Data recovery

Recovering data from a crashed/corrupted hard disk
There are two types of  hdd failures.
1. Logical failure
2. Physical failure

Logical failure
This include
a.Accidental deletion of files and folders
b.Accidental formatting of a partition
c.Accidental deletion of a partition
d.A corrupted partition(this can happen due to ageing of hdd,bad sectors in hdd,improper  shutdowns,viruses,power failures)

Physical failure
1.Burned PCBs
2.Read/Write head damaged
3.Read/Write head not initializing
4.Spindle motor not rotating
5.Accidentally falling down

When there is a data loss don't panic!!
Pls identify the problem.
whether it is a physical or logical failure
If it is a logical failure we can use data recovery tools(Softwares) to recover data.Pls do not try to install the data recovery software on the failed hdd.
Install the data recovery software on another PC and connect the failed hdd to the PC (as secondary) and recover data.
If it is a physical failure it is better to contact a Data recovery centre(with a 100% clean room facility) for recovering data.
When there is a data loss u can contact ibmanoj@gmail.com for help

Migrating to GNU

We are providing help to home users who are interested in migrating from  proprietary OS to GNU/Linux.Here we are using Debian and Ubuntu on our laptop and desktops.You can email your doubts to ibmanoj@gmail.com.

Data loss

We invest a lot of money in implementing IT in organizations.The most valuable thing in the IT department of a company is not the big  servers or workstations.It is the data.We will realise the importance of our data  the moment we loose it.
How to prevent loss of ur precious data?
Data loss can occur due to
1. Viruses
2. Power failures
3. Accidental formatting
4. Accidental deletion
5.Improper shutdown
6.Hard disk failures
7.Theft
8.Sabotage

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Even though there are  advanced data recovery tools available,designing a good backup mechanism is the real solution.
In subsequent posts i will try to share my experiences.

Green Computing

Normally we use desktop computers for running our applications.The average life of a PC is 3yrs.After that we upgrade/replace it.This upgradation is carried out in every organization/institution every three years.How can we stop this expensive upgrades? We do not get any value for this (Obsolete models).The hardware dealer will take the old PCs and install new ones.
Thin client computing is a solution for this.

advantages:

1. No upgradation of PCs
2. Easy to manage and administer
3. Uses very low Power
4. Easy to configure and deploy applications.
5. Easily setup a computer lab within 3 to 4 hrs.
6. Green technology.Reduces electronic waste.

If u need a thin client solution pls mail ur requirements to ibmanoj@gmail.com.We offer free thin client solutions to educational Institutes.
We use free software(GNU/Linux).We have implemented LTSP in educational institutes.Switch to thinclients and keep our mother earth green!!!

Tips for keeping ur PC healthy

How to prevent PC break-downs?

To prevent Hardware problems

1. Proper Earthing
2. A good UPS
3. Proper shutdown
4. During rainy season disconnect telephone lines from modems.Lightning can damage  the modem and PC.

Software Problems

Viruses and Spyware
This is the most common problem faced by a PC user.When a PC is infected with malware(Viruses,spyware....) we contact a service engineer for help.Hardware engineers will inspect the PC and format the hard disk and reinstall the applications(in 99.99% cases).It may work for another 2 or 3 months and again  another attack of viruses.We follow the same procedure!!!Formatting,reinstallation.... this goes on...
Is there a permanent solution?
Our PC (Desktop or Laptop) is a  tool for doing some tasks.But most of the time we r doing maintenance of the PC instead of doing our work.
How can we prevent a virus attack?
Install GNU/Linux on ur PC.You can dual boot a PC(There will be  two operating systems).Using a boot loader u can select windows or GNU/Linux.
Pls follow these rules.
1.For internet access use only GNU/Linux.
2.If u want to use a pen drive or external usb hard disk pls connect the drive after loading GNU/Linux.

Debian 6.0 "Squeeze" released

After 24 months of constant development, the Debian Project is proud to present its new stable version 6.0 (code name Squeeze). Debian 6.0 is a free operating system, coming for the first time in two flavours. Alongside Debian GNU/Linux, Debian GNU/kFreeBSD is introduced with this version as a technology preview.

Debian 6.0 includes the KDE Plasma Desktop and Applications, the GNOME, Xfce, and LXDE desktop environments as well as all kinds of server applications.

http://www.debian.org