A Primer on Solid State Drives
In these modern ages, people who own desktop or laptop computers no longer want to wait for their devices to boot up in the same amount of time it takes to make a cup of brewed coffee, bake a batch of cookies or watch the grass turn brown. Starting the hard drive means to rev it up to retrieve your data. If you want your computer to get started faster, there is something for you. Solid state drives (SSDs) present the best solution for your problem.
An SSD is a data storage gadget which uses a solid state memory when containing data. It utilizes microchips to store data in a non-volatile memory chip. SSD is also more resistant to physical shocks, have lower access time, lower latency and are definitely silent. On the downside, SSD costs more per gigabyte.
Most SSDs have NAND-based flash memory that has the capacity to store data even without power. On the other hand, SSDs with volatile RAM (random access memory) also exist to provide faster access for situations that do not need data persistence after power is lost. Hybrid drives that combine the features of an SSD and HDD into one are also available to improve the performance of the files that are frequently accessed by the user.
Some users of the SSD claim that the experience can be likened to replacing an old car with a new one. Solid-state drives contains no moving parts so there is no need for you to wait for the dither of the drive heads to carry out commands or the disks to spin. SSDs consume less amount of power, making its battery life longer and the computers cooler.
Though the solid-state drives have existed for many decades already, these devices were not practical and affordable until 2008 when major companies such as Toshiba, Samsung, Intel, Corsair, OCZ and Kingston started selling SSDs for just $10 per gigabyte. Since then, prices have gone down, making the SSD more accessible and cheaper for everyone.
Because of this, the sales of solid-state drives have increased throughout the years. According to International Data Corporation analyst Jeffrey Janukowicz, the revenue went up by 150% last year and it is expected to double within the year. Intel, one of the leading companies selling SSDs, began creating the devices because the hard drives were not able to keep up with the increasing speeds of their computer processors.
It is about time to switch to a solid-state drive to make your life better and to take advantage of a faster boot time.
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Choosing the Best Online Backup Services For You
The importance of backing up your files can never be stressed enough. But, as they say, one can never be too careful. Even though you regularly create back-ups for your laptop or computer, wouldn’t you feel a lot secured if you get online backup services? Having a backup online would mean that your files will be kept safe even if your physical backup gets corrupted or unexpectedly fails. But with a great number of companies offering backup services online, how do you find the best? This is certainly a hard question to answer but it doesn’t mean you should burden yourself with the selection process. By paying attention to certain points, deciding which internet backup services to get will become much easier and less daunting.
Scheduled or Continuous Backup?
Backup services online are offered in two methods – scheduled and continuous backup. With scheduled backup, you will have full control over what should be backed up and when it should be done. Continuous backup, meanwhile, means you can choose individual files that should be monitored constantly and backed up every time changes are made.
Data Protection
Know what kind of data protection is employed by the backup services you wish to get. Encrypted backups ensure that the information stored will be fully secured. This means that you don’t have to worry about your files or information getting stolen, especially if it contains sensitive company information.
Monthly Rate
Cost of online back up services vary greatly depending on the company in which you choose to acquire the service. Monthly rate can range from as low as $4 up to $10, depending on the features being offered by the backup service company online.
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Reliability Of Hard Drives vs Flash Drives
Various types of storage devices have been developed and are now widely sold in the market; two of the most popularly used include the hard drives and flash drives. But which is the best when it comes to reliability? Other people prefer using hard drives, but there are also those you have already turn to the more portable flash drives. Let’s have a closer look on the reliability offered by both the flash and hard drives to help you choose the one that will best satisfy your computer storage needs.
Let’s begin with the HDD. Compared to hard disk drives produced 25 years ago, the ones created today are far more reliable. However, they remain as the weakest component of the computer system. Even though HDDs these days are now capable of storing more data, their bigger storage capacity does not automatically translates to enhanced reliability. Good news is that, there are now plenty of ways to prevent the unexpected loss of precious data from your hard disk drive, this can be done by regularly backing up your computer. There are basically three factors that directly affect a hard drive’s reliability — vibration, overclocking and temperature.
