Greatest Causes of Data Loss
You can lose data from your computer for a wide variety of reasons, but there are a few that stand out more than the rest. If you can take the necessary steps to avoid the following reasons, you can minimize your chances of losing valuable information, files, images, and video from your computer. Here are the most common reasons for data loss.
Accidental Deletion
Practically everyone has hit the delete button and either instantly recognized their mistake or found out that they really needed those files. While even the best, most diligent person will occasionally delete something that turns out they need, you can avoid this situation simply by having a good backup system in place.
Damage
Because the hard drive contains moving parts, it can be damaged which prevents you from retrieving the data. While some hard drives fail with no warning, others give off a loud sound or vibration before they crash, so itโs best to shut off the computer when this occurs and get it repaired. Even the best hard drives will fail after a certain time, so you should replace them every five years or when they give off signs of failing.
Malware & Virus
Another common way forย data loss is to have your computer compromised by malware and viruses that do damage to the software systems. Some viruses and malware may take away a little or a lot of information depending on their severity. The good news is that putting in good security software combined with smart practices can help minimize the chances of your computer becoming infected. So, put in some good security, do not open email or files you cannot verify, and have good backup systems in place in case the worst should occur.
Spilling Liquid
Another common way to lose data is spilling your coffee, pop, water, or other liquid on the computer itself which may damage the operational system. This is especially true for laptops where the internal components are right underneath the keyboard and vulnerable to damage. In this case, other than never having any liquids around your computer, this is the type of accident that may be nearly impossible to prevent. Backing up your information is the best course of action.
Power Failure
There are few things as annoying as just finishing a long article or writing a document and just before you can save it, the power crashes. A power failure can rob you of the information you have worked on which leads to frustration and perhaps more. However, many programs automatically save information frequently, so that the loss is hopefully minimal. But there are times in which a power failure can be more damaging to the computer itself and create bad situations in terms of rebooting the device. Power backups are the obvious solution as they prevent the computer from losing power and act as a power surge protector so that bursts of electricity do not damage the components.
Other common ways to lose data include having your computer stolen or fire which can greatly damage the hard drives. In all cases, having good backup systems that automatically save your information frequently is the best course of prevention.
