If you experience a problem with your PC or if you accidentally lose or delete files that you need to get back then a data recovery program could help solve your problem. Some of these programs are simple to set up and to operate and can be used by most computer users. Some, however, are more complex in nature and should probably only be used by people who know what they are doing.

The programs that are easiest to use are generally those that deal with finding and restoring lost or deleted files. These programs can work on a general basis or can be targeted at restoring specific types of files such as emails, office documents and photos, for example.

These programs are easy to use generally because deleting a file does not mean that you have a problem with your computer which will usually still be working fine. So, for example, this kind of program simply needs to be loaded on to your computer and then the relevant steps followed to find and restore your data.

If, however, you have a more serious computer problem that has seen you lose data then this kind of program probably won't be much use to you. If, for example, your hard drive crashes or stops working correctly then you may not be able to get into your computer at all.

For most of us this situation will indicate finding a computer specialist who can help put our system back together again. More technically adept users may want to try and solve their problems on their own. In either case software programs are widely used as a solution here.

The type of program that you will use to restore your data can vary depending on the actual problem that you have. Some programs, for example, work when you cannot actually get into your operating system or when you need to bypass it. These programs (often known as boot disks) allow you or a technician to get in by the 'back door' and to run a series of diagnostics and repair tools that could solve your problem.

Consistency checkers are a regularly used tool here. These programs check your disk for faults and also offer a range of fixes that could repair any damage that has been done. Or, as an alternative imaging tools can be used that can recreate an 'image' of a hard drive for analysis and repair.

Finally, partition recovery programs are often used if there is a problem with the partitions set up on your computer. Problems here can be caused by user mistakes, viruses and software bugs and this kind of program can recover elements that might have been lost from a partition and restore them.

Most people will call in outside help if their problem is more serious than a simple and accidental file deletion. Although these other programs offers a range of viable solutions they are best suited to users who understand what they do and how to use them. In many cases, in the wrong hands, they can actually make a problem worse so shouldn't be tried out unless you know what to do.