A damaged hard disk drive is one of the most unpleasant types of hardware failure. No, I don't mean that a burned processor or a damaged memory block are more enjoyable. Not at all – they are also disasters and in terms of money generally it is more expensive to replace a processor than to replace a hard drive but damaged hard drives have one very irritating property – you lose not only your hardware but also all or some of your data. Data is priceless and if you don't have a backup copy of it, then you are lost.
However, not all hard drive damages are that bad. There are cases when the hard drive is damaged but the data on it is alive. So, if your hard drive crashes, don't panic but hope for the best – i.e. the drive might have become an obsolete piece of machinery but at least your data is not buried inside. There are different strategies for evacuating data from a damaged hard drive and which one you can use depends on the sort of damage, as we'll see next.
What Is a Damaged Hard Drive
A damaged hard drive come come in many flavors. In addition to that, there are many cases when the drive is not damaged but due to some reason the data can't be accessed. For a non-specialist all these cases might look the same – I can't access my files, so my hard drive must have gone off, while in reality the hard drive is perfectly OK but your data is unaccessible because of some prosaic reason.
Without getting into technical details, the shortest (and hardly most precise) explanation of a completely damaged hard drive is that this hard drive can't be accessed with any means even by a qualified PC technician. So, unless you are a PC technician yourself, you can't determine on your own if the hard drive is totally dead or not. However, since there are many cases when a drive is still alive but it can't be accessed due to a variety of reasons (most frequently software issues) you can try some of the approaches in the next section and see if they work. Even if they don't work, they will do no harm, but this does not mean you shouldn't be cautious when applying them.
What You Can Do on Your Own
One of the cases when the hard drive is not physically damaged but is unaccessible due to software reasons is when the partition on which the data resides is inaccessible, or at least not from your operating system. In this case you can use an alternative operating system, for instance a Live CD with a Linux distribution and see if you will have more luck accessing the partition. This will work, if the partition table on your computer is not totally messed up. If you see that the data is still unaccessible, don't attempt to mess up with the partition table because you can make things worse. Instead, hurry up and find a PC technician and pray that he or she will be able to recover your data for you.
Another case when the data might still be alive is when the drive has been formatted on a high level. If the drive has been formatted on a low level, the extraction techniques will not work because the data has been physically destroyed. There are many tools to unformat a formatted drive and you can have a look at the ones listed here: http://recovery-review.com/unformat-tools/. Most of the tools are paid ones but you can find free as well. Hiren's Boot CD comes with a bundle of data recovery tools and I generally prefer to use them than any other tools.
Software problems are common but hardware problems – I.e. bad sectors or a damaged controller are also not an exception. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about them. If data is sucked by a bad sector, then in 99% of the cases it is gone for good. The 1% stands for the rare chance that you have made copies of exactly this file and the copy is not on a bad sector but this is really a lucky exception. You can take the hard drive to a service but it is unlikely that they will be able to do much.
Another technique you can try on your own without risk to make the damage more severe is to go to your HDD manufacturer's site and see if they provide retrieval tools. Usually hard drive manufacturers provide diagnostic tools but if you are lucky, chances are that you will find a data retrieval tool as well. Very often the diagnostic tools themselves not only check for problems but they also can fix some issues, so they could help you save your data as well.
The above mentioned techniques to extract data from a damaged hard drive are only a small fraction of what can be done. However, many of the other techniques are more complicated and they do require some knowledge about a hard drive's architecture, so I wouldn't recommend you to apply them because you can make a lot of damage. Some of the techniques that require opening the computer case or messing with the parts of the disk itself are too dangerous to try at home. No, you will hardly destroy your home but you can surely further damage the hard drive, making it impossible even for a technician to help you. Additionally, you can void the warranty for the computer system, which is hardly what you want to achieve.
Take the Hard Drive to a PC Technician
If you have tried to rescue the data from your hard drive on your own to no avail, you have no choice but to take it to a service. A PC service has more equipment than the standard user and there is a chance they will be able to help you but still, don't expect miracles. In some cases data extraction services could be free of charge, especially if you have bought the hard drive from them and the warranty has not expired yet but in other cases you will have to pay.
As you probably guess, fees vary. As a rule, the cost depends on the volume of data that needs to be extracted but generally it does not cost a fortune – you might be able find somebody to do it for around $200. Still, if your drive has serious physical damages, even if you go to a more expensive data rescue lab, there is no guarantee that your data can and will be restored.
