Book excerpt: Computer forensics (sometimes computer forensic science) is a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media. The goal of computer forensics is to examine digital media in a forensically sound manner with the aim of preserving, recovering, analyzing and presenting facts and opinions about the information. Although it is most often associated with the investigation of a wide variety of computer crime, computer forensics may also be used in civil proceedings. The discipline involves similar techniques and principles to data recovery, but with additional guidelines and practices designed to create a legal audit trail. Evidence from computer forensics investigations is usually subjected to the same guidelines and practices of other digital evidence. It has been used in a number of high profile cases and is becoming widely accepted as reliable within US and European court systems. A leading computer forensics certification is the GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) certification from the Global Information Assurance Certification organization. There are currently over 2100 GCFA certified individuals. This self-study exam preparation guide for the GCFA certification exam contains everything you need to test yourself and pass the Exam. All Exam topics are covered and insider secrets, complete explanations of all GCFA subjects, test tricks and tips, numerous highly realistic sample questions, and exercises designed to strengthen understanding of GCFA concepts and prepare you for exam success on the first attempt are provided. Put your knowledge and experience to the test. Achieve GCFA certification and accelerate your career. Can you imagine valuing a book so much that you send the author a "Thank You" letter? Tens of thousands of people understand why this is a worldwide best-seller. Is it the authors years of experience? The endless hours of ongoing research? The interviews with those who failed the exam, to identify gaps in their knowledge? Or is it the razor-sharp focus on making sure you don't waste a single minute of your time studying any more than you absolutely have to? Actually, it's all of the above. This book includes new exercises and sample questions never before in print. Offering numerous sample questions, critical time-saving tips plus information available nowhere else, this book will help you pass the GCFA exam on your FIRST try. Up to speed with the theory? Buy this. Read it. And Pass the GCFA Exam.