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Computer forensics is the disciplined process of identifying, preserving, acquiring, examining, and reporting digital evidence from computer systems in a way that is repeatable, documented, and technically defensible. The goal is to answer specific questions from data that exists on the system (and related sources), while clearly stating what the evidence can support—and what it cannot. For the full service overview and process hub, see: computer forensics.
This page explains key terms, the end-to-end workflow (preservation → imaging → parsing → analysis → reporting), what device types can be examined (desktops, laptops, servers, and removable media), how file systems shape the evidence, and the most common limitations (encryption, overwritten artifacts, missing logs, and cloud/remote considerations).
If you want to understand what “don’t touch the device” actually means in practice, see: evidence preservation and chain of custody. If you want a deeper explanation of imaging, hashing, and acquisition choices, see: forensic imaging and acquisition.
A defensible approach separates observed facts (what the data shows) from interpretation (what it may suggest), and documents constraints that affect certainty.
People often search for computer forensic services when they want “proof.” The practical reality is that computer forensics answers questions by correlating artifacts. When artifacts are missing, overwritten, or encrypted, conclusions may be limited.
Many misunderstandings come from treating forensics as a single step. In reality, the reliability of findings depends on how the workflow was executed and documented.
Preservation is about reducing changes and documenting custody and condition. Normal device use creates new timestamps, rotates logs, and overwrites free space.
Imaging captures evidence into a working copy for analysis. Hash values are commonly recorded to help verify integrity between a source and an image.
Parsing decodes artifacts into readable outputs. Analysis correlates artifacts to answer the case questions—often as a timeline with supporting exhibits.
A technically defensible report typically documents: scope and assumptions, evidence handling and acquisition method, integrity steps (as applicable), tools/process used, findings tied to artifacts, and limitations that affect certainty. It should be readable by non-technical stakeholders without overstating conclusions.
Computer forensic experts may analyze endpoints, servers, and removable media. Each produces different artifacts, and each has different limits on what can be inferred.
Practical expectation: many “server cases” are log-driven. If logging was not enabled or not retained, analysis may shift to corroboration from endpoints, backups, and provider logs.
File systems determine how data and metadata are stored. The file system you’re dealing with affects what timestamps exist, what “deletion” means, and what remnants may persist.
Removable media frequently uses FAT variants or exFAT. These formats are common on flash drives and SD cards and often carry simpler metadata than NTFS.
Most Windows desktops and laptops use NTFS. Practical analysis often relies on correlating file system metadata with OS and application artifacts (browser data, event logs, etc.).
Server environments may include resilient storage configurations and, in some cases, ReFS. Server findings often depend on audit policy and log retention.
Modern macOS systems commonly use APFS and may use strong disk encryption depending on configuration. Snapshots and OS-level protections can affect how evidence is represented.
Linux systems vary widely. Forensics visibility often depends more on what logging was enabled (and retained) than on the desktop artifacts people expect on consumer systems.
Deleted-file recovery depends on storage type, time, and device activity. On SSDs, TRIM and garbage collection can reduce recoverability quickly. On any active system, normal use can overwrite free space. The defensible approach is to report what was attempted, what artifacts were found, and what constraints prevent stronger conclusions.
Many modern “computer cases” are hybrid: local artifacts plus cloud services (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, iCloud, Slack/Teams, cloud storage, remote access tools). A local device may show some traces of access, but the most authoritative records may exist on the provider side.
This is why computer forensic services often start with a scoping conversation: the “best evidence” may live on the endpoint, the server, the cloud tenant, or all three.
Good computer forensic experts document methodology and constraints as carefully as they document findings.
Not all computer forensic companies communicate limitations well. A reliable provider explains scope, method, and uncertainty with restraint.
If you want the full end-to-end overview of how an engagement is typically scoped and executed, the main hub page consolidates the process and supporting guides: computer forensic services.
Educational note: This page is informational and focuses on concepts and constraints. Any examination should be scoped to the specific devices, accounts, timeframe, and authorized access conditions of the matter.
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