1. Data Backup WebQuest Section 14

2. Introduction We read about system failures in our newspapers all the time. What causes these failures? We are aware of problems associated with hacking and with the introduction of viruses as well as headline- catching news such as the hurricane which hit New Orleans on August 29th 2005. However, most computer system failures are caused by more everyday factors such as the failure of an upgrade to software or a simple malfunction. This WebQuest will help put into perspective the various threats to our computer systems. In this WebQuest you will learn about: –the causes of system failure –how organisations recover.

3. Task Your task is to produce a summary in table form of the causes of system failure, how they affect organisations and customers and how organisations recover. You should present the findings from the table in graphical format. A worksheet is provided to help you with this.

4. Process Step 1: Research news –Look at the news stories using the web links listed in the Sources page. Step 2: Review scenarios –Choose a couple of the scenarios and answer the questions on the worksheet below by filling in a table for each one. Step 3: Research case studies –After you have looked at the scenarios provided you should find some case studies of your own. To make your table meaningful you should summarise another four news stories. Step 4: Produce charts –Using the information contained in your table, produce suitable pie charts to show the causes of system failure.

5. Sources BBC News Type the following searches into the BBC News search facility to find relevant news stories:BBC News –NHS computer failures –Air traffic control conputer failure –Shropshire water computer failure Working Lunch –This BBC website gives links to stories about business from their programme Working Lunch. In a rage about tax returns –Find out how computer failure at the Inland Revenue affected the submission of tax returns in January 2008 and the consequences of not having suitable backup systems in place. Being prepared for the absolute worst –Small companies often have no recovery plans in place to cope with loss of data. This is an article about a government booklet on the need for recovery plans.

6. Conclusion System failure is caused by many things and although we are aware of issues such as hacking, the introduction of viruses and natural disasters, the commonest causes are actually much more mundane. Having completed this WebQuest, you will have learned about: –the causes of system failure –how organisations recover.