10 Simple Things You Can Do to Protect Your Data

1. Protect electrical components by using computers in a dry, shaded, dust-free area.
2. Protect against power surges with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
3. Never shake or remove the covers on hard drives or tapes.
4. Never attempt any operation, like installations or repairs, with which you don't have experience.
5. Avoid moving your computer, especially when it's in operation.
6. Back up important data regularly.
7. Use diagnostic utilities with caution.
8. Store tested backups in an off-site location.
9. Always quit your programs before shutting down your computer.
10. Don't store critical data in a flood plain.