Temperature plays a very big role in boosting the reliability of your hard disk drive. Knowing that, it is very important that you keep your computer well-ventilated and dust-free. You should also ensure that the computer fan is working properly to avoid heat from building up inside the CPU casing like you learned in phlebotomy training classes. Periodically dust off the insides of your CPU to encourage proper airflow. Vibration can also affect an HDD’s reliability. This is especially true in laptops. As much as possible, you should not subject your laptop from too much external vibration. This can add more stress on the hard drive’s protection system and might eventually cause it to crash. Those who like overclocking their processor, meanwhile, should know that they are generating more heat than ever inside their CPU enclosure when they do so. Therefore, proper ventilation must be maintained when you overclock your computer’s processor. Knowing that you have to make sure that computer fans and vents are always clear of dust.
Flash drives, on the other hand, are the preferred storage device of those who are always on the go. Instead of bringing the entire laptop, you can just save the file or document you need on the flash drive and just plug it on any available USB hub.
Flash drives are made to be rewritable and removable. They weigh less than an ounce so they are very light to carry. Last September, 256 GB flash drives have been introduced. Plans of 2 TB flash drives are currently on the works. This storage device is known to have longer shelf-life and can allow up to 100,000 write and erase cycles depending on the memory chip used. In terms of reliability, cases of faulty flash drives have been increasing as of late. Reasons for flash drive malfunction vary from misuse to poorly manufactured units. Moreover, flash drives can only sustain limited write and erase cycles compared to hard disk drives. They are also a common tool used to spread computer viruses, mainly because most flashdrives do not come with a write-protect mechanism.
In conclusion, both storage devices – the hard disk drives and flash drives – have their own strengths and weaknesses. In terms of reliability, they both have their high and low points. Whatever type of storage device you choose to use, it is critical that you pick one that will be able to fully satisfy your computer storage needs.
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Proper Care and Feeding for Disk Drives
Even if hard drives are not as fragile as floppy disks they are still not indispensable. Hard drives are sealed inside metal cases, which makes it more resistant to liquids and dust unlike the floppy disks. But not being able to take care of it properly would mean losing a lot of the valuable data in it.
There are two major ways to damage or worse, to completely lose all data in the disk drive. One is by knocking the computer off a surface and dropping it on the floor. Second is by moving your computer unnecessarily for one area to another. Keep in mind that not all hard disks are made equal. Some are made to be more sensitive than the others.
A common hard drive malfunction is known as the head crash. This happens when your computer falls on the floor. This causes a permanent damage on your drives. There is an essential gap between the read/write heads and the disk surface. If this space would have any encounter with any type of particle, the system would go berserk. When your disk drive crashes, the read/write heads fall into the disk itself. This is what happens when the disk drive encounters a head crash.
So how do you take care of your hard disk drive?
- Do not move your computer unnecessarily from one place to another.
- Be sure to regularly back up all your files. In case an inevitable system crash happens, your data is still safe.
- Pack your computer in its original packaging if in case you are going to relocate your office.
- The most important of all, never drop your computer. This will not only harm your hard disk but the entire unit.
Over time, it is normal for your computer to accumulate numerous fragmented files. Files are fragmented to make sure that there is ample amount of space for the succeeding files that would be saved in the disk. Defragmenting your files on a scheduled basis will ensure its efficiency. It is just easy to defragment your files; in fact, Windows already has built-in applications for defragmenting your disk.
Another way that can help you care for your disk drive is by running scan disk. This utility makes it possible to search for errors and clean them as they are detected. This will render your computer more efficient, as files that are causing problems are corrected with the scan disk.
Caring for CD/DVD Drives
CD/DVD ROMs allow a user to store huge amount of data and information in a CD/DVD. It can be installed inside the system or attached via a special plug. It is ideal for storing applications, which require a huge amount of space, such as multimedia applications.
CD/DVD ROMs are susceptible to certain hazards such as dust and liquid, and even fingerprints. Special care should be taken when handling them, especially the area near the middle. Remember that this is where the valuable data are encoded.
The proper way to hold CDs/DVDs is by holding them along the edges or putting your finger in the hole found in the middle. Meanwhile, the best way to clean CD/DVD drives is by wiping them with a soft cotton cloth from the center out. When cleaning CD and DVD, it is highly advised that you use a specialized solution. You can easily purchase a CD/DVD cleaner in the market. Never feed damaged CDs or DVDs in your CD/DVD disk drive as this can cause significant damage which may eventually turn your CD/DVD unusable. Follow the aforementioned steps and you are sure to enjoy the service of your disk drives for a very, very long time.
