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DEL.ICIO.USPreparing for a digital disaster
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s talk about what to do when disaster strikes.
I don’t mean the kind that comes with high, shrieking winds. The sound of this disaster is a low moan - the moan that comes from you when you discover your PC is a useless beige doorstop.
Maybe the hard disk has crashed, or maybe there’s some other weirder problem that makes the PC totally useless. We’re not talking glitches here, but rather a full-fledged PC disaster.
I can’t prevent that. In fact, I can predict it will happen to you, just as it has happened to almost everyone who has used a computer longer than three years. But I can help you prepare for the disaster to come.
Your first line of defense is regularly backing up data. If the hard disk goes permanently south, you’ll need the backed-up data to avoid losing all your family pictures, letters, e-mails, financial information and other information on the machine.
Backups are easy, especially if you have an external hard disk that plugs into a USB port. Windows Vista automates the process, but these external hard disks - you’ll find one that works just fine for around $100 - work with earlier versions of Windows and include software that will automate the backup.
The next step in our disaster plan is to organize all the installation CDs and DVDs for the programs you use. If you end up replacing a hard disk, you’ll need to install those programs all over again. Your backup won’t help here : you need the actual installation discs and authentication codes to install them.
So store the critical discs in a box. My guess is that, when it comes to programs you actually use, there will be 10 or so discs.
It’s not really junk
The next step comes naturally to most guys and is learned behavior for females. Create a junk box - maybe a big cardboard box or a large empty desk drawer - and store away components you have replaced. Mine contains a couple of video cards, a keyboard, a hard disk, a couple of - jeez, is it mice or mouses? I also have a monitor tucked away in a closet.
If component failure puts your computer out of business late at night - just when you need to finish a project for work or send a critical e-mail - your junk box can often get you running again. Even a defective mouse or keyboard is enough to stop you from computing. And for those of you with a more technical bent, replacing a video card on the fly might be salvation.
Another reason for a junk box: If you’e unsure of the cause of a problem, substituting devices one at a time can help you diagnose the problem. Lets say your monitor is flickering. That could be caused by the monitor or a video card. If you plug in another monitor and the flickering continues, you have a good idea the problem is with the video card.
Manual labor
Don’t put the junk box away yet. Throw every manual you own in the box - the one that came with your computer, all the manuals for printers and other accessories, and for your software. We’re all so accustomed to getting our help online these days that manuals get forgotten - I admit that many are forgettable. But when your computer isn’t working, you are cut off from online help.
OK, you can put the junk box in the closet. But there are still a few things left to do. Write down - we are talking paper and pen - critical telephone numbers you might need during a computer disaster. Include the help lines for your computer and other devices; you won’t be able to go online and find them.
Finally, make sure your dial-up modem - if you have one - works and you have the dial-up numbers for your ISP. If the disaster involves your DSL or cable service and your computer still works, you may be able to get online the old-fashioned way. Most high-speed Internet accounts come with a limited amount of dial-up time. And many computers, even new ones, include an internal dial-up modem. If yours does not, you can spend $30 or so to buy one.
Now, join me in hoping that all this preparation is a big waste of time. I doubt it will be, but this is one time when I’d be delighted to be wrong.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Columns
Comments
By CynicalGeek
March 2, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
If you happen to find that your equipment is junk, first refer to the EPA website to dispose of the junk properly. Related articles: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/ http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm
By Andres
March 4, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
inst having your computer repaired a good idea when it crashs,fails,or breaks. Hey im just sayin
By Shannon
March 6, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
No comment, but a question unrelated to crashes, but to nonfunctioning programs. I have loaded Printmaster17Gold, into my 2004 windows xp. The fonts don’t show up when I try to use the program except in printpreview and they print out. Have attempted everything Broderbund’s site recommended and nothing worked. I need this program and am thoroughly frustrated. Any ideas?
By Edward Jones
March 8, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Bill,we accepted a Microsoft update offer for our Windows F X Now we have lost the top tool bar, the one that says ” File, Edit, View,” etc. How can we get it back?
By Charlie B
March 12, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Question: Do you have any recommendations for an external hard drive? Things like speed, etc - or even a brand if that’s not forbidden. I just know I need to back up everything and soon - you know, one of those feelings. Thanks for any help.
By Bill
March 12, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Hi Charlie, I’ll tell you what I use at home - a Maxtor Ultra external with 200 gigabytes. But in truth any brand name external is probably going to be just fine. The real news is that prices have dropped, I just checked the external drive I use online and it’s selling for way less than I paid — you can buy it for about $110 … maybe less.
But as far as speed and specs I think you’ll find that most externals are in the same ballpark. Just make sure your computer has USB 2.0 … and it probably does unless your machine is really old. But you need the speed of 2.0 for an external hard disk to make sense.
One really nice feature of Vista - if you use it - is the automated backup system. It’s so easy to use that I think more people will do backups once they make the switch to Vista.
By Charlie B
March 15, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Bill - Thanks so much for the info. Knew there would be an answer from you! Charlie