Data Backup & Protection

1: Never trust your hard drive 100%, it  will fail eventually. Always back up your data to an offsite or fire/water safe place.  Ryan’s Computer Consulting Services uses and recommends Backblaze Online data backup.

2: Avoid loss of data and program failure by properly exiting programs before exiting Windows and shutting Windows down by the start menu. Resort only to a cold shut off (pulling the plug, holding the power button in, etc.) as a last resort.

3: All computer equipment should have a surge protector. A better solution would be a surge protector and a battery backup.

4: Never move the hard drive’s chassis (computer case) while running. If you do, proceed with extreme caution as for a bad bump or jar could damage the hard drive.

5: Avoid rapid temperature changes. If your computer has been in your car overnight and it was freezing, turning it on without naturally warming to room temperature could be fatal to the hard drive an many other parts in the machine. ALWAYS ALLOW THE PARTS TO GRADUALLY WARM TO ROOM TEMPERATURE!!!. It is just the opposite of putting a cool liquid on a hot light bulb. It explodes. The chips at a cold temperature are expanded and if taken from an expanded state to a hot state rapidly, it will cause circuits to cross and ultimately fry your system

6: If you ever hear strange noises coming from the inside of the computer that you have never heard before. Immediately turn the system off and call RCCS for professional help. This could be the death call or early warning of the hard drive or another important mechanical device in the machine. Prolonging the damage could lead to fatal or permanent damage to the machine. In some cases, complete loss of data by conventional means.