#26745
"Backing Up" Doesn't Mean Retreating
Recently, several friends and colleagues have lost important files as a result of viruses, power failures, computer crashes, and miscellaneous other disasters that accompany working with computers. Each person could have minimized the consequences if they had developed and rigorously followed a simple backup strategy for their data. The fact that this happened to experienced computer users in each case leads me to believe that data loss is symptomatic of a broader problem: As technical communicators, our tight focus on documenting how to use a product sometimes makes us forget to document the consequences of using the product.
Hart, Geoffrey J.S. TECHWR-L (2006). Articles>Technology>Security
#30317
How Safe is the Data on Your Hard Disk?
As a technical writer with above average organizational skill, you likely already keep your files in nice little subdirectories in logical little groups -- User's Guide illustrations here, research notes there, stuff for the service manual over yonder. But what if, in an instant, your files were all taken out of their subdirectories and put in one big directory? Could you distinguish one file from the other without opening them up? You can only assume that files with identical names disappeared.
Varney, Gord. Boston Broadside (1991). Articles>Technology>Security
#15176
Protecting Yourself Against Viruses and Hackers 
Discusses how business owners can protect themselves from computer viruses and hackers. The article includes a sidebar listing anti-virus resources.
Fugate, Alice E. Intercom (2002). Articles>Technology>Security>Viruses
#11899
Virus Alert: Understanding the Risks 
Computer viruses are human created vices that will be around for as long as there are files and programs to corrupt. This article explains what types of viruses are out there, and how to prevent their spread.
Holtey, Dugan. EServer (2001). Articles>Technology>Security>Viruses
#35531
DVD Rot: DVD Longevity and Reliability
What is going on with DVDs? The industry states that discs should last 50 to 100 years, but on-line reports claim significant problems with both pressed and recordable discs. Can movie discs wear out and fail from "DVD rot?" Is recordable DVD a trustworthy archival media, or is there evidence that discs can wear out from extended play? And what is the situation with the compatibility of recordable media? Is there a way to guarantee reasonable compatibility, some magic combination of formats and brands, software and burners, content and players?
Dixon, Douglas. Manifest Technology (2003). Articles>Technology>Security>DVD
