The AT drive is a backup storage area on a computer network or hard drive used as a backup to a computer’s primary C drive. It requires free memory and is useful for data recovery. Partitioning enables multiple operating systems and protects data from corruption. It is useful for remote storage and access, but not for sensitive information. Software companies offer competing data backup applications.
The AT drive is a backup storage area on a computer network or on the hard drive of a single computer. It is typically added or partitioned and used as a backup to a computer’s primary C drive, and is often considered a forerunner of cloud storage. However, cloud storage is different in that it stores backup material remotely online; with a devoted drive, everything stays local. This requires a lot of free memory in most cases. Like cloud-based backups, these drives are especially useful if your computer freezes, blue screens, or restarts before file changes are saved. Users can typically restore files and data almost instantly. The drives also usually allow remote access from a secure connection. One of the biggest benefits of partitioning an existing drive and creating a localized backup is security; in a partitioned drive scenario, nothing is kept externally, online or otherwise, which significantly reduces the chances of a data breach or corruption. Creating this type of unit is usually quite complex, and in most places there are a number of software companies with competing products designed to guide users through setup and use.
Partitioning in general
Computer hard drives can be partitioned for a variety of reasons. Partitioning simply means that the data storage component of a computer is divided into discrete areas. These storage areas, or drives, are often differentiated by letters: drive C, drive D, drive E, etc. If some data stored on a computer becomes corrupted, the other partitioned data is usually protected. Partitions also help enable a machine to have multiple operating systems, such as Windows and Linux.
General importance
Backup and recovery are the primary goals of a T drive. In the event of a computer hang or system crash, any changes made to files stored on a machine’s primary C drive will often be lost. When this type of drive is present, however, it can often serve as a template for backup.
Remote storage and access are also potential benefits. Computers available in public laboratories, such as those found in universities and libraries, tend to erase all information stored on desktop C drives when the computers are restarted, usually as a means of protecting the operation of the machines and because for a long time term data storage is usually not the basis for these public computers. In most cases, anyone who uses public computers would have to rely on USB memory sticks, CDs, CD-RWs, or zip disks to store any information they want to carry around. In some settings, such as schools, users may store data on a T-drive that can be accessed later from home or from another on-site network site, such as in a dorm room.
Data recovery
When a computer shuts down unexpectedly, lost data can often be recovered from the drive because it typically isn’t erased when the computer shuts down. Because information stored on drive T is often only present for a short time, quick recovery is usually important. Operators can and often allow access, usually with a network password. Most of the time the files are widely open which means that all users can see everything stored there. This isn’t a good place for people to store proprietary or sensitive information, but it can be an effective way to enable mass access and remote storage for groups.
Business uses
Businesses can also benefit from the data backup applications of these drives because the drives often save IT staff from having to spend valuable work time managing specific backup and access requests. However, they are not without their downsides. Sometimes they prevent automatic software updates which may be needed for things like virus protection, and as such they often need to be disabled to allow for software updates.
Market competition
Software companies offer a number of competing data backup applications. Popular examples of these applications include Microsoft’s SteadyState, Symantec’s Norton GoBack, and Faronics’ Deep Freeze. These programs effectively “freeze” a user’s computer at a specific time, allowing all data and settings to be restored to the way they were before the machine was restarted.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
