Hard Drive Data Recovery

If you use a HDD with a decent amount of time, there is a good chance someone has told you that data stored on the HDD is not exactly safe. It is definitely true.

The fact that unlike tapes or CDs or other methods of storage, hard drives are mechanical, active devices and are thus subject to comparatively rapid breakdown.

The real threats to hard drives are the people who use them. Working as a computer tech during the glory days of Windows XP, you get rather used to using FDISK and other hard drive utilities to prepare and repair customer’s drives, which leads to certain over confidence.

Picture this if you will; there are two or three sentences and a screen shot away from finishing a 5000+ word article on computer upgrades. All we should do was fire up FDISK on a dual boot Windows PC system and grab a few screen shots. Write a little blurb on how to partition a drive, making sure to tell the readers not to mess with FDISK if they were not sure what they were doing…

Anyway, wanted to get some more screen shots of the actual partitioning screen, but you did not have a blank hard drive handy. You can use my NTFS formatted XP drive (which FDISK perceived as a blank drive) to start the “process,” grab the screen shots and then cancel the partitioning.

Except for one little thing
FDISK, in the process of checking the disk before it prompts you for the size of the partition, writes information to certain areas of the hard drive. This data writes over whatever might have been there before. Meanwhile, there I was, watching the ‘%complete’ counter and wondering why a little red warning flag kept going off in brain? Restarted WinXP and waited for it to boot, and waited… and waited…

The hard drive that suffered the data loss was a 1TB Hitachi drive with two 5Gb XP NTFS partitions (Home and Professional) and 6Gb of unused space. Both XP partition were unbootable after the incident.

After transferring the drive to a Windows 2000 computer, then use disk manager, (to load disk manager on XP or 2000, right click ‘my computer’ select ‘manage’ then ‘disk manager’) this is what I saw.

The Primary partition where my 5000+ word article was saved, is seen as unformatted and cannot be read by the OS. The second XP partition could not be booted, but was seen as formatted and I could transfer files easily from it using explorer.

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What is the CMOS memory?

CMOS Memory CMOS is an abbreviation for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. CMOS uses a complimentary arrangement of both NMOS and PMOS, negative and positive Metal Oxide transistor circuits. CMOS memory draws very little current (nano-Amps). Values stored in it can be maintained for very a long period of time while the computer is off with a rechargeable lithium battery. The CMOS memory is used to store system configuration information, such as disk drive parameters, memory configuration, and the date-time, some of which you enter in the CMOS Setup program, . It is used by the Basic Input Output System (BIOS), a program permanently stored in the flash memory on recent motherboards and in read-only memory (ROM) on older motherboards, to configure the computer. The CMOS Setup is part of the BIOS program. The CMOS memory is usually located with the real-time clock in the motherboard chipset or in a separate real-time clock chip. It is located in the chipset on most recent motherboards. For example, the CMOS memory is located in the VT82C596B Southbridge chip in the VIA MVP3C chipset on the Epox MVP3G2 Super7 Motherboard and in the AMD-756 Southbridge in the AMD-750 chipset on the MSI MS-6167 Athlon motherboard.

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Why You Should Own A Laptop?

Here are the 10 reasons why you should own a laptop

1. Better resale value.

hp laptop notebook PCs hold little resale value – but laptops hold a lot more. Even if you own a Mac, the Macbook will always sell later for more than the desktop
version.

2. Portable.

When I say portable I’m not necessarily referring to sitting in a Panera Bread click-clacking away with their free wi-fi (although you could). Portable can be as simple as bringing it elsewhere in your house or apartment/flat. Sit down in your easy chair or couch, watch the game and surf the ‘net? Sure, why not?

3. Space-saver.

One does not know the joy of owning a laptop until you put it on the computer
desk and then realize all the space you get back. All you have is the laptop and possibly an external mouse and pad. That’s it.

4. Energy-saver.

Laptops use far less energy than desktop PCs do.

5. Easier keyboards.

Laptops use short profile keys with a scissor-style spring underneath. Your typing speed will increase almost instantly. And after using one for a while, going back to the desktop feels old and clunky compared to the super-easy laptop keys. Additionally, the place where the trackpad is serves as a built-in wrist rest, so it’s also ergonomically sound.

6. Better LCD screen.

More often than not the LCD screen on a laptop is far superior to your desktop LCD monitor. The colors look more true, gradients don’t “fuzz” and it has a more crisp picture.

7. Easier to work on.

Most laptops only require one screw to remove the hard drive or RAM. After that it’s literally pop in/pop out to upgrade. It doesn’t get any easier.

8. Proprietary architecture means everything works better.

The vast majority of laptops are very proprietary. This means there is no guesswork as to whether the unit will function properly or not. Even Linux “likes” laptops better because it absolutely knows what to expect, so to speak.

