Hardware Resources
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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.