How Data Recovery Works

Losing your valuable data, either by damage to your computer or accidental deletion, is an upsetting situation. Whether the lost files contain sensitive personal information, treasured photographs, or data for your small business, the loss can be devastating.

Your data doesn't have to stay lost, however. Data recovery services specialize in restoring files that most people wouldn't think would be recoverable. Keep reading to learn how data recovery services work.

Why Data Recovery is Possible

The files stored on your computer are all written onto the hard drive, which consists of thin, round platters coated with a shiny magnetic data storage medium, much like the shiny coating on the thin ribbons contained inside VHS and cassette tapes. Just like in a VCR or a tape player, a head inside your computer's hard drive reads and writes the data onto the magnetic storage medium.

When you delete a file on your computer, it is not actually erased from the hard drive. The hard drive simply changes the marker on that space from "occupied" to "vacant." The data itself is still there until it is written over. Think of it as a home video that you have decided you don't want anymore. Until you actually tape over it, it's still there.

Even once data is written over, it can still be found. This is because the data that is written over it is usually imperfect, leaving traces of the original file. With the proper tools, these traces can be located, deciphered, and - usually - reassembled into complete files. However, the more times an old file is overwritten, the more difficult it will be to retrieve it - so the sooner you contact a data recovery service, the better.

What the Data Recovery Service Does

When you contact a data recovery service, usually the first thing they will want to know is how the files you want to recover were lost. You might have accidentally deleted the files, or the data might have become corrupted. In a worst-case scenario, your hard drive might have sustained damage, ranging from relatively minor damage such as hard drive crash, to serious physical damage such as flooding or fire. However, the data recovery service most likely won't be able to give you a quote until they have inspected the hard drive, so you will also need to drop off or mail your hard drive to them.

Before the data recovery service begins work on your hard drive, they will make an exact copy of the drive. All work will be done on this copy, to avoid doing any more damage to the drive itself.

Using the copy of the original drive, the data recovery service then uses a variety tools and techniques to try to recover the lost data. Every hard drive creates a sort of table of contents at the very beginning of the drive; by retrieving old tables of contents, the data recovery service can tell where the files you need would be located on the drive, making it easier to make sense of and restore written-over data.

Once the data has been restored from the drive, the data recovery service checks to make sure the files they have recovered are complete. Again, they can use old tables of contents from the hard drive to check for holes in the files. Once they have ensured that the data is all there, they will back it up to CDs or another storage medium, and send it back to you.

Data Recovery Service Alternatives and the Risks Involved

There are many data recovery software packs available online. These may be pretty tempting, but remember that depending on what you need done, they may or may not satisfy your needs. And even if software can fix your problem, using them without a professional's guidance may inadvertently create more problems, not only ensuring that you will have to use a data recovery service, but also creating more work for them (and therefore a higher price for you).

A common type of data recovery software is "undelete" software, which enables you to restore files that you have accidentally deleted. However, remember that when you delete a file the hard drive marks it as available storage. In other words, anything you do after deleting that file - whether downloading undelete software, saving another file, or even just shutting your computer down as normal - can overwrite the data, rendering it impossible to recover without a data recovery service.

A way around this is to download the undelete software to a separate drive, such as an external drive or even a USB drive. Unless you know what you are doing, though, you should probably call a professional right away - the longer you wait, and the more you tinker with your computer, the more likely you are to create the need for major data recovery in order to restore your deleted file.

Another type of data recovery software is one designed to find and/or fix lost or corrupted files. Again, the hazard is that every piece of data you write to the disk could overwrite the file you are trying to restore. Since the file is lost or corrupted, you cannot trust that the hard drive will know not to overwrite it. Again, immediately contacting a professional is probably the best course of action.

Data Recovery For NAND and NOR Flash Memory

NAND or NOR Flash Memory: Flash memory is a non-volatile data storing memory wafer that involves electrically erasing and reprogramming technology. Being non-volatile these chips are capable of storing data even in the absence of power and are renowned for fast reading and better kinetic shock resisting qualities. NAND devices are accessed serially, using the same eight pins to transmit control, addressing and data. NAND flash was introduced by Toshiba in 1989.

Although NAND and NOR memory chips function differently they are still widely being used in various electronic devices where data storing, erasing and reprogramming are essential. Both invented by DR. Fujio Masuoka in his work place Toshiba, the main goal was set to outdate the old storage devices that functions under magnetic energy like: hard disks and cassette tapes by reducing the cost per bit and increasing maximum chip capacity.

