Computation Center Procedures

[Joel Hallan]

Information that is available on the web [Internet] is information that is
stored in
computers at the particular web site one has addressed.  Computers in large
institutions are regularly backed-up [a copy of the data on it is made to a
tape, etc.]
every day and in some cases every hour.  The data does not normally get lost.
Important back-updata is locked in protected fire-proof vaults.

As the years go by, new types of computers become available that are faster
and more efficient.  The data is simply transferred from one computer to another
when a new computer is bought.

Major computation centers have been in business many many years [since the
beginning of main frame computers in the 60's] and they know their business.
They make procedures to insure that the data is not lost and they have 30 years
of experience in doing this.

If a new medium of data storage comes along, then the data will be transferred
to that medium.  It is up to the user to make sure that the data is currently
available.  The computer will keep storing it.

I hope this explains some basic aspects of computer procedures in computation
centers.  If you need more specific details one should contact their local
computation center [at a university or museum] since these are the two most
likely places that will sponsor web sites for taxonomic information.
Joel Hallan
4405 Manzanillo Dr.
Austin, TX 78749
512-280-2546