Skilled PC technicians have more tools and techniques and their disposal. If you are interested in contacting a reputable company, try the service listed below. If you would like to learn more about hard drive data recovery techniques, here are two good articles: www.wikihow.com/Recover-a-Dead-Hard-Disk and www.networktutorials.info/datarecovery.html. Some of the information in these articles might be useful to diagnose the problem, but don't even think of applying the techniques on your own. It is really risky!
You can find data recovery services and data recovery software at DataRecoveryAgents.com.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
How to write your KSA answers to get that government job
Today’s volatile economic environment and expected layoffs means that many people will be searching for a new job. For many of you, a U.S. government job can offer security, excellent benefits, and interesting work. But be aware: competition for these jobs is intense and you have to stand out from all the other applicants to get a placement – that is where the KSA becomes a key opportunity you can use to get that government job.
What is a KSA?
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management maintains a searchable database, called USAJOBS that lists government job openings. Once you have signed up on line, you will find that specific position openings often require completion of a detailed description of your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) in addition to your resume.
Each job that requires a KSA will have specific KSA questions for you to answer usually in about a page of written content. This is not an optional task. You must do it and you must do it well. Each KSA answer is scored by human resources personnel on a 0-20 scale that reflects how closely your knowledge, skills, and abilities match the complexity, impact, variety, circumstances, and interactions that characterize the job for which you are applying. KSAs are frequently the deciding factor in your evaluation for employment in the U.S. government. So, what are KSAs? According to the CDC’s Help Page on KSAs:
Knowledge statements refer to an organized body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible. A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.
Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things. Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit. Examples of proficient manipulation of things are skill in typing or skill in operating a vehicle. Examples of proficient manipulation of data are skill in computation using decimals; skill in editing for transposed numbers, etc.
Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time. This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviors that are similar to those required on the job, e.g., ability to plan and organize work. Abilities are different from aptitudes. Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.
How should you answer KSA questions to improve your chances of getting a government job?
The most effective answers to the KSA questions reflect your understanding of the job requirements based on detailed analysis of the job description and typical tasking. You should pay careful attention to the key words used in the job description and use those words in describing your knowledge, skills and abilities.
In general, knowledge is more abstract than skills and therefore can be generalized over many different tasks and responsibilities. Knowledge comes from academic and life experiences including, but not limited to, education and employment. Any knowledge that you possess that is pertinent to the job you are seeking is something you should include in your the KSA response.
It is a good idea to brainstorm by yourself and with others, what “knowledge” you should claim because you can demonstrate it via your written answers. For example let’s say the position requires “being able to organize a project”. Although your work experience did not provide the opportunity to manage a project, your experience running the PTA’s funding raising for a year, although an unpaid activity, could legitimately be claimed as “experience managing a project”. It is up to you to describe the knowledge you acquired in a way that translates to the job for which you are applying.
Think of skills as capabilities that can be tested i.e., understanding how a spreadsheet program can help manage a budget is knowledge; being able to create an Excel spreadsheet to track expenses is a skill. Extract skill requirements from the job posting and offer evidence that you possess those skills. For example, the position of Pharmacy Assistant requires knowledge demonstrated by certified training and skills acquired from previous experience handing drugs and working with customers.
How to write an effective KSA response
In responding to KSA questions, you are making assertions about your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You must then backup those assertions with believable evidence. You need to develop your KSA responses with an eye on two key variables: relevance of content and quality of presentation. The National Forest Service provides an excellent tutorial on do’s and don’ts of writing effective KSA responses.
Describe your knowledge, skills, and abilities in terms that tie directly to the job using keywords that you extract from the job posting. Then “prove” by specific examples what you can do because of what you did in the past and the context in which you did it. Put your compliance with key job requirements at the beginning of the appropriate KSA answer or the beginning of a paragraph. For example: If the job requires a degree in accounting, the first place you can say clearly, “I completed my accounting degree at XYZ University” do it; then continue to describe your experience in accounting tasks.
Numbers can be your friend when it comes to providing proof to your reviewers. Instead of saying, “I wrote reports” consider saying, “I prepared monthly reports on six field trials with a lead time of two days”.
Knowledge and skills can also be demonstrated by using an overview of your previous responsibilities with examples of specific tasks, by describing training or certifications you received, and by citing awards or recognition for accomplishments. Reviewers like to see action words in your KSA answers and that requires that you write in an active versus a passive voice. You should say: “I analyzed data …” not “Data was analyzed”. You can find a great list of action verbs at Job Skills - Power verbs.
In conclusion your KSA answers must:
• Be concise
• Be relevant
• Be specific
• Have quantitative examples
• Make it easy for reviewers to find your compliance with key job requirements
• Be action and accomplishment oriented
• Be well written with NO TYPOs and good sentence construction. It is a good idea to have someone else look over your answers before you send them because it is sometimes difficult to see your own mistakes.
