Archival Data -- Managing over Time

[Bob Smith]

I am developing a set of data that I will do some
research on, and others as well.

My plan is to keep the source data in one workbook
in a very simple format, and not do any calculations
or charts in that workbook. I'll do my charts in
other workbooks, and will send the source data
workbook to others when they request.

The idea is to reduce corruption and accidental
modifications to the source data over time.

Is this a good plan? Any other comments about
how to protect the accuracy and stability of the
source data over time? I understand I can essentially
make the source file readonly. I am more concerned
about when I do add to the source data file
accidentally damaging something in an adjacent
column, for instance. Checksums?

I see 2 new directories since I started making charts
and referencing the source data workbook --
chart1_files and page1_files. Does all this new
stuff represent a threat over time, in terms of complexity,
to the original source data workbook?

Thanks for any comments.

 

[Guest]

Sounds to me you're taking the best approach:
keep it simple. You can start adding checksums
and other fancy protections, but then you're
adding the complexity you wish to avoid.

I'd concentrate on having fail-safe backups as
the best step to keep your data.

Good luck.