burn a dvd rom, simultaneously using Mozy to back up online.
3. Beware of email attachments
Even if you’re certain they don’t contain viruses, email attachments can cause you to lose data. Think about it: if you receive a document with the same name as one on your drive, and your email software is set to save attachments in the same location, you run the risk of overwriting the file that’s already there. This often happens when you’re collaborating on a document and send it via email.
So be sure you set your email program to save attachments in a unique location, or, barring that, make sure you think twice before saving an email attachment on your hard drive.
4. Beware of user error
We don’t like to admit it, but we often engineer our own problems. Make the best of safeguards included in your word processor, such as versioning features and tracked changes. A common way users lose data is when they’re editing a document and accidentally delete portions — after the document is saved, the portions that are changed or deleted are lost unless you’ve enabled features that will store changes for you.
If you don’t want to mess with the advanced features, use the F12 key before you start working to save the file under a different name. It isn’t as organized as some of the other methods, but it is a useful trick nonetheless.
5. Keep hardcopies of your documents
While it won’t prevent you from having to typewrite and format your document again, a having a hardcopy will at least ensure you have the contents of the file — and that’s better than having nothing at all!
