Back up, back up, everybody back up

100 Amazing Computer Tips

Back Up Solutions

Before my blog officially starts on February 1, 2013, I thought I would write a couple of housekeeping tips. The first and most important tip is how to keep your files safe and backed up. BTW, note the Windows and Apple logos. I will use these to help you identify which operating system the tip is for. In this case, it can be used by both systems.

From the moment you bring home your new shiny fast computer, it ages. It has a secret expiration date that will arrive when it's least convenient. One day you'll turn your computer on to finish working on that important document and nothing will happen. At that point it's too late to wonder if your back up software has been doing its job. Many people have a back up drive attached to their computer. While this is a good first line of defense, my concern is that the files are being backed up in the same environment that your computer lives in. If your computer gets a jolt of electricity, that same jolt will take out your backup. I strongly recommend, and actually require, that my clients use Carbonite. I have had a Carbonite account for years and have benefited from it more than once.

How Does Carbonite Work?
The way Carbonite works is that it uses double encrypted cloud storage to make a back up of the files on your computer. As long as you have an internet connection, your files are being backed up. When you save a file you'll see that the icon for that file has a small amber dot in the lower left corner indicating that the file is waiting to be backed up. Within minutes that dot will turn to green to let you know that the file is backed up. If you notice that a file is not selected for backup you can simply right click it and choose "Back this up" from the menu. There are a couple of levels of support. The least expensive is a $59/year subscription per computer (they do offer about a 10% multi-computer discount) that will back up all of your data files. This does not back up your software. The HomePlus plan for $99/year makes a mirror image of your computer and does back up the software along with the files. I know I sound like a Carbonite salesperson but I get no discounts, I just feel this product is the real deal.

So what happens if (when) your computer dies. You buy a new computer, install the software and then sign in to your Carbonite subscription. You click the "Restore" option and all of your files will be transferred on to your new computer. It may take a few hours but you'll be a happy person when you see that you haven't lost anything.

Another benefit of Carbonite is that you can access your files from any computer at any time. If you're traveling and need to make changes to a document, you can sign on to your account and view the files. Pretty slick.

Don't tell me I didn't warn you that you might lose your files if you don't subscribe to Carbonite.

Happy Computing!

Diane

Buy my book at Amazon.com. It's only $14.99 and it's packed with 100 Amazing Computer Tips! They're nicely organized and really easy to follow.

Don't forget to click the Subscribe to 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days via email link on the right side of the screen so you get email alerts when Diane adds a new post.

Want more tech news or interesting links? You'll get plenty of both if you keep up with Diane McKeever, the author of 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days, by subscribing to her Facebook posts or visiting her web page, www.dianemckeever.com . 

Best Mouse EVER!

Such a beautiful and functional mouse!

This isn't one of my 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days, that starts February 1, but I had to share with you the story of my new mouse! I thought that all mice were created equally. How wrong I was. I've been using mice since 1984 when I bought my first Mac. Some mice were larger than others, some were slower than others, some were sleeker than others but none was as beautiful and functional as my new WIRELESS Logitech mouse, pictured here. I bought it on line from Staples because it matched my new keyboard. My keyboard is also wonderful but I'll get to in just a minute. My new mouse arrived yesterday so I've been using it for a full day. It fits my hand perfectly and moves so fast and effortlessly. It's like a skater on an ice rink made smooth by the Zamboni machine as it glides across my mouse pad  And the wheel! It spins crazy fast so I can twirl my way down the page in a flash. I also discovered that the scrolling wheel can be tilted to the right or left. This function is the equivalent of clicking on the "back" or "forward" arrows in the browser.

I mentioned my matching paisley WIRELESS keyboard. I love that too, not only because it's fancy but it's brilliant to have a white keyboard rather than the traditional black keyboard. I don't always have to turn on a light because I can read the letters in almost any light. As a former keyboard teacher I don't have to look at the keys on a regular basis but when doing keyboard shortcuts it helps.

In short, if you are in need of a new mouse or keyboard, and for $25/each who isn't, stop what you're doing and look at the amazing models from Logitech I bought mine from Staples but check around the internet for the best price. Mine is the paisley model pictured but they have some really cute floral designs too. I didn't see any big tough guy models but I guess they have plain mice and keyboards, but who would want that.

Happy Computing!

Diane

Buy my book at Amazon.com. It's only $14.99 and it's packed with 100 Amazing Computer Tips! They're nicely organized and really easy to follow.

Don't forget to click the Subscribe to 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days via email link on the right side of the screen so you get email alerts when Diane adds a new post.

Want more tech news or interesting links? You'll get plenty of both if you keep up with Diane McKeever, the author of 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days, by subscribing to her Facebook posts or visiting her web page, www.dianemckeever.com . 

Welcome to my new blog!

Announcing

100 Computer Tips in 100 Days

I have exciting news about this blog, 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days. Starting on February 1, 2013 and running for the following 99 days, I will be posting one computer tip a day. These tips are based on questions I'm asked every day when working with clients. The tips will be geared for a variety of computer user levels. Some will be beginner basics but most will be productivity tips that can be used in both the Apple and PC environments. I'm really excited about this adventure and hope you subscribe to the blog so you get the updates.

If you can't wait for 100 days to see all of the tips, I anticipate them being available in book form. When I have that part worked out I will give the link.

Happy Computing!

Diane McKeever