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Some Good Online Backup Services
The threat of losing precious data in your computer or laptop is always there. Whether it is human-caused or natural, it is possible that you loss important files, documents, pictures, videos or other data in your computer at any given time. Truth of the matter is, there are a lot of lurking threats out there that can compromise computer data – from HD failure, accidental data deletion, unexpected data loss, and even due to stolen laptops or computer.
Though the threat of data loss is always existent, good news is that, there is a way for you to keep your important files intact and lessen the likeliness of dealing with corrupt computer data. So how do you do this? Simple, you can protect your files by acquiring the services of reliable online data back-up. Such type of services allows you to save your files – from music, videos, doc files, pictures and other data – at an off-site server so that you will have access to them should your computer suffer hard disk failure or in the event that your laptop is stolen. By availing of online backup services you are sure that you will be able to retrieve important files or data when the need arises.
There are now various options when it comes to online backup services. To help you make a sound decision and to ensure that your files will be kept intact, here are some of the good ones that you should consider.
Sugar Sync
This online backup service does not only backs up your files but also synchronizes your documents. In addition, Sugar Sync allows you to access the stored documents and files from various computers. However, the downside with using the services of Sugar Sync is that their customer service support is not offered for free. But overall, Sugar Sync provide more than just online backup data services, it also allows users to stream music, sync and save files as well as work with various kinds of operating systems. At $4.99, this is pretty much a good deal.
My PC Backup
This is a reliable online backup service that offers unlimited backup on all types of files. It also comes with great security features but it lacks online chat support and an efficient photo organizer. With My PC Backup’s encrypted data storage, you are sure that your important files will be well-secured. Moreover, you can make use of the automatic scheduler and also gain file access through your mobile device.
IDrive
Its easy-to-use interface makes it a popular choice among those looking for dependable online backup services. IDrive offers backup services for as many as five computers. Compared to other backup services with similar structure, IDrive is a bit more expensive but despite the added price you are sure that IDrive will be able to provide you with secure online backup data services.
Other online backup services that you should consider include the DropBox, Elephant Drive, Norton Online Backup, Carbonite, and Acronis Online Backup.
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Repair Tips For Damaged Files
Have you ever experienced opening an important Word file document only to find out that it got corrupted? Frustrating isn’t it? I have encountered these many times and I tell you it doesn’t get any better, especially if the file you wish to open is something you really need. The file may have been corrupted but that doesn’t mean you have totally lost the data. What I am trying to say is, it is possible to recover the corrupted document file. There is still a way to salvage those precious data. So before resigning to the fact that the file is totally lost, you should try the following steps first and who knows you might get a lucky break and successfully recover the document containing the critical information that you really need.
Do not automatically assume that a document file has been corrupted. When you access a document file and it does not open, the biggest mistake you will ever make is to assume that it is corrupt. Who knows, the problem might not be the file but Word or Windows. So, before restoring a backup or repairing the damaged file, you should first try opening other stored documents in your computer. You can also copy the ‘corrupt file’ to your flash drive and open it on another computer. There is still a chance that there is nothing wrong with the file you wish to access so before you do anything that you will regret later, try out the said tips first and you might be surprised with the results.
Turn to the aid of CHKDSK. Another way to repair a corrupted document file is to run CHKDSK on the volume where the corrupted file is saved. It is possible that a corruption at a file system level may have caused the problem. And if this is the case, then CHKDSK may be able to provide a remedy. CHKDSK also allows you to test the file system’s integrity to determine if the problem lies at the file system or the document you wish to open.
Export the damaged file. If you are able to open the file in Word, then try saving it in another document format. Use TXT or RTF as the extension filename. Doing so will cause the codes from Word to be stripped and will likely solve the problem.
There are actually a lot of great ways to repair a damaged document file. You can utilize the ‘open and repair’ option, use a text converter, extract the text from Word, or make use of a file recovery program. Just make sure you know what you are doing to avoid completely losing your chance of repairing the corrupted file document.
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