Computer Repair UK

It happened to me, one of the worst things in the world. My computer died and I realized that although I owned an external hard drive, I had not at any point got round to backing up my files; and as a photographer that is cripplingly heartbreaking. Go to data storage for more information.

Fortunately, a computer genius of a friend of mine waved his magic wand and did something flashy with the hard drive, and after making me promise I will never ever not get around to backing up my files ever again, told me that he’d retrieved all my images. What a star. As I dried my tears I vowed to become compulsive about backing up absolutely everything and set out to check out the data storage reviews for the ideal data storage solution.

Firstly, I had to work out why I had not used the storage device I already had. All 400GB sitting there, empty. Why could I never be bothered? Whilst trawling storage reviews, I came across a device that answered my question. My sturdy workhorse from Freedom, all big and black and functional looking was just not ticking my girlie boxes. I hadn’t got round to using it because it I didn’t yearn to touch it, hold it and make it mine. Fortunately I’ve found the perfect answer.

The Buffalo MiniStation Lite has the same aesthetic appeal as a pair of Jimmy Choos, or Manolo’s depending on your taste. The sleek and shiny data storage device comes in black, which reminded me of the perfect handbag; red, which reminded me of the perfect patent shoes; and white, which reminded me of a storm trooper, so I felt like Princess Leia. On the technical side, it stores up to 500GB and comes in at a reasonable 150 GBP for the top spec version.

Another data storage device that caught my eye, also based on the aforementioned near loss of all my precious images, was the Kingston DataTraveller Micro USB stick. I’ve been using Kingston USB sticks for years, back when 1 gig of storage seemed enormous. They have always proved to be a stable and reliable device, and even though the standard silver finish doesn’t remind me of shopping for shoes or bags, I have always carried one around just in case I need to transfer files.

This offering from Kingston goes one step further than an ordinary USB stick, by incorporating a slot for a micro SD card, ideal for quick and easy transfer of files from a digital camera for example, onto a computer. This saves the inconvenience of searching through a draw full of cables. The stick is a standard 4GB and retails at a reasonably priced 15 GBP.

There is however an option that is said to combine style and portability. According to the data storage reviews the PNY Attach Lady Flash USB drive is flash in more than one way. The stick is emblazoned with a delicate floral design and has been designed to fill a niche in the market. Unfortunately I can’t help looking at it and thinking bog standard shoe rather that Manolo Blahnik magic.

The design isn’t exactly cutting edge and somehow reminds me of Joan Collins. The trouble with some attempts to create a stylish product is that it becomes a gimmick. This USB stick is a regular storage device with a sticker on and offers nothing other novelty pen drives can’t. In fact, I’d probably go for the ultimate in novelty USB sticks, the Lego Brick, or maybe the flashing duck, or even the animated USB dog that does what dog do whilst catering for all your storage needs. Visit data storage for more information.

One word of caution though if you plan to use flash memory devices as an alternate form of storage is these need backing up too. A Usb  drives portability means they can often be lost dropped or damaged, and also memory controllers can be prone to failure just when you need access to the data. When this happens your only choice of course will be to send the drive to a pen drive recovery specialist.

written by DavePF \\ tags: data storage, Pen Drive Recovery

When you have backed up meticulously every day for the last 5 years, then you find that the only time you require to restore the backup, you discover the tape wont load because of a tape error.

So what can you do. There are several software options for backup data recovery, but most of these only work on backup files, so how do you recover data from a tape?

Data Recovery Engineering Software Limited write software mainly for data recovery companies, and one of their titles is a very cost effective tape copying tool.

The software creates an image file of the data on the tape to hard disk. Now you can access the data on the tape and recover it with your backup recovery software.

Another use for the software is when someone has created a backup set that you need to access, but it is password protected (not encrypted) and the user cant remember the password or left the company. Or a forensics examiner needs to look at the data stored on the tape but does not have access to the software used to create the backup.

Creating an Image of a Tape

written by DavePF

Temperature Humidity Chambers are available from various chamber manufacturers such as Thermotron, Tenney, Espec, Blue M, Despatch, Ransco, TestEquity, Associated Environmental, Bemco, Cincinnati Sub Zero, BMA, Lunaire etc. When buying a Temperature Humidity Chamber, there are a number of things to consider amongst which are:

(a) of the chamber|The inside dimensions of the temperature humidity chamber|Minimum Internal Dimensions of Chamber[/spin]. This will be decided by the size of the product to be tested.

(b)Temperature Range required for the test you intend performing. The maximum range of a Temperature Humidity Chamber is normally from -73C to +200C. However, to perform this full range the chamber will need to have two compressors in what is referred to as a cascade refrigeration system. If only a single compressor is used, then a temperature range of down to approximately -35C is possible. Keep in mind that humidity testing can not be performed below 0C (freezing point) and that any testing below 0C will be possible for temperature only testing (humidity function will be disabled). Temperature Humidity Chambers are also offered without any refrigeration at all. The lowest temperatures at which testing can be performed without refrigeration is normally about 12C above ambient.

(c) Humidity Range required for the test you intend performing. Even though most Temperature Humidity Chambers claim that they have a humidity range of 20% to 95%, what is often not taken into account is the temperature range at which these humidity levels can be controlled. For example, at 25C, the lowest humidity obtainable by most chambers with refrigeration will be about 45% (unless a dehumidifier package is installed). At temperatures above 25C, lower humidity levels than 45% can be controlled. Normally graphs are provided by the manufacturer indicating the temperature versus humidity range of the temperature humidity chamber.

(d) Water Recycling System - If no drain is available to drain the excess water used to create the humidity, one should consider a water recycling system consisting of a water storage container, recycling pump and demineralizer cartridge. This will recycle the water so that a drain is not required. Remember, demineralized water should be used for Temperature Humidity Chambers, not deionized water which can harm the interior of the chamber (usually stainless steel) and other components!

This information has been brought to you by LR Environmental Equipment Co. Inc. which carries the largest inventory of Certified Refurbished Environmental Test Chambers and Industrial Ovens in the World.

Should you require more information, they can be contacted at 800-574-2748. Purchasing Certified Refurbished Temperature Humidity Chamber from a reputable company such as LR Environmental who has been in business for over 40 years can save you a fortune while removing the risks When buying used. WWW.LRE.COM

written by DavePF

If you’re interested in the latest technology, then solid state drives have probably been on your radar for awhile now.  Also, known as an SSD, these drives are being hyped as the next wave of greatness for laptops and for computers in general.

The big question, however, is do they deliver on all of these promises or, like so many grand advancements promoted in the past, just overhyped.

To answer those questions, we first need to learn a little bit more about these drives.  Then we’ll delve into how they stack up to their promises.

A Little Background

Basically, these drives aren’t new but they made a huge splash in 2007 at the Consumer Electronic Show held in Las Vegas.  They were heralded as the solution to many problems facing those of us who love portable computing.

These drives have been in use in military and commercial applications for a lot longer but the huge cost has never really made them a viable consumer purchase until prices have started to come down. Continue reading »

written by Techhead \\ tags: Computer Support, Solid State Drives, SSD, Technology articles