Tips for Protecting Data on a Mac OS X Laptop

Mac laptops are popular for a good reason; they are light, efficient computers for both professional and casual users. Trendsetting models like the Macbook Air and the powerful MacBook Pro are excellent systems, but they are as susceptible to data loss as any other high-end laptop. To keep your data safe, you need to regularly monitor system health and carry out some routine maintenance.

1. Updating Your Laptop: All Mac users should keep their systems up to date at all times. There are several critical bugs in early versions of the operating system, including Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, which can cause data loss under certain circumstances. You can easily update your laptop in OS X by running the “Software Update” option under the Apple menu.

Mac OS updates should never negatively impact the stability of your computer, but back up your data before running major updates. If the update process does not complete and your computer shuts down unexpectedly or suffers hard drive issues, you could face potentially serious data loss. Backing up your most important files keeps them safe.

2. Keeping Important Files Safe: Mac OS comes with the proprietary Apple software Time Machine, one of the best backup programs available. Whether you use Time Machine or another program, develop a plan for regular backup and test your backups regularly.

Ideally, you should keep at least three copies of your most important files, including one off-site copy. Mobile computers are more susceptible to physical hard drive failures and hardware-related damage, so you should never keep your only copy of an important file on your laptop. Consider online backup programs if you travel frequently.

3. Dealing with Data Loss: All laptop users should know what to do when data loss occurs, as any actions taken during the first few hours of a physical or logical failure can determine the likelihood of a successful data recovery.

Never attempt to run any type of software if your Mac OS laptop makes unusual noises. Clicking sounds can indicate read/write head issues, and by running software, you can cause permanent platter damage. Even if you do not actively use any programs on your laptop, the hard drive may attempt to spin to access data during regular operation.

To keep the chances of a successful data recovery high, turn the drive off immediately and contact Secure Data Recovery Services at 1-800-388-1266 as soon as possible. You should always turn off your laptop when data loss occurs, regardless of whether you lost data due to a physical hard drive failure or for a software-related reason. Do not attempt to repair physically damaged media, and do not attempt to remove your laptop’s hard drive.

We recover most of the Mac OS laptops that we receive. The operating system contains some effective safeguards that minimize the chances of serious hard drive damage, and our software tools allow our engineers to fully recover most deleted files.

However, the actions that users take immediately after failures play a significant role in the success of each case. You can keep costs low and get the best possible recovery of your laptop by seeking help from a professional data recovery as quickly as possible.