Storing files on a personal computer or server or external hard drive is a routine habit that receives little if any after thought. After the data is stored on the computer, in many cases it is not given any additional consideration in regards to its availability or integrity. The data stored in the computer actually resides on a device known as a hard drive mounted inside the machine. This device which can be mechanical or memory based has an average life span of three to five years. For this reason, it is to any user’s benefit to consider storing your information securely in either the could or an external device in addition to the computer for added redundancy. Because although the average life span of a hard drive is between three to five years, many hard drives will fail well before that period creating a situation that could result in unexpected data loss.
Larry Clark
Senior Engineer, GALINNO Technology Solutions