9. Easy-access USB.

Most laptops have 4 USB ports (two on the side, two on the back) and are in easy reach.

10. It’s not a throw-away computer.

This goes back to point 1. The laptop is more or less the only type of computer you can buy where you know it will sell later when it’s time to get rid of it. Even if you have an older laptop with a busted optical drive, someone will still buy it because of what it is. Older desktop PCs on the other hand turn into paperweights that you can’t sell for a decent price no matter what.

Here are the opposite reasons why you should avoid a laptop

David M:

Here are the exactly opposite post, reasons to avoid laptops:

The reasons I don’t own a laptop….

1. They are not upgradable, not like a desktop.

2. You cannot fit two high end graphics cards in SLI in them.

3. I enjoy building computers. You cant really build and totally customize your own laptop.

Raul:

I don’t like laptops because if something goes wrong, you have to send them back to the manufacturer or whoever you bought the warranty (extended) from.

That can usually take days or weeks (Best Buy)

If you don’t buy the expensive warranty, then you end up paying expensive fees, for example, on the monitor, you will most likely pay 400us+ to get the replacement plus any labor fees.

If you want to do it yourself, the parts are delicate and hard to access.

There is also the problems with getting video card drivers, well for Windows anyways, where if your driver has a problem, you can’t just go to Nvidia’s site and download an updated version. You must wait for your manufacturer to update it, this is for everything, like BIOS and other essential drivers that on a desktop, you can normally find easily.

That is why between work and home, I use a LAN party computer, the Sugo SG05 case, with the Zotac 9300 Mini-ITX motherboard and slot loading drive. I have a quad core CPU and 4 GB of RAM. Also using a laptop drive. And it has a handle and is very light.

I’m not saying this thing does not have any disadvantages and that laptops are bad, but unless you get an HP or a Lenovo Thinkpad, in my experience, you are going to have a lot of trouble. Stay away from Gateway (bad drivers, sorry build quality) Acer (overheated for my brother in law, has to open up every month to blow out dust accumulations from bad laptop design).

Felice:

I was about to write an exactly opposite post… good reasons to avoid laptops!
Some examples:
– They cost twice as much for the same performance
– Difficult/impossible to repair due to components integration
– Difficult/impossible to upgrade for space reasons
– Memory, HDD etc upgrades are also more expensive
– Hard Disks are usually slower
– More difficult to find Linux support for the hardware
– Worse, not better LCD screens. And smaller.
– After the 1st year, batteries become a problem.
– And batteries are an expensive replacement
– Fewer USB, serial and other connections available
– Impossible to build your own
…and so on…

Steven:

I don’t have anything against laptops (in fact I even own a laptop, in addition to my desktop), but I need to dispute some of these points.

Point 1, The resale value of (at least PC based) laptops generally revolves around the entry price for laptops (regular laptops, not netbooks) still being higher than desktops, so people are willing to pay more for a used one. Laptops are also usually sold earlier in life because, due to the lesser power and more complex hardware, they generally have a shorter useful life expectancy, at least to the first owner (more on that in counterpoints 7 and 8).

Point 2, When laptops are left as laptops, then yes, they are obviously far more portable than any desktop. However, when people try to use a laptop as a replacement for a desktop, by the time they are finished plugging in their power cord, printer, scanner, external hard drive(s), and in some situations, keyboards, mice, and external monitors, the “portability” of the laptop has been almost completely voided.

Point 3, See point two. Generally yes, a laptop as a laptop doesn’t take up nearly as much room as a desktop, but when used as a desktop they take can up just as much space, if not more because you pretty much loose the option to put the laptop on the floor.

Point 4, This one is true. While a high powered “gaming” and desktop replacement laptops can use as much power as a modest desktop system, for the most part a laptop will use less power than a desktop.

Point 5 is completely a matter of opinion. For the most part, yes, easier to press keys will help with RSI, though this can be achieved on a desktop keyboard with mechanical switches. But, in either case, it won’t necessarily help you type faster, and definitely not immediately. A lot of people have a trouble adjusting to the different feel of laptop keyboards, and generally end up getting an separate keyboard anyway. Also, how ergonomically sound it it is depends more on how your sitting and holding your wrists then how the keyboard is designed. A laptop keyboard with the “built-in wrist rest” isn’t necessarily any better than a desktop keyboard with a wrist rest. Also, In order to get a number pad on a laptop keyboard, you generally need to get a fairly large laptop, which starts to affect portability.

Point 6, if by “Better” you mean lower dot-pitch, then yes laptop monitors are generally “better”. But for the most part, a halfway decent desktop LCD monitor will trounce a laptop monitor in response time, color reproduction, backlight uniformity, viewing angle, and, of course, size. Also, using a super high resolution laptop screen set to it’s highest resolution can be really hard on your eyes and the penalty switching to a non-native resolution on an LCD screen destroys any picture quality gained by the lower dot-pitch. Because of this, a lot of people end up using their laptops with external monitors anyway, which also voids the benefits of point 3.

