Posts Tagged ‘storage’
Travel Tips For Your Devices
Our wireless devices have become such a part of our everyday lives that it’s almost unthinkable to not take them with us on our trips. With all the hustle and bustle of traveling, it’s easy to forget that our devices need to prepare for the trip just like you do.
These are some tips to help ensure that your devices come home safely with you, and your trip is not ruined by a theft or failure.
Laptops
You don’t want to be that person forgetting his computer at a coffee shop or a victim of theft. Use these tips to keep your laptop safe while on the road.
Don’t Be A Target
Don’t advertise what you are carrying. Many experts suggest removing any computer logos from the bag as it only shouts out its expensive contents. A bag that’s not identifiable as a computer bag but still is protective of your laptop is even better. Backpack style bags are good for this.
Tag It
Make sure your bag has tags with your name and phone number (and possibly email address), but do not include your home or office addresses or the name of your employer. You want just enough information so that you can be contacted if you are separated from your bag. This is a great tip for any baggage.
Keep Your Eye On It
Don’t lose sight of your laptop. At the airport place your laptop between your other items through the airport X-ray machine (carry-on bag, laptop, then shoes, pockets, etc.) Go through the metal detector at the same time as your computer passes the scanning machine. Don’t leave your phone or tablet unattended at public charging stations.
Don’t Leave It
Avoid leaving your devices in your hotel room as the room may not be completely secure. If you do, put the “do not disturb” sign on the door to limit access by staff.
ID It
Write down the serial and model numbers of your devices. These are usually found on the bottom of most PCs or the backs of other devices. For Macbook/Macbook Pro users check out these tips.
Coffee Shops/Internet Cafes/Etc.
VPN
If you are going to be using public Wi-Fi networks for business or purchases, you should consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service from a reputable security company (like an antivirus manufacturer for example). These services protect your information by establishing a single, encrypted connection to the provider that all your web browsing passes through. Just be warned that all of your web use can still be tracked by the VPN provider which is why we recommend sticking to reputable security companies.
Lock It Down
A security cable lock is a fairly cheap security device that works like a bicycle lock. You loop it around a fixed object (such as the coffee shop table), connect it to the laptop and lock it with a combination or a key. There are more advanced models with a motion sensor system and alarm. When someone moves the laptop, it will trigger the alarm, alerting you.
General Tips
These tips apply to any other devices like your smartphone, camera, tablet, etc.
Get Travel Insurance
A good travel insurance policy could be a lifesaver. Get a policy that covers theft and loss of personal items. Make sure the amount of coverage will be enough to replace your devices.
Use Theft Recovery Software
Nothing on the market is 100% fool-proof, but your chances of getting a stolen laptop or smartphone back are a lot higher if you have this type of software installed on your device. Typically, this will allow you to locate the device so you can alert the local authorities to its approximate location. Some theft recovery software works even if the thief has erased all data and installed a new operating system.
Backup Your Data
The information stored on a laptop or smartphone can be more valuable to you than the device itself. Protect that data by backing it up on an external hard drive or online cloud storage REGULARLY.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Be watchful of people watching you, following you, or acting suspicious. When in doubt, get to a public area or walk into a store. You don’t have to be paranoid, just be aware of what’s going on around you!
Memory
Keep external hard drives, SD cards, thumb drives, etc. separate from the devices. That way if something does happen to the device, you still have your pictures or documents safe.
The Wrap Up
In the end, nothing will ever beat common sense for helping to deter theft or loss of your electronic devices & computers. But a combination of good behaviors and security technology will give you peace of mind and let you enjoy your travels more thoroughly. Geek Easy Computers is always here to answer questions or assist with making your technology easier!
Cloud Storage…Why Should I Use It?
At Geek Easy Computers, we see too many clients with failed or failing hard drives with no backup system in place! It’s a tragedy because data recovery is not guaranteed and can be expensive when it does work. Today there is really no excuse for not having some type of regular backup in place. Especially with the availability and ease of use of cloud storage. With this post, we hope to show you why you should be using the cloud.
What Computer Do I Need?
When it comes time for the purchase of a computer, many people are at a loss as to what they actually need versus what some salesperson is trying to sell them. We want to make that process easier for you, so we will break down some of the basics in this post. For the purposes of this post, we will be focusing on Intel-based, Windows PCs.
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My Hard Drive Died… Now What?
The worst has happened; the computer guy says your hard drive is dead. Immediately you might ask: “What does that mean? Is my data safe? Do I need a computer? What happened?” In this post we answer those questions and more so that when it happens to you, you are prepared.
Memory or Storage – What’s the Difference?
A lot of people get confused when asking about memory or storage. They don’t really know the difference between the two. If you are one of those people, don’t feel bad! We’re here to make technology easier and less confusing.
I Want a Home Server
Here at Geek Easy Computers, we like to make sure you, our customers and fans, are provided with good, practical information regarding your technology needs. We want to make sure your questions are answered, and that we educate you in the correct ways to take care of your computers! We also like to have fun and not be always hammering you with facts and protocol.
So todays post is on the lighter side. A few of you have asked about setting up a home server. Last year we talked about the reasons for having a server. So the topic today is setting up your own home server!
What’s an SSD?
What is an SSD? Do I need one?
You have heard about these new upgrades called SSDs that are supposed to make your old computer faster and are not exactly sure what they really do, or better yet, what they actually are? Your computer upgrade specialists at Geek Easy Computers are here to fill in the blanks and impart some knowledge!