Resources
Keeping your data safe in the first place is your best defense against data loss. Vital steps start with smart web surfing habits and regular data backups. In addition, installing the correct security software on your computer is an absolute must. We've compiled a list of resources that we believe will help you make the best decisions along the way. These resources cover everything from securing your PC to recovering data from a storm damaged hard disk drive.
Data Recovery
DataRecovery.org is a portal loaded with information about data recovery including a listing of related FAQs, tips, news, and more. On this website, you can read about the common mistakes that people make when trying to recover data on their own such as reformatting the disk, opening the hard drive, and repartitioning the disk. A list of do's and don'ts is helpful so that you can learn what to do (and more importantly what NOT to do) when you hear strange noises or suspect data has been lost.
The American Bar Association seems like an unlikely place to find information about data recovery but you'll be surprised when you visit their Hurricane Katrina Disaster Resources page. During the floods, countless numbers of computers were submerged for days – if not months. Did you know that much of the data was actually recovered? Data recovery technology allows for miracles. You'll find tips for dealing with storm and fire damaged disks as well as advice for what to do next.
For data recovery best practices, methods, and tips, visit Data Recovery Tools. They will give you the latest news, articles, and FAQs and advice to recover lost data.
DataRecovery.net covers the Do's and Don'ts of Data that has been Lost. Areas covered include Drive Failure, RAID collapse, SQL corruption, and Exchange corruption.
Data Storage
StorageNetworking.org is an initiative started at UC San Diego. This website is packed with information about information storage. You'll find a listing of storage related research papers from a variety of leading universities, current research projects, certification programs, a discussion forum for discussing data storage issues, and an expert advice channel where you can get information on a variety of related topics from some of the best minds in the industry. For example, you can browse this advice channel to view previous questions such as the "history of the storage industry." This particular question was answered in detail by professional who has been working in the enterprise data industry for over 25 years.
The Storage Networking Industry Association is a consortium of storage networking professionals. This website is loaded with information ranging from a standards portfolio that explains all of the major storage standards to storage tutorials and advice for furthering your education. In addition, you can read about exiting new initiatives such as the Green Storage Initiative that strives to improve energy efficiency and conservation in storage technologies.
Search Storage provides tips and newsletter listings specifically for data storage experts in the industry. Browse Data Storage topics such as SAN/NAS updates, Backup and Disaster Recovery, and Data Storage Management.
Storage IT World: Advice from Data Storage experts. Storage IT World provides tips for storage dilemmas and advice surrounding more complex strategic issues.
PC Repair
For a complete system diagnosis, we recommend you visit ParetoLogic or PC Pitstop. They will conduct a free checkup of your computer to determine if you have any system problems. If your computer is sluggish, their are popups appearing every few minutes and your PC is displaying error messages ParetoLogic or PC Pitstop should uncover it.
Need advice on how to repair small home electronics including monitors, printers, CD-ROM drives, power supplies, and photocopiers? RepairFAQ.org is the place to go. While not exactly the prettiest website you'll stumble across, the information here shows you exactly what to do.
Want to repair your own laptop or notebook computer but don't know where to start? Head on over to Repair4Laptop.org and search for your model in the list. Here you'll find advice covering everything from replacing your hard drive to complete repair, upgrade and disassembly guides. In addition, you'll find tips for some of the more fun things you can do including overclocking and painting the cover lid. This website also covers repairing and modifying Apple notebooks and laptops.
Are you a do-it-yourself kind of person? Checkout DoItYourSelf.com for articles and steps on how to repair and operate electronics such as your computer and internet.
Are you looking for advice on pc repair and troubleshooting? PCguide.com provides guides and tutorials on how to best service your PC. Such topics include PC optimization and enhancement, building your own PC, and system care and maintenance.
PC Security
Keeping your computer safe and secure should be a priority. Head on over to WindowsSecurity.com for articles, tutorials, and advice on how to keep your computer protected. You'll learn everything from how hackers attack to intrusion detection and the latest malware trends that could affect your computer. In addition, you can read reviews about the latest security software on the market so that you can make an informed decision before buying.
Want to find out about Malware? The SANS FAQ page answers many of your questions about numerous worms, Trojans, rootkits, and other exploits. While SANS specializes in training and certifying security professionals, the average computer user should browse through their resources pages to learn all about malware and the types of actions these malicious programs take against your computer.
For even more detail, download the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Guide to Malware Incident Prevention and Handling. This 101 page guide provides an in-depth exploration of the types of malware such as viruses, worms, and Trojans as well as a look at the tools they use as they carry out their duties. Incident response procedures are detailed from preparation to detection to containment to eradication.
The U.S. Government's website OnGuardOnline.gov provides all kinds of advice for protecting your privacy when online. Learn about identity theft, Internet auctions, spyware, wireless security, phishing, social networking sites, spam scams, online shopping, P2P file sharing, VoIP, cross border scams, investing online, laptop security, and much more. In addition, a series of videos and tutorials as well as interactive activities teach you how to protect yourself while online. You can also find out how to file complaints about spam, computer malware, phishing, fraud, and hacking.
Protect your computer from malware with the Malicious Software Removal Tool from Microsoft. This is a free tool designed for Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and Windows Server 2003. This simple download scans your system for malware and removes anything it finds. Each month, a new update is released so that new malware is accounted for.
Network World is a terrific resource when it comes to PC security. Their security research centers cover anti-virus/spyware/spam, compliance and regulation, firewalls/VPN/intrusion, NAC, Cisco security, and Microsoft security. In addition, guides, reports, webcasts, and podcasts are available for further information about the issues that concern you the most. You can view reviews of security software, read the latest security news, and read numerous informative and "how to" articles.
For in-depth security product reviews and resources we recommend PC World. PC World is a good reliable source to get the latest results on tests that were conducted on anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and other security and privacy related applications.
Microsoft Security will provide you with comprehensive information about critical security updates, how to protect your computer and personal information, video tutorials about privacy and security, and software solutions to ensure yourself and your family are safe.
PC Advisor speaks directly to consumers and small business in providing up-to-date news, advice, tutorials, and technology reviews. Learn how to properly clean your entire PC, get rid of rootkits and spyware and secure sensitive data.
For online safety tips and advice for children there is an interesting site called SafeSurfer.org. Targetted to children ages 8 to 14, this site provides game reviews, video, and entertainment with a goal to educate children on safety on the internet.
If you are in need of a favor to fix your computer or you are an computer expert and are interested in helping someone repair their PC then visit Favorville.com. This website was created with the intention of doing good deeds by people helping people.
