Periodic checks should be performed on all digital datasets whether in active use or stored away. Appropriate checks include searching for viruses and routine screening procedures which come with all computer operating systems. Remember to validate all data each time you refresh or migrate. It is essential to monitor ongoing research and development into good digital preservation strategies as this is a rapidly developing field. Do not assume that the formats that were safest for your data last year are still the best.
Digital preservation requires active intervention and constant vigilance.
If you can not provide this it is best to contact a professional digital archiving service. A strict regime of validating all files and their documentation must be followed during the migration process. Periodic checks should be performed on all digital datasets whether in active use or stored away. Appropriate checks include searching for viruses and routine screening procedures which come with all computer operating systems. The right of Adrian Brown, Duncan Brown, Geraint Coles, David Dawson, Anne Dodd, Julie Gardiner, Gary Lock, Christine Longworth, Nick Merriman, Paul Miller, Diana Murray, Jez Reeve and Alicia Wise to be identified as the Authors of this Work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.