Point 7, sure if all you want to do is change your RAM, hard drive, or CD drive a laptop is marginally easier to work with than a proprietary desktop. But, usually changing anything else means dismantling half the laptop. What if your monitor dies, what if the CPU fan stops working, motherboard or processor fries, etc… All of those scenarios are much more easily fixed in a desktop. Also, what if you want to add another hard drive to your laptop, upgrade your video card, add a sound card. It’s pretty much impossible to do any of that in most laptops. A lot of DIY desktops are much easier to work with as well, with tool-less PCI slots, hard drive bays, and 5.25″ drive bays, not to mention cases that have removable mother board trays.

Point 8, Most of the reliability problems I have had can be traced to a specific piece of hardware or a driver problems, not usually the interaction between them. I have had these kinds of problems in both laptops and desktops. In my experience once hardware problems are worked out, both laptops and desktops are extremely reliable these days. And, on an individual basis, quality desktop components are generally more reliable than their micro-sized counterparts, thanks to heavier gauge wire, thicker traces, larger electrical components, and heavier duty mechanical parts, which all comes together to give them longer life expectancy.

Point 9, Most LCD monitors have USB hubs built in, and almost all desktops have front or top USB ports that are easily accessible regardless of if your computer is on the floor or on the desk.

Point 10, While a lot of people do simply dispose of or sell their old desktops (and laptops) when they are finished with them, desktops are far more powerful than laptops, which makes them more versatile later in life. When combined with the more reliable parts, easier maintenance, and longer life expectancy, desktops are far easier to re purpose as a file server, HTPC, guest computer, computer for kitchen, etc….

I’m not saying people should not own laptops, but I don’t think they should really be used as a primary system for most people. Laptops are really good when used as a laptop, such as light usage while laying on the couch watching TV, moving around the house, or traveling. But if your going to do even remotely heavy computing, it’s generally more comfortable to work at a desk with a desktop-style setup.

Not long ago I bought a HP Laptop Notebook, I use it every day, write blog, do the design, and development. It is indeed a lot of convenience except for the mouse.

What is your options then?

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Imation Launches DataGuard Backup Appliances

Imation Launches DataGuard Backup AppliancesDataGuard R4 and T5R appliances are suitable for many cloud-storage APIs, including individuals from Amazon . com S3, Dropbox and OpenStack-based cloud companies.

Scalable-storage and data-security company Imation Corp. (New york stock exchange: IMN) introduced purpose-built backup appliances designed to enable small , midsized companies (SMBs) to safeguard their information with multiple amounts of data protection from one backup infrastructure. The DataGuard Model R4 and Model T5R appliances use hard disk drives, detachable RDX disk tubes, replication and cloud storage to deliver data protection for budget-conscious companies. The appliances can be found through Imation’s network of funnel partners.

Using DataGuard R4 or T5R appliances, SMBs can replicate data to another DataGuard appliance at another site or to store off-site on RDX detachable disks. DataGuard appliances also integrate with existing backup and disaster recovery infrastructure, including most backup programs. Additionally, onsite copies are made to enable fast full reinstates to meet recovery-time objectives and off-site copies help ensure quick disaster recovery.

“Imation’s DataGuard appliances are the main thing on addressing the main concerns that SMBs have about safeguarding their data, by enabling customers to make the most of the backup infrastructure they presently have in position, Imation supplies a media-agnostic solution for customers to solve their backup challenges nowadays while serving as a bridge to safeguarding and storing their data within the cloud tomorrow.” stated Jerome Wendt, lead analyst and leader at storage analyst and talking to firm DCIG.

DataGuard R4 and T5R appliances are suitable for many cloud-storage APIs, including individuals from Amazon . com S3, Dropbox and OpenStack-based cloud companies. When a cloud backup is seeded by shuttling RDX tubes, DataGuard supports remote backup copies, and SMBs can automate protection since data backup to cloud storage is carried out with no human intervention once it’s initially set up.

“Cloud is extremely compelling, however the initial data to a cloud service encounters very real limitations – large levels of data and limited bandwidth, this initial transfer – known as cloud seeding – can take days over a web connection, with respect to the data footprint. Imation’s DataGuard appliances eliminate this problem, as clients can physically transport an RDX cartridge to a cloud provider for initial seeding, and integrated software handles periodic inspections to make sure the cloud backup is current.” stated Ian Williams, v . p . of worldwide marketing and product management at Imation.

