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== DATA DISASTERS == | == DATA DISASTERS == | ||
Preparing for data disasters will also help genealogists preserve information over generations. Being prepared for a data disaster at all times is the best way to avoid one. Examples of data disasters include: | Preparing for data disasters will also help genealogists preserve information over generations. Being prepared for a data disaster at all times is the best way to avoid one. Examples of data disasters include: | ||
*Device failure | |||
* | *Outdated formats | ||
* | *Natural disasters | ||
* | *Electrical surge damage | ||
* | *Electromagnetic damage | ||
* | *Human loss | ||
* | |||
=== To avoid data disasters: === | === To avoid data disasters: === | ||
*Always have more than one copy of data, in more than one place, accessible by more than one person. | |||
* | *Regularly move information to current storage formats. Genealogists hold the responsibility to keep their own data in a current, readable, useable format. | ||
* | *Store information on more than one type of device. | ||
* | *Prepare for the worst. '''''Scan all original photographs, and documents.''''' | ||
* | *Recover immediately. If a storage device fails, or is damaged, transfer the data to a safe location and replace the device. | ||
* | *Learn from mistakes and tragedies. '''''If a digital data catastrophe occurs, don’t allow the same mistake to happen again.''''' | ||
* | |||
=== A Reliable storage system === | === A Reliable storage system === | ||
All storage devices have benefits and specific uses. Understanding how to use these devices will help genealogists keep information safe and current. Personal storage systems should include: | All storage devices have benefits and specific uses. Understanding how to use these devices will help genealogists keep information safe and current. Personal storage systems should include: | ||
* | *Two or more hard drives (computer, and/or external). | ||
* | *Short-term storage elements such as flash drives and/or memory cards for everyday data gathering and transfer, regularly backed up to a hard drive or CD. | ||
* | *A secondary or static storage backup, such as virtual/online storage or regular CD backups | ||
* | *More than one location for data storage | ||
* | *Dual-person accessibility for information and file | ||
Genealogists may store small amounts of data on a flash memory device to work with on a regular basis, and back up the information to a larger storage device, such as an external or computer hard drive. Regularly backing up hard drive data to optical disks will help prevent digital data loss. | Genealogists may store small amounts of data on a flash memory device to work with on a regular basis, and back up the information to a larger storage device, such as an external or computer hard drive. Regularly backing up hard drive data to optical disks will help prevent digital data loss. | ||