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Recovering data and investigating scams and hacking are serious and intricate jobs. Governments all over the world, multimillion dollar credit cards companies hired digital forensics experts to look into cyber crimes. Here are just 10 techniques many forensics use.

1. Image Back-Up:

A detailed copy of files on the computer`s hard drive is done and used to examine the data to prevent damage to the original drive. The backup takes deleted and current files on the drive.

2. Packet Sniffing:

This involves sensing things, seeing if the data sensed has any meaning. Data includes user names and passwords, sent and received email and any data that is received that comes through networks.

3. IP Address Tracing:

Every computer network is hooked up to an IP Address. This address is what computers use to identify each other. Tracing IP Addresses track the person to the exact address in real life. IP Address tracing may include reverse address look up.

4. Email Address Tracing:

Every email that is sent through an IP Address. IP Addresses are always connected to some kind of address in the real world. You can do this by looking through the header of each email.

5. Decryption:

Sometimes information is hidden in images, sounds and other files that are hard to catch. Decryption and stag-analysis are needed to obtain the info from the files.

Thinking of buying a digital camera? Read our take on the best digital cameras available in the market and make an educated decision. We have tried to collect a variety of digital cameras on the basis of the ‘overall package’. Remember – pixels and price is not everything.

1. Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

Currently ranked as the best point and shoot camera in the market, this one is also Canon’s slimmest. The SD780 features optical image stabilization, HD video recording and a 2.5 in LCD screen to preview your shots. Highly portable, you cannot be disappointed with this.

2. Nikon D5000

The only proper DSLR on the list, the Nikon D5000 deserves a word of praise.  With 12.3 megapixels and a large CMOS sensor, the D5000 is capable of 720p HD video recording at 19 auto exposure scene mode and 4 fps of continuous shooting, making it one of the most versatile DSLRs among others available in this price range (700-900 USD).

3. Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

SX200 IS is part of Canon’s newest PowerShot models and this one indeed is powerful – has the latest DIGIC 4 processor, a 12.1 megapixel resolution, 3 inch LCD screen and up to 12x optical zoom! All this for under 350 USD is nothing short of spectacular.

4. Sony Cybershot DSC-H5

Even though the DSC-H5 can hardly be called a compact camera (weighs 3 pounds and has a 12x optical zoom), the camera is a perfect bridge for going semi-pro with your photography. Less complicated than other models in the same price range, it offers excellent picture clarity.

5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

The Lumix DMC-ZS3 follows the trendy TZ range. However, there are major improvements in the response times and picture quality. With support for HD video capture and Panasonic’s Ultra Zoom feature, this one is a superb personal camera loaded with goodies.