Hence, NAND flash is widely used in MP3 players, USB drives and digital cameras where higher storage capacity is crucial. But, some devices like pocket PC's can be found using both types of flash memory at the same time. These PC's typically use NAND for memory storage and NOR to boot the operating system.

Flawed Memory Drives and Data Recovery:

Data recovery is a highly specialized science which is equally valid for rescuing data from both NAND and NOR flash. Although, NOR is rarely used and is quite expensive, NAND is preferred extensively for mass storage and a huge godsend for thin and smaller devices.

The probability of data loss is elevated when bad memory storage is used: unbranded USB drives, unbranded NAND wafer devices, etc. These unbranded memory devices & chips are often noticed in spontaneous reboots leading to program failure. A malfunctioning RAM is often noticed to write correct data in an incorrect location of the drive which eventually creates a data malfunction and data loss. Furthermore, using flawed memory can also cause degradation of your hard drives logical capability and can finally destroy your device, the most extreme: an unbootable system or device.

Data recovery or NAND data recovery can minimize your loss and protect your machine from any incurable situation; we highly suggest avoiding the purchase of unbranded USB drives, SD cards, USB sticks, CompactFlash cards, and any other no-name devices for storing your crucial data. NAND recovery is possible but very complicated.

First Aid Before Data Recovery:

Data loss is a common problem that we often face due to virus attacks in our USB drives or when our computers get physically or logically over used. To fix these data degradation problems data recovery is only one solution that can rescue you and your data from the nightmare of any permanent loss. But, experts believe that data loss often becomes a complicated task when a user ignores the safety measures that help to avoid further data losses. Thus, in case of data loss some safety measures should be applied.
When data loss is acknowledged, further procedures to retain the data should not be made. This may lead to much more serious data loss.
It's better to contact experts for help and other remedy measures.
Using software like: scandisk should be completely avoided.
Avoid no-name or unbranded devices.
eBay sellers are not always honest eProvided (TM) has learned many times where customers data is stored on fake NAND wafers, your purchase of a 16GB SD card may yield a soon to be damaged 1GB NAND wafer inside.

Data Recovery for Hard Drives & NAND Storage:



Data recovery processes embrace various techniques with latest technologies. At first, experts determine the fault on the device and classify them into Tier 1 and Tier 2. If your device falls into Tier 1 this means your device is suffering from a logically damaged component and data recovery costs are normally cheaper as compared to Tier 2. But, if your device has Tier 2 fault than your device is physically injured and may have many internal damaged circuits which need circuit and recovery experts; the process will normally be more costly.

After determining tier 1 or tier 2 an image of device is saved and these images are relocated to a separate server to avoid any accidental loss. Then the original copy of the image is transported to a lab where first degree data recovery is performed using various utilities which may include repairing faults in the device, dumping directly from NAND wafers, repairing circuits, crystals etc. Other various attempts are also made which includes testing and recovering from the logical damage on the device.

If the first degree recovery fails then the task is considered to be severe and second degree recovery is practiced which includes high level techniques and experts with professional knowledge over critical uses of software and hexadecimal formulas. These software utilities are used to re-build the drive and manipulate other drive errors.

Hosting and Dedicated Servers

Benefits of dedicated server vs. your current hosting plan

While shared servers are the most popular form of hosting and most cost-effective option for small web-sites, they might not be a good option for large, "mission-critical" or high-traffic web-sites. For these types of websites a dedicated server host might be a necessity.

Dedicated hosting does cost more to than shared hosting, and often require a higher level of technical skill to operate. However, if your company is making thousands of dollars a day from e-commerce and your business could fail if the server went down for more than a few hours, then you should seriously consider leasing a server. Here's why:

Dedicated hosting offers the ability to maintain your own server by allowing you to manage server traffic, server response time, server security, data backups, and the applications you want to use on your server.

Server traffic and response time

The server response time on a shared hosting environment is solely dependent on the amount of traffic the other sites on the server are receiving. For example, if a site on shared hosting environment suddenly receives an influx in traffic, it will cause the other site on the server to slow down. Therefore, your site's response time will slow dramatically and you are without recourse.

On a single dedicated server you can control the amount of traffic allowed in the server which, in turn, keeps your site response time at its maximum performance.

Security

Shared hosting environments are more likely to have security issues because everyone does not implement the full security that is offered. Therefore, your site is more likely to have security issues on a shared server than on a dedicated hosting where you can control the level of firewall security.

Also, when lease a server, you have the choice to pay for a higher level of security than you do on shared hosting. This can help with server load management and any security issues.

