Securing data stored onto a hard drive is a more complex job than it would seem at first glance, as it may involve several methods that work together to ensure your sensitive files are kept safe no matter what.

There are situations in which the actual data from a HDD remains untouched but the drive itself may be affected by an external factor, like a mechanical shock, which could lead to the impossibility of using it and thus getting the needed files from the unit.

For this unfortunate event have been devised software solutions that complement the measures taken by many hardware manufacturers. Those who own a Hewlett-Packard laptop, for example, can benefit from such a utility, namely from that which is known as HP 3D DriveGuard.

The main innovation and most important feature that is brought by this utility is the ability to sense shocks through the integrated accelerometer and instantly park the hard drive heads. This way, the unit is protected more efficiently from the damage that may be generated from the impact that the device may sustain if it is dropped or some other object is dropped hard onto it.

There is an interface for HP 3D DriveGuard which enables users to view the connected HDDs as well as their current status and enable or disable the protection with a single mouse click. To make sure the system is monitored and safe at all times the program should be kept running in the background so it can intervene whenever necessary and prevent extensive damage to the data stored inside.

As an extra precautionary measure, HP 3D DriveGuard is definitely worth having installed because it may do a lot of good when the need is direst. Since it is limited to Hewlett-Packard units, the number of users that can enjoy its protective veil is unfortunately limited, but this will not diminish its overall value.