August 26, 2014
Keeping data intact is crucial for every company, and learning how to increase care for data storage components like hard drives is an important element of IT operations. Although hard drives are becoming increasingly obsolete, some companies still prefer them to cloud technology. For these companies, it’s especially crucial to extend the life of the hard drive to keep data safe.
Choose a Reliable System
To avoid losing data – one of the most frustrating (and often devastating) experiences for any business – it’s important to choose reliable hardware. The latest magnetic disk and solid-state storage devices are well-built for heavy use, but they’re not indestructible. Do some shopping around, read reviews, and decide which one will ensure the best data protection in the long term. Reliability, according to Google, depends on make and model. If one of your drives fails, assume the rest will too, and update your systems accordingly.
Proper Power Management
As with any technological device, your business’ hard drives need breaks from constant running. Turn off and unplug external hard drives whenever the computer is not in use. Proper hardware connection to the computer is equally as important. Your company’s computers should be connected to a high-quality, uninterrupted power supply (UPS), avoiding damage by using built-in surge protection from circumstances such as storms. This system will turn all your equipment off – safely – during an outage.
Handle with Care
Always, always, always handle your computer, portable hardware, and external hard disks with care. Don’t move them around or bang them against other things, whether they are in use or not. Your hard drive may have a high “shock rating” – but who wants to risk that? Imagine your external hard drives are made of thin glass casings enveloping deadly poison – that’s how careful you should be.
Your best bet is to use a soft case when traveling to avoid impact. Keep it on a flat, nonslip surface while in use. Never unplug the device without properly ejecting with the “Remove USB Device” option on your computer. This will properly shut down your drive without damaging any of the file structure.
Does your business have a handle on its data? Are your IT capabilities ready for anything? Do you need help knowing what to back up and when? At ITS, Inc., we offer extensive IT staff augmentation services for businesses of all sizes. Contact us today to learn more.
Thanks for reading,
Rob Connary, President - COO
