ABSTRACT
Microcomputers and local area networks (LANs) have greatly complicated data storage and backup. If a microcomputer's hard disk is damaged by physical accident or malicious mischief, the data is lost if the user has not followed proper backup procedures. If a diskette is lost or damaged through mishandling, the data is lost if no duplicates exist. The chapter explains how these problems can be minimized with proper file retention and backup procedures. The most common causes of file damage or destruction are operational errors, natural disasters, and sabotage. Operational errors usually destroy only a limited number of files; disasters can damage an entire library. Sabotage of files or programs can include magnetic erasure and physical abuse. In addition, programs can be altered to erase or modify files when a specified event occurs, and external tape labels can be interchanged, requiring the files to be reidentified.