Remember, KSA answers separate those who are qualified for a job from those who are most qualified.
KSA Doctor specializes in government job application assistance including KSA writing, federal resume writing, and sample KSAs.
What is a KSA?
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management maintains a searchable database, called USAJOBS that lists government job openings. Once you have signed up on line, you will find that specific position openings often require completion of a detailed description of your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) in addition to your resume.
Each job that requires a KSA will have specific KSA questions for you to answer usually in about a page of written content. This is not an optional task. You must do it and you must do it well. Each KSA answer is scored by human resources personnel on a 0-20 scale that reflects how closely your knowledge, skills, and abilities match the complexity, impact, variety, circumstances, and interactions that characterize the job for which you are applying. KSAs are frequently the deciding factor in your evaluation for employment in the U.S. government. So, what are KSAs? According to the CDC’s Help Page on KSAs:
Knowledge statements refer to an organized body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible. A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.
Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things. Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit. Examples of proficient manipulation of things are skill in typing or skill in operating a vehicle. Examples of proficient manipulation of data are skill in computation using decimals; skill in editing for transposed numbers, etc.
Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time. This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviors that are similar to those required on the job, e.g., ability to plan and organize work. Abilities are different from aptitudes. Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.
How should you answer KSA questions to improve your chances of getting a government job?
The most effective answers to the KSA questions reflect your understanding of the job requirements based on detailed analysis of the job description and typical tasking. You should pay careful attention to the key words used in the job description and use those words in describing your knowledge, skills and abilities.
In general, knowledge is more abstract than skills and therefore can be generalized over many different tasks and responsibilities. Knowledge comes from academic and life experiences including, but not limited to, education and employment. Any knowledge that you possess that is pertinent to the job you are seeking is something you should include in your the KSA response.
It is a good idea to brainstorm by yourself and with others, what “knowledge” you should claim because you can demonstrate it via your written answers. For example let’s say the position requires “being able to organize a project”. Although your work experience did not provide the opportunity to manage a project, your experience running the PTA’s funding raising for a year, although an unpaid activity, could legitimately be claimed as “experience managing a project”. It is up to you to describe the knowledge you acquired in a way that translates to the job for which you are applying.
Think of skills as capabilities that can be tested i.e., understanding how a spreadsheet program can help manage a budget is knowledge; being able to create an Excel spreadsheet to track expenses is a skill. Extract skill requirements from the job posting and offer evidence that you possess those skills. For example, the position of Pharmacy Assistant requires knowledge demonstrated by certified training and skills acquired from previous experience handing drugs and working with customers.
How to write an effective KSA response
In responding to KSA questions, you are making assertions about your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You must then backup those assertions with believable evidence. You need to develop your KSA responses with an eye on two key variables: relevance of content and quality of presentation. The National Forest Service provides an excellent tutorial on do’s and don’ts of writing effective KSA responses.
Describe your knowledge, skills, and abilities in terms that tie directly to the job using keywords that you extract from the job posting. Then “prove” by specific examples what you can do because of what you did in the past and the context in which you did it. Put your compliance with key job requirements at the beginning of the appropriate KSA answer or the beginning of a paragraph. For example: If the job requires a degree in accounting, the first place you can say clearly, “I completed my accounting degree at XYZ University” do it; then continue to describe your experience in accounting tasks.
Numbers can be your friend when it comes to providing proof to your reviewers. Instead of saying, “I wrote reports” consider saying, “I prepared monthly reports on six field trials with a lead time of two days”.
Knowledge and skills can also be demonstrated by using an overview of your previous responsibilities with examples of specific tasks, by describing training or certifications you received, and by citing awards or recognition for accomplishments. Reviewers like to see action words in your KSA answers and that requires that you write in an active versus a passive voice. You should say: “I analyzed data …” not “Data was analyzed”. You can find a great list of action verbs at Job Skills - Power verbs.
In conclusion your KSA answers must:
• Be concise
• Be relevant
• Be specific
• Have quantitative examples
• Make it easy for reviewers to find your compliance with key job requirements
• Be action and accomplishment oriented
• Be well written with NO TYPOs and good sentence construction. It is a good idea to have someone else look over your answers before you send them because it is sometimes difficult to see your own mistakes.
Remember, KSA answers separate those who are qualified for a job from those who are most qualified.
KSA Doctor specializes in government job application assistance including KSA writing, federal resume writing, and sample KSAs.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tips on Getting an 800 Number
With small businesses springing up everywhere, the desire for a cheap 800 number has increased. Toll free numbers give your business a professional appeal and they allow you to separate your personal life from your business life. But how do you get a cheap 800 number? Do you need a separate phone line in your home or office? All of these questions and more will be answered in these quick tips on finding and setting up a cheap 800 number.
