You might think that with advances in computer operating systems, you wouldn't need crash prevention software anymore. While it's true that operating systems are far more stable than they used to be, you're still taking a risk if you don't have plans in place to backup and recover your data. The designers of most current operating systems have built simple computer crash prevention utilities into their infrastructure, but you can decrease your vulnerability to data loss by exploring third-party crash prevention software options.

Be aware that what is commonly known as crash prevention software can't really prevent your computer from crashing in the event that it undergoes any of the scary scenarios that can result in data loss. What good computer crash prevention software can do is protect you from the dire consequences of a crash, whether it's inadvertent or the result of an intentional security breach, by backing up and recovering your data.

1. Invest in top-of-the-line crash prevention software if you deal with sensitive data that requires tight security.

2. Explore mid-range computer crash prevention software for small business protection.

3. Take a chance on free or low-cost computer crash prevention solutions when money is tight and security isn't vital.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose full coverage solutions for computer crash prevention when data security is crucial

If your business requires a high level of data security, remember that accidental data loss through system crash can be as much of a security threat as intentional hacking, viruses and gradual data leakage. Make sure you invest in crash prevention and data recovery solutions that back up your other security measures.

I recommend: IBM Tivoli offers Continuous Data Protection for Files, an automated backup and recovery crash prevention software that runs transparently in the background. KBOX, from KACE, is the computer crash prevention software choice of companies and organizations around the world for its ability to provide remote server administration and system recovery with Knoppix-based support for Windows and Linux.

Choose mid-priced crash prevention software solutions for small business needs

Whether standalone or bundled into other security solutions, computer crash prevention software is a vital part of your small business toolbox.

I recommend: Yosemite Backup, an update of the popular TapeWare program, offers Windows and Linux backup and recovery support; explore Yosemite's FileKeeper for laptop computer crash prevention and recovery that operates even when you're not connected to a network. Symantec's SystemWorks Standard Edition suite bundles Norton's GoBack recovery application with utilities, antivirus and other security options. DriveClone Pro from FarStone combines system snapshot and universal restore functions. Mac operating systems are less vulnerable to crashing, but as an additional safeguard, Alsoft's DiskWarrior offers affordable computer crash prevention solutions for Mac users.

Save money with free or low-cost computer crash prevention software

If you're a student or in business for yourself, you can save money with free or low-cost disk recovery options to help you through a computer crash. Be wary, however, of scammers who will steal your data; look for recommendations of reputable, tested solutions, and invest in an upgrade as soon as you can.

I recommend: Crash Proof, from the India-based Unistal, offers low-cost, simple crash prevention and recovery solutions. Check out the Lifehacker Top 10 list of free computer system recovery tools that will save you the cost of a professional data recovery service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that computer crash prevention software is only one aspect of data loss prevention (DLP). Be sure you've integrated antivirus, firewall and other forms of data security along with backup and recovery functions.