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Glossary

The Data Rescue Center Glossary

Data technology jargon explained.
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  • Accidental File DeletionAccidental File Deletion

    An intentional or mistaken deletion of a file, often the result of tiredness from late or long work hours. A software solution usually resolves this problem.

  • Auto SaveAuto Save

    A feature in some programs that automatically and periodically saves your work. Auto Save is designed to recover files in the event of a power loss or unexpected computer shutdown.

  • BackupBackup

    The process of periodically saving copies of your files for safekeeping. These are often encrypted for additional protection. Backup is an essential part of data protection.

  • Backup LocationBackup Location

    The location to which backups are saved. The location can be on the same machine (not recommended), on an external hard drive, on CDs or DVDs. These are considered local backups. Backups made to remote servers or online backup services are considered remote backup.

  • Backup SoftwareBackup Software

    This is software specifically designed to backup your files. Some programs work in the background to continually backup your files. Others can be scheduled for a time when the computer is not in use.

  • Backups - full, incremental, differentialBackups - full, incremental, differential

    A full backup contains a complete set of the backed up files and takes the longest to perform. Incremental backups only save files that have been changed since the last backup (of any kind) and take less time than a full backup. Differential backups save copies of all files that have been changed since the last full backup. A workable schedule for most home and small business users would be a monthly full backup, daily incremental backups and weekly differential backups.

  • CleanroomCleanroom

    A cleanroom is an area where the atmosphere is controlled to remove contaminants in the air and measures are taken to keep contaminants from being introduced into the area. A Class 100 cleanroom is required by all hard drive manufacturers for hard drive recovery service.

  • Clicks, ClickingClicks, Clicking

    A sound when made in regular intervals by a drive indicates that there are mechanical problems with the drive. Data should be backed up ASAP, if possible. Also known as "click of death".

  • Cloud BackupCloud Backup

    Cloud backup is a form of file backup that places copies of your data onto online servers that are maintained by an online backup service. These services offer a variety of options, from backup storage only to online collaboration.

  • Data LossData Loss

    When files are not accessible due to physical or logical damage to the hard drive, you have suffered data loss. The solution to data loss will depend largely on what form of damage has occurred.

  • Data RecoveryData Recovery

    Retrieving files that have been lost is called data recovery. Some types of data recovery can be done by the end-user while other types require specialized training, equipment and procedures.

  • Data Recovery ServiceData Recovery Service

    A data recovery services specializes in retrieving lost data from failed computer drives. A good service will have the necessary equipment, trained technicians and procedures to safely and efficiently recover lost data.

  • Disaster Recovery, Disaster Recovery PlanDisaster Recovery, Disaster Recovery Plan

    The steps taken to recover lost data after a catastrophic failure or loss is called disaster recovery. A disaster recovery plan is a pre-planned procedure for disaster recovery and should be a part of every business’ IT plan.

  • Disk ImageDisk Image

    A specialized form of backup that makes a copy of the computer’s hard drive. This can be used to recover the computer’s system, often without having to reinstall programs and settings.

  • Disk SpaceDisk Space

    The amount of recording media space on a hard drive to contain the operating system, programs and files.

  • Drive Damage, LogicalDrive Damage, Logical

    Damage to a drive caused by file corruption or operating system failure. Logical damage is often caused by computer virus or malware infection.

  • Drive Damage, PhysicalDrive Damage, Physical

    Damage to a drive caused by wear, mishandling, power surges and natural disasters.

  • Drive EnclosureDrive Enclosure

    A case made of plastic or metal that houses one or more hard drives to connect externally to a computer. Common connectors are USB, FireWire 400/800, or eSATA. Might need a separate power supply.

  • Drive PartitionDrive Partition

    Partitioning separates a single drive into several virtual or logical sections. The operating system assigns different drive letters to each of these partitions. Many users use a drive partition to keep data files separate from operating system and program files.

  • eSATAeSATA

    Variant of the SATA connector to connect drives externally.

  • External Hard DriveExternal Hard Drive

    A hard drive, contained in a separate enclosure that is connected to the computer using a USB, FireWire, or other connection. External drives are often used for data backup.

  • File SystemFile System

    In order to store data on a drive it needs to be formatted with a file system that the OS understands. Generally speaking, for Windows that is typically NTFS or FAT32, for Macs HFS+, and for Linux currently ext3. Macs and Linux can read and write the Windows file systems as well (additional software may be required).

  • FireWire (IEEE 1394)FireWire (IEEE 1394)

    An interface to connect external peripherals to a computer, similar to USB. Comes in two variants, FireWire 400 and FireWire 800, which are compatible with the appropriate cables.

  • FirmwareFirmware

    Software stored in the System Area with detailed information regarding the specific model and configuration. Not readable through ordinary means.

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD)Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

    A computer component on which the data, programs and operating system are recorded on platter type recording media. This is the most common form of hard drive, especially for consumer desktop computers.

  • Head CrashHead Crash

    When one or more of the read/write heads no longer float on an air cushion over the rotating disks, but actually touch the disk surface. This causes severe damage, and a drive having experienced head crashes cannot be repaired without special tools in a clean room.

  • IDE (also EIDE or PATA)IDE (also EIDE or PATA)

    An interface used to connect drives internally that has been widely replaced by SATA.

  • MountMount

    The process of the operating system initializing a drive for use in a computer. The operating system does not recognize an unmounted drive and the data on that drive is inaccessible.

  • Optical Disk Drive (ODD)Optical Disk Drive (ODD)

    A computer drive for reading and/or writing CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray disks. These disks can be used as a backup location.

  • OSOS

    Operating System, describes software loaded from disk that allows the user to work with the computer.

  • PlatterPlatter

    One or more magnetic disks rotating within the drive, containing magnetically stored bits of information. Most drives contain more than one platter, and one or both sides can be used for data storage.

  • Perpendicular RecordingPerpendicular Recording

    Technique used on newer drives to store more information per square inch by orienting the data perpendicular to the platter surface.

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

    Typically a green board that carries the necessary electronics of a drive and can be found on the bottom of a bare drive. Prone to damage from electrostatic discharges; direct contact with hands etc. should be avoided.

  • RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

    Used mainly in servers, these are multiple hard drives that are configured to be recognized as one drive by the operating system. Their purpose is redundancy, increased data reliability and increase input/output performance.

  • SATASATA

    The current standard to connect drives internally with a transfer rate of up to 3Gb/s.

  • SCSISCSI

    Stands for Small System Computer Interface. An interface to connect drives and other peripherals either internally or externally, but no longer in use. Replaced by USB and FireWire for external devices, or SATA for internal connections.

  • ServerServer

    A special type of computer that “serves” data and programs to personal computers that are connected to it. Servers are often used for data backup.

  • SSD (Solid State Drive)SSD (Solid State Drive)

    A computer drive on which the data, programs and operating system are stored on nonvolatile flash memory media. These drives have no moving parts and are therefore more rugged than their HDD counterparts. They are typically much more expensive.

  • Surge SuppressorSurge Suppressor

    An electrical device used to prevent power surges from damaging a computer.

  • System AreaSystem Area

    Special area on the drive with detailed information that is model specific like firmware and platter/head configuration. Not accessible through ordinary means.

  • Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)

    A battery-powered backup power supply that keeps the computer running in the event of a power outage. This allows the user to shut down the machine properly and prevent data loss.

  • USB, USB Mini and USB 3.0USB, USB Mini and USB 3.0

    Universal Serial Bus. A connector that allows to attach various external devices to a computer, including external hard drives.

  • USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive)USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive)

    These are small solid-state drives that plug into a USB port on the computer. These can be used for transferring data between computers.