9. Audit Log

A very good way of tracing back a problem is for the system to keep an audit log or audit trail.

This means the computer will record every important event in an 'audit file. It records who saved what and when. Who deleted records or changed them. For example an audit record may look like this:-

User: bigears233

File: TheMostImportantFile.doc

Changed: 3rd January 10:15am

(or Deleted, or Saved).

This can be useful if data is stolen or damaged. The audit log will show exactly which User ID was used and even which computer terminal they were on.