A tape drive is a data storage device that reads and writes data stored on a magnetic tape. It is typically used for off-line, archival data storage. Tape media generally has a favorable unit cost and long archival stability.
A tape drive provides sequential access storage, unlike a disk drive, which provides random access storage. A disk drive can move its read/write head(s) to any random part of the disk in a very short amount of time, but a tape drive must spend a considerable amount of time winding tape between reels to read any one particular piece of data.…
Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level computer data storage connected to a computer network providing data access to heterogeneous network clients.
A NAS unit is a computer connected to a network that only provides file-based data storage services to other devices on the network. Although it may technically be possible to run other software on a NAS unit, it is not designed to be a general purpose server. For example, NAS units usually do not have a keyboard or display, and are controlled and configured over the network, often using a browser.
A fully-featured operating system is not needed on…
Data recovery is the process of obtaining usable data from inaccessible storage media and corrupted or deleted file sets.
Computers, MP3 players and digital cameras store data on some type of electronic media such as hard disk drives, diskettes or flash devices. Each type of media presents different recovery challeng¬es. The data recovery process is very complex and labor intensive. Successful data recovery requires an intimate understanding of all of the technical details of modern data storage media, operat¬ing systems and file systems. It requires a well-equipped, controlled laboratory that is staffed with experienced, trained technicians. Without these resources,…
With stories abounding of identity theft aided by information lifted from discarded storage devices, you want devices you no longer plan to use to have no usable information when they head out the door. Here’s how to wipe them clean.
Why Erasing Files Is Not Enough
Sure, you could erase the contents of the drive, but keep this in mind: the act of erasing a file does not remove it from a storage device.
When you erase/delete a file from your computer, it’s not really gone until the areas of the disk it used are overwritten by new information.…
Seagate (including Maxtor)
SeaTools for DOS
Use Full Erase to zero-fill your hard disk.
Western Digital
Data Lifeguard Diagnostics
Use Write Zeros to drive to zero-fill your hard disk
1. Determine the brand and model of hard disk you want to overwrite.
2. Download a CD ISO image or a floppy disk image (depending upon your equipment) and use the image to create bootable media. The floppy disk image is self-contained: run it, insert a blank floppy disk when prompted, and the image is created on the disk. You will need to use a CD…
Wiping Drives and Free Space with SDelete
SDelete is a free program from Microsoft’s TechNet Sysinternals collection. It runs from the command line, and can be used to wipe drives, wipe files, or wipe free space.
Time Needed: Varies; from a few minutes to several hours, depending upon size and speed of drive and computer
Software: TechNet Sysinternal’s SDelete
Available from http://technet.microsoft.com
Media: Can be run from Windows desktop
1. Download SDelete.
2. Extract the contents of the compressed file.
3. Copy sdelete.exe to c:\windows\system32\ (this will enable you to run it from…
As demand has increased for digital video storage, including high-definition (HD) video, and as the variety of video-systems configurations increases, WD® expanded its line of hard drives for AV/DVR and surveillance applications to include small form factor, 2.5-inch SATA hard drives. WD AV-25 hard drives provide high reliability with a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 1 million hours and are engineered specifically for demanding, always-on multimedia streaming applications, while running at cool and quiet temperatures.
In addition to high reliability, WD AV-25 hard drives meet the demanding requirements of the AV/DVR and surveillance markets by offering…
Definition: USB flash drives are compact file storage devices to save your information externally. Flash drives are about the size of a disposable lighter and can be conveniently worn around your neck or attached to your keychain.
The end of the flash drive is inserted into the USB port on the computer. Once attached to the computer, they operate in much the same way as floppy drives, but have capacities currently in the range of up to 2 gigabytes.
Also Known As: USB memory stick, jump drive
From: http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/uvw/g/usb_flash.htm
A small, portable flash memory card that
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External hard drives are ideal for backing up your hard drive or storing additional media separately from your main hard drive. Photos, videos, and digital music have all become so popular in recent years that people need a place to put it all. CDs and DVDs do not have the capacity to hold PC backups and are not all that convenient. However, the prices of external hard drives have come down so much that they are perfect for backing up your important data.
The two most common interfaces for hooking up external drives to your computer are USB and…
WD® introduced its new My Passport™ AV portable media drives. Designed specifically for video storage and playback, the new My Passport AV portable media drives deliver a plug-and-play experience for digital media enthusiasts. Available now at select retailers and WD’s online store, the My Passport AV portable media drive is offered with 320 GB of capacity.
A large and increasing number of game consoles, camcorders, TVs, DVRs, Blu-ray players and media players, including the WD TV® Media Player family, allow consumers to connect a USB drive and play the multimedia content from the drive on an HD TV.…
