Bought this book last night -- obviously haven't had time to read it. But it spawned a discussion with a colleague this morning, at work. And I've had discussions in the past with other colleagues about this very subject. Anyhow, here's an editorial description from Amazon.com about the book and one of the reviewers comments.
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Author shows why our data is at far greater risk than we've ever
imagined, and envisions a frightening future, where so much critical
information is lost that civilization itself could collapse. Bergeron
examines how we're storing our most precious data. Softcover.
From the Back Cover
- Civilization at risk: Is our most important information about to vanish?
- Here today, gone tomorrow: Disappearing Web sites, unproven storage technologies, obsolete data formats
- Specific, realistic solutions for individuals, organizations, and society
Your data—and everyone's—is in danger. Discover why—and what to do about it!
Dark Ages II
shows why our data is at far greater risk than we've ever imagined—and
envisions a frightening future, where so much critical information is
lost that civilization itself could collapse. Bryan Bergeron examines
how we're storing our most precious data: on Web sites and email
servers that could disappear tomorrow; on unproven magnetic and optical
media; and in document formats that become obsolete virtually
overnight. After projecting the potential impact of massive data loss,
Bergeron offers step-by-step techniques you can use to solve the
problem in your own home, organization, or enterprise.
- Why your disks aren't as reliable as you think
- Who owns your data—and what happens when they stop taking care of it?
- What's happening to civilization's "paper trail"?
- Why backups aren't nearly enough
- Why "pervasive computing" will only make the problems worse
- What you can do now to ensure the survival of your digital information—and everyone's
This
book is a powerful wake-up call for everyone who depends on digital
data, including business decision-makers, educators, librarians,
researchers, public policy-makers—and you!
Good book, Serious Subject, May 5, 2002
Good book. Well written. Quick read. I think this book will surprise
many readers who think that simply backing up their data is enough. I
work in a university library, but didn't have a good idea of how the
National Archives and other agencies deal with their intellectual
property. The author correctly points out that there is much more to
consider when purchasing a backup device than price. There's longevity
of media, which isn't as great as I thought it was, especially given
that I don't store my archives in a constant temperature/humidity
environment, and, more importantly, the compatibility of the hardware.
I'm on my third PC, and already can't read some of my early work
because I don't have syquest drive on my latest PC. As a result of
reading this book, I've changed my archiving process and place little
trust in my CD-ROM burner.
This book is a good - and overdue - wakeup call.
***********************
I am generally not an alarmist, but I think there is some fire here along with smoke. Does this subject touch a nerve with others here on the forum?
The Dark Ages II
Re: The Dark Ages II
