Understanding Computer Failure
By: James Walsh

Hardware and Software Errors

Computer systems are subject to various hardware and software failures. These failures lead to huge data losses. According to the Business IT Report, hardware and software errors account for a combined 54% of data loss. Thus, it becomes crucial to know about them. It is important to prevent such failures for data protection.

The Hard Drive: How does the hard drive function? Where is data saved? One needs to know the inner workings of the drive to grasp the hardware and software risks posed by it. A hard disk is composed of the interior disk and the exterior disk. The exterior disk section is physically robust protecting the delicate interior shell. The exterior is usually composed of plastic and is malleable. It forms a protective sheath to the interior.

The interior disk houses the magnetic platters, which store the saved data. These magnetic platters hold the key to successful hard drive operation. The platters are constantly revolving at high speed. Modern drives spin at rates between 5,000 and 15,000 rpm. The head of the magnetic platter rides on a thin film of moving air entrapped at the surface of the platter. The topmost layer of the platter is made of a Teflon-like material that acts like a lubricant. Underneath is a layer of sputtered carbon. These two layers protect the magnetic layer from most accidental touches of the read-write head.

The disk also comprises of read and write heads at the tip of the platters. These read-write heads are made using thin film techniques that include materials hard enough to scratch through the protective layers. Accidental bouncing of the read-write head against the high-speed revolving platters can cause the disk to corrupt immediately. Accidental collision or even brief touching of these two sensitive parts can result in the complete destruction of the thin magnetic coating on the disk.

Hardware Crashes: These usually include surface damages, head crashes and natural or man-made disasters. The collision of the read-write heads with magnetic platters is devastating. Data can be lost and the disk corrupted beyond repair. Hardware crashes usually occur due to human error. Many a time, users induce hardware crashes unknowingly.

It usually happens when the hard disk is shaken or thrown from a height affecting disk position and configurations.

It can also take place when the disk is moved constantly. It is not kept in an upright or horizontal position causing platter disturbances.

It can also occur when the disk is over-exposed to heat, light and humidity.

It can also take place when the disk is not maintained properly. Even a small dust particle can penetrate the disk interior and cause head crashes.

It can also happen due to ESD. This means that static electricity discharge can negatively affect the magnetic platters causing them to melt.

Prevention

A user should never holiday with the device. This ensures that the data storage medium is not thrown or shaken.

The drive should always be kept wrapped in protective gear of tissue cloth. This ensures that the drive is safe from dust particles. There should be no mishandling of the disk.

Proper cleaning of the drive is essential with wet-dry tissue. It is recommended not to handle the drive with oily or greasy hands.

Always check the cable connections before plugging in the computer. This is done to prevent ESD.

If getting a blue screen or black screen of death, it is advisable to immediately shut down the computer.

Keep the drive away from pets to avoid urination on them.

Logical or Software Errors

A logical error can be described as a bug in a program that causes it to operate incorrectly. Logical errors do not cause the program to fail. They produce or generate incorrect data if executed. Logical errors are usually caused by software problems in the program. There could be a logical error in a statement i.e. a wrong or incorrect formula or an algorithm problem.

Fixing the Logical Error

The recommended method of solving a logical error is by taking it to the experts. But it is always advisable to find out the root and type of the logical error. One of the ways to find these types of errors is to output the program‘s variables to a file or on the screen to define the error‘s location in code.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk“>Data Recovery see www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk

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