To choose the best computer forensics books, it can be helpful first to determine the goals you hope to achieve with these resources. If you are a student who needs books for a course, the best books might be those suggested or assigned by your professor. Book lists are normally documented in a class syllabus, though if you have trouble locating this information, you may want to consult your teacher. Individuals who are interested in getting some background information not for a class or who are seeking supplemental materials for a class paper or research project can consider factors such as subject matter and author qualifications.
Computer forensics is the science associated with any legal evidence that can be stored in a computer. In some cases, attorneys or law enforcement officials may have access to computer files that can help prove an individual's innocence or guilt. Sometimes computer forensics is used to create audit trails with digital data.
Some computer forensics books may provide readers with an overview of the history of computer forensics. These resources might explain how the science was developed and provide documentation of important cases that helped to shape computer forensics practices. Many of these computer forensics books also contain predictions regarding future trends, technologies, and legal implications. Keep in mind that some authors write from an objective standpoint, while others may want to persuade readers to take a stand on certain issues.
Individuals who want to become professionals in this field can benefit from computer forensics books that document steps of important procedures. For example, a book might inform readers how to perform data recovery processes on different operating systems. These kinds of books often are assigned in academic programs and can become valuable guides for forensics professionals. These books might be updated often to keep up with technological trends and developments.
A number of computer forensics books can provide readers with legal information. These resources might contain rulings that have guided legal standards regarding digital evidence. Legal jargon often can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. If you are seeking a book that provides legal context for computer forensics and you are not a legal student or professional, make sure that it is written in clear, understandable language.
In most cases, the best computer forensics books are written by specialists in the field. If you are considering a book about data recovery processes, make sure it is written by an individual who has had experience practicing and even developing these practices. Likewise, a book about legal contexts might be best if it is written by an attorney or scholar who has performed years of research in a related field.