“Many SMBs are intrigued by cloud computing and comprehend the cost and operational efficiencies that cloud storage can deliver, but struggle to incorporate cloud to their existing backup infrastructure,Imation’s DataGuard solution provides a gateway to the cloud, enabling SMBs to easily safeguard their valuable data.” stated Bill Schilling, director, scalable storage marketing, Imation.

The organization also lately released Imation LTO Tape Libraries as well as provides Imation InfiniVault multi-tiered data-archive appliances and Imation RDX detachable hard-disk storage.

Imation Corp: http://www.imation.com/en-US/

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Are Seagate and Maxtor External drives hot swappable?

External Drives Hot Swap Yes, with the following recommendations:

Never unplug any eSATA, 1394, or USB device that is being actively accessed by the operating system (such as during a file copy).

  • Unplugging a device while it is being used may result in a system crash and the loss of the ability to recover the data already written to the drive.
  • For Macintosh – If you want to unplug an External Drive you must first drag the mounted drive icon to the trash to dismount it. After the drive is dismounted then it can be unplugged.
    For Windows – If you wish to disconnect an External Drive, you must use the “Safely Remove”  or “Unplug and Eject Hardware” utility located in the Windows Task Bar ( identified by the Green Arrow Icon located close to the clock on your desktop).
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Tips For Choosing Hard Drive Backup Software

Hard Drive Backup Software Hard drives fail. Operating systems crash. And then there are all those spammers and hackers. As a computer user, you need backup software. Backup software is a kind of insurance policy for your important data. If you back up your files on a regular basis, you won’t have to worry about losing all of your hard work and precious data if your hard drive fails.

Data backup is more critical than ever before, especially for small businesses where data losses can damage the bottom line. The best backup software is both reliable and customizable, allowing you to customize and automate the data backup process.

Before You Buy Hard Drive Backup Software

1. Match the Software
Different users (home user, home office, small business, large business) have different needs. Backup software that’s a perfect fit for one user may be totally wrong for another. If it’s too difficult to use, you’ll find too many reasons not to use it.

Businesses may need to back up data from multiple operating systems, and from users and computers that are spread across a number of locations. Home and home office users usually only have one or a few computers to worry about, so they can choose backup software that has a fairly straightforward set of features.

2. Try It Before You Buy It
Many software developers offer trial versions of their software. In many cases, these are fully-functioning versions of the software that stop working after a specified period of time, usually 15 to 30 days.

When you find a program that sounds interesting, download the demo and put it through its paces. You should be able to install the program easily, create a simple backup, and restore from the backup, without spending a lot of time reading manuals or help files. Don’t overlook the manual or help files, though; they explain important features, such as backup types, schedules, compression, and restoration.

3. Backup Media
The three most popular types of backup media for home and home office users are hard drives, optical media (such as CDs or DVDs), and online file storage services. Hard drives have fallen so much in price in recent years that they have become both the easiest and the most economical method of storage.

Online file storage is an attractive option, because you can access your files from anywhere. But it can take a long time to back up data to or restore data from a remote location, and most services charge a monthly fee. In addition, you never know whether the service might suddenly go out of business.

4. Backup Types: Full and Incremental
The first time you back up your data you perform a full backup. Full backups can take a long time to perform, because of the amount of data being backed up.

Incremental backups only back up the data that is new or has changed since the last time you performed a backup of the same data. Incremental backups are faster to perform, but can be slower when it comes time to restore files, because you may need to restore the full backup and all subsequent incremental backups, before you get to the data you need. For this reason, it’s a good idea to perform a new, full backup once a week, and incremental backups daily.

5. Backup Types: Archival
An archival backup is different than a normal backup, because the data is permanent and doesn’t change. An archive is a snapshot of data at a specific moment in time. Optical media (CDs and DVDs) are the most popular media for archival backups, because they’re inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to catalog and store.

Home office users use optical media to store monthly or yearly backups of their business data, for easy retrieval at tax time. Home users might store family photos or other important files on optical media.

You can use backup software to archive data or archive the data manually, as needed.

6. Shopping Tips
If you plan to use backup software with optical media, make sure the software can handle it on its own. Some software requires other software to burn the data to a CD or DVD; this is fine if you already have that other software.

Most backup software can compress data while it writes to the backup media. This helps reduce the size of the backup, so it takes up less space. It’s best if the software uses a standard compression format (or no compression at all, if you don’t need it). If it uses a proprietary compression scheme, you may need to reinstall your OS and the backup software before you can restore your data.

Top Hard Drive Backup Software

  • 2BrightSparks SyncBackSE Backup Software
  • EMC Dantz Retrospect Professional Backup Software
  • Norton Ghost Backup Software
  • Acronis True Image Backup Software
  • BounceBack Professional Backup Software

These are selection of top backup softwares for small business users that meets the criteria and will give you the data backup protection you need.

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