In a shared hosting environment, you are limited by the security provided by the hosting company and what others on the server decide to implement. If you have a leased server, you can implement your own security and pay for extra security.

Data retention and backups

Losing company data and the time it takes to restore it could create a great loss to your company. Using a dedicated server provides the option of running RAID on your server or you can have the hosting company backup the data to an offsite facility for an additional fee.

Platforms

A platform (commonly known as the control panel) is vital in making a decision to get a dedicated server. The choice depends on the extent of the applications you are familiar with and what applications you want to run.

A shared hosting environment limits the applications available on the server. Unlike a dedicated server you can choose which platform you want and the choice determines the applications you can run. Some platforms are customizable such as Parallels PLESK Platform.

If your company plans on major growth over the next year and has a little extra cash, consider moving to a dedicated server. During this economic downturn, hosting companies are offering incentives for powerful leased servers.

SQL Server Tutorials

The MS SQL server tutorials provide all the details needed for understanding the databases and how they perform. The user must know what SQL server is and what is required to make full use of it. SQL server 2008 and SQL server 2000 are the most widely used applications.

SQL Server: The tutorials about SQL Server have lessons about the server, different editions, how to create database, creating table, adding data, designer, views, stored procedures, logins, linked servers, and integration services. Basically the MS SQL server is a management system that is created to work on different platforms like laptops or large servers. It is used as the backend system for many websites and it can help a number of users. There are many tools that help in maintenance of database and other tasks like programming.

Server: The database systems that are based on server are programmed in such a way that they run with the help of a central server and any number of users will be able to have access to the data at the same time with the help of an application. The users can do multiple tasks like accessing the data, updating of data, and anything that they want to do. SQL server has features that help the application in all its functions.

Editions: There are many editions to SQL server 2008 and the user will choose the one that suits his requirements. For a free database management, the user will choose the Express or Compact edition. There is also an Evaluation edition which permits the user to try the Server 2008 for about 180 days. Some of the notable editions of SQL Server 2008 are:

Enterprise edition that has better availability and security for applications related to business; Standard edition that provides easy management of data management and to run departmental applications; workgroup edition for secured synchronization at the remote end, and to run branch applications; Developer edition that can be made use of by one user in testing, developing, and demonstrating the programs in any number of systems; Web edition for web hosters; Express edition for learning purposes; Compact edition meant for applications for desk tops, mobile services and web customers; and Evaluation edition for evaluating the purposes till the trial period is over.

Creating database: SQL server makes use of SQL Server Management Studio as the console for administration. It helps in creating databases, views, tables and so on, and to access the data, configuring the accounts, and to transfer data to other databases. The Object Explorer guides the user to databases and to files. The user can get results by writing queries on data. Any amount of databases can be created with SQL server Management. After creating a database, the user can change the configuration of the database with the help of options available. Tables can also be created with the help of the options. The user can control the type of data in each column and thus have integrity of the data maintained. Options such as editing and adding data are also available to the user. Re-entering the data is facilitated by writing a SQL script. The user can use and run the SQL query for inserting data, updating it or deleting it.

Query designer: This interface permits the user to create queries to be run against the database and to create queries which will include views or tables. It is very useful for the beginners who want to learn to use SQL as the syntax need not be remembered for creating queries.

View: A view in SQL server is store din the database and when run, it permits the user to see the outcome of it from multiple databases. This is particularly useful when many users want to access the data at various levels. They can have access to specific rows or columns of a table.

Stored procedures: These are of great value to the programmers when they work on databases. The programmers can make the procedures work from either the SQL Server management or any other application based on their requirement. The advantages of the stored procedures are many, such as quicker execution, less traffic, and security. The user can configure SQL server security accounts, create linked servers, database maintenance, create scheduled jobs, replication, text search and many more.

Logins: SQL Server helps in creating user logins for every individual who wants to access the server. Based on the requirement of the user, the logins can be created to enable access. Not everyone should be provided with access to server role. The server role is useful for performing any task in the server, create options of configuration, help in managing logins and permissions, and managing files.

Database Schema: It is a means of grouping the data and works as a container. The user can be assigned permission to a single schema so that he can access only the ones that they are permitted to. The schemes can be configured in a database. Linked Servers permit the users to connect to another server remotely.

Speeding Up Success With File Sharing

File sharing is one of the most useful things a business can get for themselves. In fact, it is not a stretch to say that file sharing may be one the most important elements in business that has been developed a long time. File sharing is very important for many businesses that want to have speed to dominate their niches. Therefore, this program can change the fortunes of a business very quickly if the business takes the time to research and retain the services of a good program.

