Top Three Causes of Losing Data for an Average Computer User

Read More About Data Recovery

Have you ever thought, why do computers crash? What are the possible reasons that may lead to a data loss disaster? Are all the computer crashes essentially the same? Is there anything that could be done to minimize data loss accidents? Finding the answers to these questions will not only augment your knowledge, but, will provide you with a new understanding regarding your PC and the way it works. In this article we will discuss the top three causes that often lead to data loss catastrophes. The main three causes of losing data for an average user are:

1) Failure of Operating System

The operating system is the main program that is responsible for running all the other programs and applications on any computer. Every computer has an operating system. An operating system performs multiple tasks such as controlling and coordinating the various input and output devices such as keyboards and monitors, controlling the disk drives and printers and tracking the files and directories. The operating system in a computer ensures that all the other programs run smoothly, without any interference from each other. It is also responsible for major security aspects in a computer. There exists various types of operating systems and the operating system you choose for your computer determines the type of programs that can be run on it. The most commonly used operating systems are Windows and DOS. The user interacts with the operating system using a set of commands. The part of the operating system known as the Command Processor accepts these commands and executes them. Any fault in or failure of the operating system could lead to a major data disaster.

2) Logical Errors

Logical errors usually occur owing to a file system corruption. This may happen due to various reasons such a virus attack, deletion of important files and folders by mistake, power surge or electro-static discharge. Logical errors are often the outcome of a fault in the program design. Due to this fault, the given program may respond incorrectly to the user’s commands or may completely crash leading to the loss of data. Almost 7 percent of all the computer failures occur due to the logical errors. Logical errors can often be amended using the data recovery software. However, if the things get complicated, one may have to solicit the services of some data recovery professional.

3) Hardware Errors

Nearly 78 percent of the data disasters occur due to the hardware malfunctioning. The hardware errors can be further subdivided into two subcategories i.e.:

a) Mechanical Failure

A mechanical failure often occurs due to damage to the internal components of a hard disk, owing to which the data may become inaccessible. A mechanical failure may often occur due to various reasons such as a strong impact, exposure to high temperature or excessive moisture or mishandling. The most notorious of the mechanical failures is the hard drive crash in which the read/write heads of a hard disk land on the data storing surface of its platters. Mechanical failure may also occur due to a faulty air filter. All the hard drives are fitted with an air filter that equalizes the atmospheric pressure and humidity, both inside and outside the drive. Sometimes due to a faulty air filter, an entrapped dust particle may land on the hard drive platter, causing a crash. Occasionally the hard drive motor may fail, causing a mechanical failure. The most common symptom of a mechanical failure is a ticking or clicking sound made by a drive. Mechanical failures often lead to massive data loss. No attempt should be made to repair the hard drive on your own and immediately some good data recovery company must be contacted to retrieve the lost data.

b) Electronic Failure

Electronic failure is caused by some damage to the electronic components of a hard drive. Each hard drive is fitted with an electronic controller board. This controller board may get damaged due to a power spike or an electrical surge. In such a situation the hard drive may refuse to spin, when turned on and may act dead. In case of electronic failures, almost 100 percent data recovery is possible, if executed by a skilled technician.

Thus we see that a computer is bound to fail at one time or another. Hence, all the valuable data must be meticulously backed up on a regular basis.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and Computer Forensics see www.fieldsassociates.co.uk

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Data Recovery Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Computers | Data Recovery

Our other websites
All about SEO
Beauty Tips Forum

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Link Us
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Sitemap

New Stuff
About Us
Developer
Good shopping portal
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service