Tip #1—Find a good server. There are many companies on the web claiming to be the best toll free service providers. Do your research. Some companies charge flat rates while others bill you only for the minutes used. Think about how much money you are willing to spend for the service and go from there. For example, RingCentral is a fully operating Internet phone service. You get an 800 number and a voice mail system with your monthly package. For $9.99 you can enjoy 100 minutes of phone time and a rate of 6.7 cents per additional minute. You can also listen to your voicemails on line and see a clear history of calls. With many other features such as call forwarding, music on hold and live call transfer, RingCentral is a handy and comprehensive plan.
Alternatively, a site like kall8 can offers a low per-minute rate. For $2 per month plus 6.9 cents per minute, you get attractive features such as voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID. If you’re looking for a truly cheap 800 number, this is the way to go.
Tip #2—Know what you want. For some people, all of the added features are desirable. Call waiting, repeat dialing, click-to-call, call blocking. These handy add-ons can be useful if you have the time and the will to learn how to use them. Often, voice mail and mailbox set up can be done over the phone and is the most popular feature of nearly every phone plan. For others, these features are not necessary and can even be confusing or frustrating for new users. Many people just want a toll free number and that’s it. For these users, a flashy plan with many extras might not be a good choice. A simpler plan with perhaps only a voicemail option would be more ideal. Decide what sort of plan you want and search for the features that you know you will take advantage of.
Tip #3—Pick a Number. One of the most difficult parts about getting an 800 number is actually coming up with the number. With so many toll free numbers in existence, there are few genuine 800 numbers left for availability, and often companies like Toll Free Max charge a fee for a true 800 number, $25 at their website. More typically, you will end up with a non-800 toll free number, one that begins with the digits 866, 877, 888. Although these numbers are not true 800 numbers, they are still toll free and serve the same purpose. There is always an option to have a number assigned to you, giving you a random, insignificant number that may be hard to remember, but it won’t cost you any extra. Or, if you are willing to pay a fee of up to $25, you can sign up for a vanity number, a number that you choose on your own. Often, people like to use the letters on the phone buttons to spell out something that is significant to them or their business. For example, if you were a pet grooming company, you might want to try to get the number 800-GROOMER. Try to think of a number that has meaning to you and is easy to remember. A vanity number can be a great way for a business to reach out to its target audience.
Tip#4—Look for customer service. At times, toll free number setup can be frustrating. There are often many options, features and add-ons that can be overwhelming to new users. Check with your site before purchasing to see that they have accessible and friendly customer service. Whether you need help with voicemail setup or call forwarding, it is important that your cheap 800 number provider is there when you need them to walk you through the steps of setup and use. The teleconferencing giant Freedom Voice offers 800 numbers as well as a click-to-call feature. If you need help, you simply click on their 800 number logo and enter your number. They will call you within minutes with customer service advice. Likewise, many companies like AllCom, offer help via e-mail, phone or fax, as well as posting easy-to-use user guides on their websites. Often, these user guides will walk you step-by-step through the setup and usage of their phone functions. Be sure that the company you decide to go with has all of the handy customer service features you desire.
Tip #5—Use trial periods. If you are weary of getting a cheap 800 number and finding the right company for you, be sure to sign up with one that has a free trial period. This way, you can test out the service, learn the ins and outs, and decide if you really want to use them. Internet phone company Ring Central offers a plethora of services from toll free voice and fax numbers to Internet fax to voicemail. They have a free 30-day trial period in which you can use the system and decide if it’s really right for you. The amount of time that your free trial runs can vary from one week to one month, but if you are unsure about what company to go with, a trial period can be a great way to narrow down your choices without spending a ton of money to check each place out.
Tip#6—Check for fees. After you have decided which company to use, you’ve chosen your number and you know you have a week-long trial, be sure to read the fine print. There can often be setup fees, cancellation fees and minimum usage fees attached to toll free number accounts. Be aware of these fees and make sure that you are getting the deal that you thought you signed up for. Pay attention to your first few bills and make sure your billing rate is what you had originally agreed upon.
Having a cheap 800 number can give your business a competitive edge and a boost. People are far more likely to call an 800 number than a local number. Likewise, you can conceal your location with a toll free number and target a national audience rather than just your region. If using a cheap 800 number for personal use, it can be a great way to allow friends and family to keep in touch with you without having to foot a huge bill. Whatever you decide to use it for, an 800 number can be a cheap and easy way to keep in touch and stay connected.