A good file sharing program can help a business launch into success very quickly. The major reason that most businesses should use these programs is that it adds great speed to a business. In the past many companies had to send their employees around the world to deliver files so that the company could work with another company to make a specific product or service. However, these new sharing services allow a company to work with other companies no matter where they are. These files are very important to any company and therefore getting the files done as quickly as possible is an important and necessary step in business growth.

Collaboration is key to that success. A business that can collaborate with other business is a business that is very fast. As I stated many times before, speed is a major element in business. Those businesses that can get work done fast are those businesses that will dominate the landscape of the future. Therefore, a business with these kinds of services is a business to be reckoned with no matter what niche they are in at that moment.

Even if the business is not collaborating with another company the business can gain great benefit by using the systems to collaborate with inside of their own business. Employees are made much more effective when they can share files and a optimize system for that specific use. Therefore, these services can be a great boon to the company that needs to develop products and services quickly.

Finally, even if the individual works for themselves and do not retain any other employees that person can use the file sharing system to access the files wherever they might be in that day. Even if they are delivering their child to school or picking them up they are able to work on the file while they wait for that child. This brings a great ability to continue the work no matter where they are in be productive in whatever situation they find themselves as long as they have an Internet connection.

In closing, file sharing is very important to many businesses and it should be used by everything a business that can afford it. A good file sharing program will speed up the ability of the business to be successful. If it is just an individual then the file sharing system will help speed up whatever they need to gone done fast because they will be able to work on the project no matter where they are as long as they have an Internet connection. This is the best reason to have a file sharing program and the program should not be ignored by anyone who wants to get things done faster.

File Sharing Programs - Not So Great After All

File sharing, also referred to as P2P (Peer-to-Peer), is one of the hottest trends on the Internet. P2P is often described as a type of decentralized computing where computers communicate directly with each other. Websites and organizations that support P2P programs allow people to download the free software for the primary purpose of sharing files across the Internet. This free software allows users to download music files, movies and software.

A recent report released by Ottawa-based AssetMetrix Research Labs, a provider of managed services for PC inventory and IT analysis, looked at the problems associated with P2P downloading and found that 77 percent of P2P applications resided on desktop systems. The study examined approximately 175,000 PCs from over 560 corporations, 10 percent of which were in Canada. Most of the content that is retrieved with these tools are illegal in terms of licensing and copyright regulations. This is just one example of the dangers of using Peer-to-Peer file sharing programs.

Below is a summary regarding the security and legal issues of using file-sharing programs and the dangers imposed to the user of a program and the network in which a file-sharing program is used.

Sharing your hard drive

Some programs that are used for file sharing claim to only share a specific folder on your hard rive where all the files you wish to share and download are stored. In some cases, these programs appear to only share the folder which you specified when in fact you could be unknowingly sharing your entire C: drive. This is mainly due to poor programming and code audits of the free software.

Sharing your IRS tax statement

Some tax programs save your tax return on the local C: drive. This can be very convenient for some people. However, the folder in which the tax program would save your tax return was the same folder in which many P2P programs share. This meant that some taxpayers were sharing their confidential tax returns with the entire Internet via their file-sharing program and were oblivious to that fact.

Welcome mat for Viruses and Addware

Virus writers have written viruses and worms specific to P2P programs. This kind of malicious content can be hidden in all file types and when the file is executed the virus will infect your computer and you may not even know that you have a virus. This can cause many issues in terms of system stability, privacy and integrity. Other malicious content, which is sometimes installed along with the P2P application, are labeled as spyware or addware. These types of programs are used to track users actions on the Internet and sell products. Some of the symptoms of running addware or spyware programs on your computer is:


Your PC is running slower than usual
Your browser has a new toolbar which you did not knowingly install
New program icons are in your system tray
Advertising windows appear when you are not browsing the Internet



There are a variety of free tools available on the Internet to detect and uninstall adware and spyware. Though the spyware and adware programs are not as dangerous as viruses or worms, they can jeopardize your productivity and privacy.

RIAA is looking for you

The Recording Industry Association of America is on the hunt for users of file sharing programs that obtain music files illegally. Their mission is as follows: "One of the RIAA's key missions is to help foster a legal climate that protects the rights of record companies, artists and copyright owners in general. The RIAA has worked to achieve this goal by assisting its member companies in such areas as copyright enforcement, webcasting and First Amendment advocacy."

