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> As far as I can see this is just IT saying “if you stored your data somewhere you shouldn’t have, it’s now gone”.

You're assuming people are aware of where they — or their niche specialty software packages — store their data. I'm not even sure I'd know where e.g. some biotech-DNA-analysis-package stores its data.

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And this is why computer literacy is important. I can't fathom not knowing where the stuff I put tens and hundreds of hours into is saved. And this is despite the fact I never really lost any critical data in my life - backups offline and offline, on site and off site.

Recently I've been given incredible abuse by my ex who accused me I took her external HDD when I moved out. I actually considered I did and scoured all my boxes and belongings and even invited her over to search herself. Meanwhile, I asked her if she had any backups.

Needless to say the abuse tripled. I never found the drive.

You're right, but not even VUW's professional IT department is computer-literate, so how cna the students and faculty been held to a higher standard?

Slightly off-topic, but I'm sorry you were subjected to that abuse. It's not ok.

I don’t know, if I were writing my thesis on a machine, I’d very much want to know where it’s stored, and not just trust the awesomeness.

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