XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 1 Protecting Your Files

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 2 Protecting Your Files In this Chapter, you will learn: –If your files can be lost –If your hard drive can fail –If viruses can destroy your files –How to protect your files from viruses –Whether you need a disaster recovery plan –How to use Windows Backup –About tape backup devices

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 3 Losing Computer Files Several factors outside of your control can cause lost files. Files that you are presently working on are held in temporary RAM and if the power is lost for any reason, the in-process files are also lost. Files saved on disk storage however, are not affected by lost power.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 4 Losing Computer Files To prevent major losses, you should save a file every few minutes while you are working on it. Many software programs will automatically save for you if you set the correct options. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) device can be hooked up to your computer which will allow enough power to save current files and shut the computer down if the power goes out.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 5 Losing Computer Files Natural disasters also could affect your entire PC and all of the files saved on it. Even with normal use, it is possible for the hard drive to become damaged and unusable through a head crash. Some head crashes are caused by mechanical problems, but others can be avoided by not moving the computer while it is on.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 6 Can the hard drive stop working? There are several unusual situations like head crashes, mechanical problems, or circuit malfunctions that can cause a hard drive to fail. When a hard drive crashes, all or part of your files may become unusable. Sometimes you get warning signs that there are problems and you can use Windows ScanDisk software to check for bad sectors and mark or fix them.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 7 Can the hard drive stop working? Checking a hard drive for bad sectors

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 8 Can a virus destroy files? A virus is a program, often embedded in a legitimate program, that can cause problems on your system. Virus programs can replicate themselves and spread through out your files or system. Virus programs can also be spread through s you send to others.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 9 Can a virus destroy files? When a virus delivers its payload, it might print out an annoying message on your screen or it might systematically destroy your files and programs. The trigger for a virus might be a date, a combination of keys, or any other sequence of events on the computer.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 10 Can a virus destroy files? The clues or symptoms that a virus is on your system might include: –Unusual messages on the screen –Your hard drives fills with files you didn’t create –Your PC slows significantly –You cannot boot your PC or access your hard drive –You can’t access your files –Files that you haven’t worked on become larger

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 11 Can a virus destroy files? Sources of Viruses

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 12 Protecting your Files from Viruses Antivirus software will scan for and remove viruses from infected files. Antivirus software can be set to scan both incoming files and current files on the hard drive. This software looks for the virus signature of infected files. Virus signatures are like fingerprints and unique for each virus.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 13 Protecting your Files from Viruses Antivirus software should be updated regularly to add the most recent viruses. To protect yourself against viruses: –Set your software to scan your files on a regular basis. –Update the software frequently. –Scan all files downloaded from the Internet. –Scan all files on diskettes before copying to your PC –Activate any application software options that protect against Macro viruses

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 14 Protecting your Files from Viruses Running your VirusScan software

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 15 Should you do a disaster recovery plan? Since you can’t predict when or if you might lose your files, you need to have a plan to recover them if it happens. Your best defense is a backup of critical files stored off the computer. With a backup, you can restore the files if they have been destroyed.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 16 Should you do a disaster recovery plan? There are several types of backups: –A mirror image system is often used by businesses to do a total copy of a system so it can be totally restored. –A backup or copy of one or more critical files. If lost these files can be restored to their last backup and then updated to current status. –An archive of historical data that is only used occasionally, but is not current enough to keep on the hard drive.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 17 Should you do a disaster recovery plan? A backup/recovery system should be geared to your personal needs: –Set a backup schedule based on how much work you can afford to redo – usually weekly or more frequently. –You should keep at least two sets of backups – more if the work is very critical. –You should be sure you are not backing up a system or file virus. –Store your backups in a safe place away from the computer.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 18 Should you do a disaster recovery plan? Different backup media

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 19 Hardware – Tape backup drives Magnetic tape is a cost-effective backup solution. A magnetic tape is a sequential-access storage medium instead of random-access like disks. Tape is much slower than disks – average access time of 40 seconds. Tapes and tape drives are relatively inexpensive. Drives are less than $400 and tapes run from $15 to $70.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 20 Hardware – Tape backup drives Tape drives can be internal or external. Computer tapes come in cartridge units called data cartridges or cassettes. There are several different types and sizes of data cartridges depending on the drive type. Tape backup devices often come with software that provides for automatic backups.

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 21 Hardware – Tape backup drives tape drives Internal External

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 22 Using Windows Backup Starting the Windows Backup Utility

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 23 What do you think? What about a “good” virus? 1.Have you ever used a computer that had a virus? 2.Have you ever lost a file because of a virus? 3.Does the computer you use most regularly have antivirus software? 4.Do you think the benefits of “good” viruses outweigh their risks?

XP Practical PC, 3e Chapter 6 24 Chapter Summary You should now be able to: –Identify the possible risks to your PC. –Understand viruses and how to protect your PC against them. –Develop your own disaster recovery plan. –Backup your critical files. –Understand the uses of tape backup systems.