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Technology

  

File Management and Saving Files

It is very important to be in the habit of making personal backup copies of work files. Although the IT Department at the Journalism School provides network storage (file shares) and does its best to protect these shares, network hardware failures can occur. In such an event, all work saved on the network could potentially be lost , and the only way to recover these files would be from a personal backup copy of files stored on a non-network device (a personal laptop computer) or exernal media (USB drive, flash drive, CD or DVD).

Network Storage

Each student is allotted up to 1 Gigabyte of personal storage space on the school's file servers. This can be accessed from any PC or Mac belonging to the Journalism school by logging into the network (i.e. by entering your username and password at the login screen). The files you place in this network share are accessible only by you when you use your username and password. The IT Department does not archive the files on the network share.

Saving Files to a USB Flash Drive/Pen Drive USB

Flash drives are big enough to hold photos, documents, multimedia presentations, MP3s, videos and more - yet small enough to fit in your pocket. The USB Flash Drive takes advantage of USB plug and play capability. You don't have to restart your computer. Simply plug the unit into any USB port and your computer will automatically detect it as a removable disk drive. Then, you can read, write, copy, delete and move data from your hard disk drive to the USB Flash Drive, or to your drive. USB Flash drives are now available with storage capacities of up to 8GB.

Saving Files to an External or Portable Hard Drive

An external hard drive can be accessed like a normal internal hard drive. You will need to format your external hard drive before you use it. Formatting instructions are generally provided by the manufacturer of the External Hard Drive.

Saving Files to CD-R's, CD-RW's, DVD-R's and DVD-RW's

For larger projects, such as audio or video projects, it is recommended that you save (burn) your files onto CD-R's, CD-RW's, DVD-R's or DVD-RW's.

To backup to CD's, you will need to have access to a computer with a CD Writable Drive and proper burning software. CD-R stands for CD-Recordable and CD-RW stands for CD-Rewriteable. Data written to a CD-R cannot be deleted or overwritten. You don't have to fill a CD-R in one writing session. Multiple writing sessions can be performed on one CD-R until the disc is filled. Data written to a CD-RW can be erased. CD-RWs are more expensive than CD-Rs. Storage capacity of CD-Rs and CD-RWs range from 650MB to 850MB.

In concept, DVDs are similar to CDs but have a higher storage capacity. To backup to DVD's, you will need to have access to a computer with a DVD Writable Drive and proper burning software. DVD-R stands for DVD-Recordable and DVD-RW stands for DVD-Rewriteable. Data written to a DVD-R cannot be deleted or overwritten. You don't have to fill a DVD-R in one writing session. Multiple writing sessions can be performed on one DVD-R until the disc is filled. Data written to a DVD-RW can be erased. DVD-RWs are more expensive than DVD-Rs. Storage capacity of DVDs ranges from 1.4GB to 4.7GB.

As a final note, not all Journalism school lab computers burn DVD's though all lab computers can burn CD's and read DVD's. Make sure that you are using the correct media for the computer (CD or DVD) before trying to backup your files onto the disk.

Warning: Avoid getting fingerprints, dust or smudges on the recording side of the disc. The disc should never be exposed to excessive heat or humidity. Avoid any exposure to direct sunlight.

Saving Files to Floppies

Although floppy diskettes are very inexpensive and readily available, they are easily damaged. The life expectancy of a 3.5" HD/DD diskette is depends on the storage conditions. They have a low capacity - the maximum storage space of a floppy diskette is still 1.44MB.

Tips on Handling and Care for Floppies disks

  • Hold disks only on the outer edge.
  • Store disks upright. The pressure exerted by stacking disks can force the plastic shell against the media surface.
  • Avoid temperature extremes. Disks should be stored between 32° F - 150° F. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can undermine the chemical composition of the media, leading to data loss.
  • Mark labels before you apply them to disks. The force of a pen can damage the media surface. Make two copies of important data. The data on a disk can represent many hours of work. If the data is critical, make a second copy.
  • Do not force a disk into a drive.
  • Do not bend disks. This can result in disk failure and permanent data loss.
  • Do not open and close the shutter. Opening the shutter exposes the disk to several environmental contaminants causing read/write errors.
  • Do not touch the media inside the shell. This can result in errors and data loss.
  • Do not expose to moisture or liquid, which can contaminate the disk surface, causing read/write errors.