Computers play a big role in our day-to-day lives for many reasons. One reason is their ability to create, store and share data. This data may be pictures, spreadsheets, music, or memos just to name a few examples. However, regardless of the type of files you might work with, it is important to know how to keep this data safe and secure. Below are some tips to keeping your important files from harm.

1. Back it up! It is a good idea to get into the habit of backing up your files onto your network drive, a CDROM or even a USB flash drive. You just never know when the original saved on your hard drive could become corrupt and no longer accessible.
2. Avoid floppy disks when possible. If you must save a file to a floppy disk or onto a zip disk, then you have no choice. If you can, choose to burn the file to a cd or use a memory stick and you will be that much more protected. Just remember, if you are saving data to a floppy or zip disk, be sure to allow the computer time to complete the saving process before removing the media. Make sure all lights near the device are no longer on. This will ensure you do not corrupt the data during the saving process.
3. Pause for frequent saves. There is nothing worse than working on a term paper and just as you are ready to print, your computer shuts down. Some programs will auto-save, allowing you to retrieve your work, but it is better to stop and save your work frequently so you can be sure you are prepared for such an event. Do not trust your precious work to chance.
4. Stay organized. Think of your computer as a book. As in a book you would list similar topics under one section and place those sections into the same chapter, so should you with your files. Create folders and place related data into these folders to keep things easy to find and easy to backup.