Interested in starting a home internet business? Learn how in this easy to follow guide.
Tip #1—Find a good server. There are many companies on the web claiming to be the best toll free service providers. Do your research. Some companies charge flat rates while others bill you only for the minutes used. Think about how much money you are willing to spend for the service and go from there. For example, RingCentral is a fully operating Internet phone service. You get an 800 number and a voice mail system with your monthly package. For $9.99 you can enjoy 100 minutes of phone time and a rate of 6.7 cents per additional minute. You can also listen to your voicemails on line and see a clear history of calls. With many other features such as call forwarding, music on hold and live call transfer, RingCentral is a handy and comprehensive plan.
Alternatively, a site like kall8 can offers a low per-minute rate. For $2 per month plus 6.9 cents per minute, you get attractive features such as voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID. If you’re looking for a truly cheap 800 number, this is the way to go.
Tip #2—Know what you want. For some people, all of the added features are desirable. Call waiting, repeat dialing, click-to-call, call blocking. These handy add-ons can be useful if you have the time and the will to learn how to use them. Often, voice mail and mailbox set up can be done over the phone and is the most popular feature of nearly every phone plan. For others, these features are not necessary and can even be confusing or frustrating for new users. Many people just want a toll free number and that’s it. For these users, a flashy plan with many extras might not be a good choice. A simpler plan with perhaps only a voicemail option would be more ideal. Decide what sort of plan you want and search for the features that you know you will take advantage of.
Tip #3—Pick a Number. One of the most difficult parts about getting an 800 number is actually coming up with the number. With so many toll free numbers in existence, there are few genuine 800 numbers left for availability, and often companies like Toll Free Max charge a fee for a true 800 number, $25 at their website. More typically, you will end up with a non-800 toll free number, one that begins with the digits 866, 877, 888. Although these numbers are not true 800 numbers, they are still toll free and serve the same purpose. There is always an option to have a number assigned to you, giving you a random, insignificant number that may be hard to remember, but it won’t cost you any extra. Or, if you are willing to pay a fee of up to $25, you can sign up for a vanity number, a number that you choose on your own. Often, people like to use the letters on the phone buttons to spell out something that is significant to them or their business. For example, if you were a pet grooming company, you might want to try to get the number 800-GROOMER. Try to think of a number that has meaning to you and is easy to remember. A vanity number can be a great way for a business to reach out to its target audience.
Tip#4—Look for customer service. At times, toll free number setup can be frustrating. There are often many options, features and add-ons that can be overwhelming to new users. Check with your site before purchasing to see that they have accessible and friendly customer service. Whether you need help with voicemail setup or call forwarding, it is important that your cheap 800 number provider is there when you need them to walk you through the steps of setup and use. The teleconferencing giant Freedom Voice offers 800 numbers as well as a click-to-call feature. If you need help, you simply click on their 800 number logo and enter your number. They will call you within minutes with customer service advice. Likewise, many companies like AllCom, offer help via e-mail, phone or fax, as well as posting easy-to-use user guides on their websites. Often, these user guides will walk you step-by-step through the setup and usage of their phone functions. Be sure that the company you decide to go with has all of the handy customer service features you desire.
Tip #5—Use trial periods. If you are weary of getting a cheap 800 number and finding the right company for you, be sure to sign up with one that has a free trial period. This way, you can test out the service, learn the ins and outs, and decide if you really want to use them. Internet phone company Ring Central offers a plethora of services from toll free voice and fax numbers to Internet fax to voicemail. They have a free 30-day trial period in which you can use the system and decide if it’s really right for you. The amount of time that your free trial runs can vary from one week to one month, but if you are unsure about what company to go with, a trial period can be a great way to narrow down your choices without spending a ton of money to check each place out.
Tip#6—Check for fees. After you have decided which company to use, you’ve chosen your number and you know you have a week-long trial, be sure to read the fine print. There can often be setup fees, cancellation fees and minimum usage fees attached to toll free number accounts. Be aware of these fees and make sure that you are getting the deal that you thought you signed up for. Pay attention to your first few bills and make sure your billing rate is what you had originally agreed upon.
Having a cheap 800 number can give your business a competitive edge and a boost. People are far more likely to call an 800 number than a local number. Likewise, you can conceal your location with a toll free number and target a national audience rather than just your region. If using a cheap 800 number for personal use, it can be a great way to allow friends and family to keep in touch with you without having to foot a huge bill. Whatever you decide to use it for, an 800 number can be a cheap and easy way to keep in touch and stay connected.
Interested in starting a home internet business? Learn how in this easy to follow guide.
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