Recently RIAA has legally forced Verizon Communications to turn over the names of broadband users who were illegally trading copyrighted music files over the Internet. As of September 8, 2003 RIAA has subpoenaed 261 users of a popular file sharing service. These users could face a fine of $750-$150,000 per copyright work infringed.

Best Deal on Cloud Storage

There are a few things you need to know to find the best deal on cloud storage. Conventional wisdom would have you visit a number of provider websites, compare their features and price lists, and then choose a service that you believe will best meet your needs.

That is definitely a good place to start. However, there are situations where to really unlock the free features and deep discounts, you have to become an insider, as it were.

What does becoming an insider mean, exactly? Mainly, it means signing up for a trial account. By trial account, I mean the option where you get to try out the service for free for a limited time and with limited features, in the case of cloud storage, limited features usually means limited storage space.

There are two different purposes for the trial account. For you, the potential customer, the trial account is there for you to try out the features, play around with the service and make sure you like the interface. Once you decide you like the way it works, then you go ahead and upgrade your account.

For the provider, the purpose for the trial account is a bit different. In the process of signing up, you had to provide your email address and access to your computer (necessary for the service to store your files on their cloud). With this information, the provider can now begin the hard work of convincing you to become a customer.

Many cloud storage companies want to win you over as their long term customer so much that they will offer you all kinds of incentives to upgrade. Incentives include extra features thrown in for free. One I especially like is the feature where your data gets stored in more than one place. Incentives also include deep discounts on the monthly cost to use the service. Those deep discounts can be locked in for one or more years if you are willing to pay up front. As a potential customer with a trial account, they will be sure to let you know of all those deep discounts, gradually increasing them throughout the duration of the trial period.

To take full advantage of these extra features and deep discounts, you simply have to understand a little bit about how that kind of marketing works, and then know which special combination of deep discounts and added features will work best for you. Once you settle on your combination, then be willing to lock it in by paying for one or two years in advance. This is quite affordable once the discounts are in place.

You can learn more about the best deal on cloud storage offered by specific providers and which providers are offering them by reading about the experiences of others who have used the services. You can also get the heads up on some of the marketing tactics employed so that you can be in the best possible position to take advantage of what is offered without getting too carried away by the element of surprise or the pressure that "you must act now."

In short, getting the best deal on cloud storage can involve the traditional shopping around strategy, but it doesn't stop there. In this case, it's a bit of an inside job. You will find just how good the deals can get once you sign up for the trial account.

An Outline of Cloud Storage Providers

Cloud storage providers can be effective in saving time and money for small business holders. Many of the hazards related to information technology data storage including knowledge, capacity and integrity are eliminated with the use of these services. Cloud computing is a new functionality in the field of the latest internet technologies. This is nothing but a new concept of information technology storage services offered virtually via Internet.

A growing business requires its data storage to grow too. Earlier, this meant that a business was required to buy another server as the older one was reaching its limit of storing information. The fact that the system remains unutilized for sometime despite being bought in advance, makes the method inefficient to some extent. The on coming charge of cloud computing depends on the use and for that you can invest in installments.

Because of the high rate of data generation by many companies they a need steady increase in the storage. Continuous attention and over-provisioning is needed for this in on-premises configuration. Though over-provisioning on one hand confirms that all users will get storage for every application, it has its share of drawbacks like added expenditure and wastefulness.

Cloud storage can take away this problem. Cloud storage providers typically adopt virtualization, and enable the subscribers to obtain as much storage as needed with additional provisioning done impromptu. Consequently, users are able to use as much as storage as they need but without the requirement for over-provisioning. The outcome is dramatic cost savings, and the ability to provide capacity as and when needed.

It is essential to store backup business important information for recovery if any kind of disaster strikes. It can be detrimental for small business if backups are stored somewhere else other than the local site. Generally, the data owner stores the info on an external hard drive and carries it with them. This kind of storage serves as a place to maintain backups of important data. Using this is as simple as sending data over the internet, to the cloud.

Use of this type of storage facilitates easy access to business data. For a business owner this information is accessible from any place with an internet connection. This effortless access is very helpful in sharing information. Though a user can give the permission to access their info to others, generally it is protected by security protocols and encryption in order to prevent improper access.

In a case where data storage is arranged through a service provider, the technology is handled by technicians. A business owner has no burden to spend time learning about configuring hardware, servicing or maintaining it. Hiring one experienced person to do the job is also not required.

Cloud computing and storage is an evolving industry. You can choose from the many cloud storage providers who are available in the market and who are capable of servicing personal and small businesses.