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What is
Data Corruption?
An application consists of two
components. The first is the Application file (normally an
.exe file) and the other component is the data file(s). For
example in case of MS Word, MSword.exe is the application
file whereas the document that you are working on, say
MyDoc.doc is the data file
The application file operates on the data file by
reading/writing/ deleting the information from the data
file. All the applications use specific file formats for
saving/ retrieving data. These formats are proprietary to
the application. Hence data file(s) of a particular
application cannot be used with another application.
During the usage of any application, the application file
always remains unchanged whereas the data file(s) keep on
changing. Since the data file changes dynamically during the
usage of application, it becomes more vulnerable towards any
abnormality.
In case of any abnormality, it is the data files that get
physically damaged whereas the application file remains
intact. By physical damage of data file(s) we mean that
either some contents of the data file(s) are lost or some
junk contents are added to it, disturbing the original
format of file. Since applications read/write data in
specific format only, physical damage of data file(s) makes
them unusable with the application.
In case of physical damage of data files(s), although the
data file(s) are available physically containing the data,
their format gets disturbed making it unusable with the
relevant application. This is known as data corruption
Causes of Data Corruption
Why and how the data files get physically corrupted?
What are the conditions that lead to data corruption?
Given below are the common causes of data corruption:
1. Abnormal termination of program
2. Network problem
3. Media Failure/Problem
4. Virus Attack
Abnormal termination of program
If a program is terminated/closed in an improper manner
(without saving/closing the data file(s) you were working
on) then the data might get corrupted/lost.
Abnormal termination of program can occur due to the
following reasons:
a. Power Failure
b. Hardware problem
c. Abnormal shutdown
Power Failure
Sudden power failure can terminate the application that
you may be using at that time. Due to sudden termination of
application, data can get corrupted
Precautionary Measure
Ensure that you have power backup to avoid data corruption
due to power failure. You should have a UPS of sufficient
capacity as power backup
Use good Antivirus Software (preferably an online antivirus
scanner) and also have It updated regularly.
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