"There are two types of computer users in the world; those who have lost data, and
those that will."
This is a saying common in computer "techie" circles, because we find that once someone
has lost data, they take the precautions not to have it happen again. We don't want
you to be in the second group, either! So learn from the mistakes of others, save
your data on a reliable source, and you will not suffer through having to recreate
a file, grade book, etc.
We recommend that you store files on 1) the SAN Network storage, 2) a USB drive, or
3) CDs or DVDs. Below is further information on each type of data storage device/media
available.
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CDs come in two forms: R, and RW. Most recently purchased computers come with a CDRW
device. With a CD-R disk, you can only write to it one time, and cannot change the
files once they are written. CD-RW media allow you to add and rewrite files to it
. Most hold 700MB of data, and are inexpensive. Some older computers have a CD drive
that can only read a CD, and some can only create files on a CD-R, but all can read
info off any data CD.
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DVD-R and RWs are used like CD-R and RWs, except they hold 4GBs of data. A DVD "burner"
(aka DVDRW drive) is needed to write on the storage media.
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Flash Drives or Thumb Drives are the one of the newer forms of data storage, and will
work on practically any computer with a USB port. They have no moving parts, so they
are nearly incorruptible. They range in size from 32MB to 128GB, and possibly more.
Most can attach to your key ring. These are choice for those "on the go."
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Hard drives, such as the "C:drive," are the most popular form of data storage. Most
PC based programs by default save files to your computer’s hard drive. Hard drives
can fail at any time. That is why it is good to always back up your data on another
form of media for safe keeping.
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The Storage Area Network (SAN) drives are the best way to save data (often known as
the J: drive or H: drive). At Ferris, you are given a set amount of space to save
your data, but you can get more if needed. This data is saved to the SAN on the Network.
A SAN is a system that has many hard drives set up in a way that if one fails, the
data is still safe. In addition, the information is backed up on tape and stored off-site
for years. This is the way we encourage and prefer that use for all of your important
data storage. We also encourage you to keep at least 2 back ups of your important
data.
Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages to the typical storage devices.
In addition to this, you will find a graph showing the reliability of each device
type.
| Types of Storage |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| CD-R/RW |
Cheap, easily stored for mobility, 700MB |
Prone to scratching/data loss, must have burner to save, time consuming |
| DVD-R/RW |
4GB, easily stored for mobility |
Prone to scratching/data loss, must have burner to save, time consuming |
| USB |
Limited data corruption, multiple sizes, USB ports |
Easy to lose |
| Hard Drive (internal) |
Multiple sizes, easy to use |
Not Mobile, possible data corruption |
| SAN |
Multiple backups |
Needs network connection to access |
