Please let me know the various important steps to protect my data from any critical loss.

If your using xp pro you can password protect file's/folder's with xp(pro) just go into my computer then tools / folder options / view then go down to the bottom and untick (use simple file sharing) then once ok you should an extra property part in the folder/files property's called security in there you can set who has permission to accesses the file/folder.

good try santos, but he did say critical loss meaning loss of data, still a good exspaination

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Check out the given steps:

1. Store your files, applications in a password protected location.
2. Take regular backup of your data.
3. Anti-virus software should be installed and updated periodically.
4. Use Uninterrupted Power System(UPS).
5. Make sure to safe your data and shut down properly when not in use.
6. Use firewalls to stop unauthorized access.

Thanks guys for helping me..

Nice suggestion,

Thanks for sharing it,i hope it may be usefull in future.

Thanks friend

There are various options that you can choose. First of all, if your data is confidential or private then you can hide that data into your system through folder option but if it is very confidential then you can download a software"Folder Security". It will help you to resolve your problem.

To what extent can I keep my data safe with folder security software?

Folder security software is another way to secure your files. No one can access your data placed in password protected folder.

thanks gillian..