This is the time of year when many of my clients are preparing to
return to their northern homes. Some of you take your computers back
and forth, and some have a computer in each location, so they leave
their Florida computer behind. Here are a few tips to keep your computer
safe and sound during such a transition.
UPDATE ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION
Any time you're away from your computer - even for a few days - the
first thing you should do when you start the computer back up is update
your antivirus protection! If a virus has been released
in the time your computer has been off, you won't be protected.
It only takes a few minutes, so that should be your first task
- update your antivirus software!
UNPLUG ALL THE CABLES
If you leave your computer in Florida, be sure to unplug ALL the
cables. Unplug not only the power cord, but also the phone line
or high speed internet cable. If there are big power surges or
spikes - and this is Florida...we always have those in the summer
- dangerous voltage can travel up those cables. Be safe - unplug!
LABEL THE CABLES
If you're taking your computer up north with you, you might think
about putting labels on the cables before you unplug them. I simply
number some little pieces of paper and tape them onto the cable.
Then draw yourself a diagram of the computer with the numbers pointing
to the ports you unplugged from. It sure saves a lot of head scratching
when you get home!
SWITCH BETWEEN PRINTERS
If you have a different printer in each location, it's easy to switch
between them. Simply connect the cable to the current printer when
you get there and turn both the computer and printer on. The computer
may recognize the printer as a new one if you plugged the cable
into a different port. Not a problem! Next, click START, then PRINTERS
and FAXES. Check the model number of your current printer, then
RIGHT CLICK the corresponding icon. LEFT click "SET AS DEFAULT".
Close the window and you're all set to print.
BRING THE CDs
Don't forget to take the original CDs that came with your computer
with you when you move between locations. If anything should ever
happen to your computer, a repair shop might need those CDs to
make the computer work again.
BACK UP
Back up your data! If you don't back up your data (documents, photos,
music, address books, etc.) now, you might want to think about
learning how to do that now. Computers can break, be lost or stolen.
In many cases, data cannot be recovered. A backup is good insurance!
And of course, as always, stay diligent in your protection against
spyware and viruses. Those threats remain the biggest cause of computer
damage and loss of data.
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