Hardware Resources

On this page:

Toms Hardware
Pricewatch
Hewlett Packard
Selecting the Best Hard Disk Drive
RAID
UPS System
Reasons Computer Hard Disks Lose Data
RAID Servers and Data Recovery
Recovering Data After a Hard Drive Crash
Shocking Information about Your Hard Drive
Vendors Focus on Ease, Price and SMBs
Five Steps to Data Storage

Articles:

Toms Hardware

Online articles and reviews covering high-tech hardware. In-depth and detailed analysis of all kinds of hardware, disk drives and other storage products. Find out which disk drives are the best and most reliable. Learn about backup hardware products and more.

Pricewatch

Already know what you are looking for? Pricewatch is a great place to compare prices on computers and parts. Updated continuously. Find the disk drives, tape drives, DVD burners and whatever you may need to store and backup your data.

Hewlett Packard

HP Servers are some of the best money can buy. Rhinoback requires the best performing and most reliable servers available to ensure that your backup data is available 24x7x365.

Selecting the Best Hard Disk Drive

You can get a lot of disk storage for your money these days. Price per GB shouldn't be the only criteria for selecting a hard disk drive. If you are selecting a disk drive for something other than a general-purpose desktop computer, then you should read this article. Desktop hard drives are not the best choice for server and RAID applications. There are some important differences in enterprise class drives and desktop drives.

RAID

Every disk drive will eventually fail. The Rhinoback storage system uses RAID arrays to protect data from drive failures. RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disk. RAID configurations allow for disk drives to fail without the loss of data. This is accomplished because all data is stored with redunancy. In the event of a drive failure the RAID hardware can locate and rebuild the data in real time from the redundant drives with no down time. Rhinoback RAID storage also incorporates "hot spares". In the event of a drive failure, the RAID system remains online without any loss of data, and a "hot spare" electronically replaces the failed drive so that the system remains fault tolerant. This gives Rhinoback the ability to continue without data loss in the event of multiple drive failures in the same storage array. In addition to the RAID protection afforded by the Rhinoback system, customer backup data is replicated in real-time to an entirely separate data center in a different geographic location. This protects customer data from more catastophic events such as earthquakes, fire, or terrorist attacks.

UPS System

All home and office computer users are encouraged to provide backup power for their computers. UPS systems should be purchased and maintained for the protection of data more that the ability to continue to work while the utility power is out. An abrupt power failure or power surge can damage computer hardware and cause loss of data. Rhinoback is a great way to help you quickly recover from a data loss, but it is always best to avoid losing data where possible. In the event of a power failure, a good UPS will allow time to save all work and shut the computer down normally. Most good UPS systems will start the shutdown process for you before the battery power is completely drained. While a UPS system will help you avoid data losses caused by power probelms, they cannot prevent all data losses, so it is still necessary to backup your data on a schedule.

Reasons Computer Hard Disks Lose Data

Most people don't spend much time thinking about what can go wrong with their computer hard disk drives. There are actually many common causes of failure of hard disk drives. Read and learn why should not depend on computer hard disk drives. Every hard disk drive will eventually fail and lose data. Be aware, and backup your data frequently before your hard disk drive fails.

RAID Servers and Data Recovery

Raid is exceptionally good technology for storing important data. However they must be configured appropriately for the type of data that is being stored. Some RAID levels are more vulnerable to failure that standlone disk drives. Configure your raid system to maximize performance and storage capacity while providing the required level of protection.

Recovering Data After a Hard Drive Crash

Hard drive crashes are common. Too often, data is not properly backed up. Physical and logical recovery from a crashed hard disk drive is a complex operation. Modern technology allows for the recovery of a respectable amount of lost data. Highly skilled experts, with high-tech equipment and cleanrooms akin to operating rooms in hospitals can be utilized to recovery your data. The cost is substaintial and therefore usually considered when the data cannot be replaced any other way. The best option for most of us is to do regular backups of any data that is considered valuable.

Shocking Information about Your Hard Drive

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) also known as static electricity can cause significant damage to electronic components, including your hard drive. ESD can permanently damage the electronics that you rely on to store and retrieve your data. Follow a few simple steps and you can avoid having ESD cause major problems.

Vendors Focus on Ease, Price and SMBs

Storage vendors are finally addressing ease-of-use in low-cost devices. This will help small businesses implement storage strategies.

Five Steps to Data Storage

If long-term storage of data is a concern to you, then you may want to consider optical storage. Magnetic media is subject to corruption over time. Read about 5 important consideratin for long term data storage.