Other Thoughts and Concepts on The Right Computer

It has always been a saying of mine that the concept definition of a computer is simply, “to create”. Having computer may seem like work, and threats of people stealing or locking you out of your own personal files has lead all of us on how to keep records, store receipts, and maintain the speed of your own computer. In the past, even I had separated the program files from my created and stored files by creating partitions on the same hard drive (thinking this would speed up the power up and shutting off the machine), and still knowing the computer is designed to recall and save (in logs) where everything is located, and with more saved on the same hard drive means more time for power on and proper shutdown of the computer. Computers are coming with larger hard drives, and with Microsoft, Apple, and others designing everything being server (their server) based Apps, computers, Tablets, and even smartphone devices have scaled down on the size of the hard drive. The concept is the devices and machines should only contain the programs you use to create your files, and storing your records and files elsewhere, such as the cloud or now on an external Hard Drive. Don’t forget that you should still be backing up and archiving your files on a permanent storage such as a DVD. In short, we are back to thinking about partitioning our personal records from the hard drive, allowing the machines and devices to merely need tracking changes (and updates) of the downloaded programs you use.

As far as those computers with larger hard drives, well, my concept is so you can store active and constantly used files, such as video, and huge project building…but these machines should rarely be online. You should still connect to the internet to get the most updated programs and updates for the operating system, then disable the internet connection. This way, no one can link to your computer.

Recently, I have even changed my concepts of laptops in the trucking work place. I have even misplaced a device, but was found and turned into the desk at a truck stop (thank you, unknown fellow driver). It made me think of how important it is to keep my most important and personal information off these machines. The device was a Samsung, and before it was finally found, I had already explored and initiated a device tracking App I found on Google, which allowed me to lock, add a new password, and even erase everything on the android™ device. Of course, when it was found, I had to go set it back to my preferred settings, but it was truly good to know that if the device was taken and never returned, I could protect my email, personal text records, and other important aspects of my life, from being used, or stolen. Then, there was the time I had an issue with one of my netbooks and needed a quick replacement computer to use with my saved files on an external hard drive, and purchased a new laptop, but with a Hard Drive with 25 GB of space, with close to ½ already used with the existing operating and program software. I could make a quick purchase, download the office software I used, and kept rolling without losing too much time to make the delivery period. That is when all my thoughts about the best computer for me changed.

Figuring Out the Best Options

            The Cloud, and other Server Based Services

There is many great “selling Points” about having everything go elsewhere while you are actively working, and when that personal information is needed in a pinch. First, you can consider using the most affordable device that can also be easily replaced when damaged and lost (remember to have a way of tracking and even removing information from the missing device); secondly, you can access those servers from another device and location. One thing to remember is to change your password often, and especially change your password when access to your files can be done by that missing device. Almost every service provider offers a web access page, so you can have control of your files and how they are organized. You can do almost everything by the tools they provide, such as scheduling, telephone & conference calls, Fax Services, and video conferencing. It is so convenient, that there is very little to keep you from doing this, provided you figure a way to print and scan in paper should the job or activity needs it. Then you can get a desktop at home or somewhere remotely safe, and remember to always backup your records on a computer External Drive, and later archive on DVD disks. I have started to base many calendar of events and activities, all my texting and all calls through other party services, and even Fax through a faxing service for other related needs. BUT I still have a laptop for my private projects, and for backing up to DVDs, and for my All-In-One Printer, that was cheaply purchased, so if it breaks, I can go to many different stores and replace it (don’t go too crazy on stocking up on ink cartridges; just enough to replace the existing ink cartridges in the printer).

            Netbook and Laptop

I still use this option as my primary practice of business and personal related creations, activities, Projects, and records gathering, but now, the computer only needs to have the many various programs I constantly use, and those receipts, records, picture, and video creations (even in raw form), is kept on an external Hard Drive, that does not need to be plugged in, until I am either saving or backing up my records. The only thing left on the computer are some Office files, and a project currently being worked on, such as this Blog. Once this blog in its draft form was created, a copy is created on the external hard drive, and during monthly Archiving Backups, I include the most recent copies, so it can never be lost. Quite simply, this makes it easier to use any machine (provided they have similar software I use), and just as importantly, should I have been hacked, no virus can ever hold my records and files “hostage” for a certain fee (as reported on a couple occasions on the news). You still can use your cellphone for many communications and internet needs, but wherever your important files and records are, need to guarded from constant access to the world-wide web…and always make a routine to have redundant backups.

            Laptop with use of Memory Cards and External Hard Drives

I have and still use the option of having the Laptop setup to do every function of work, and aspect of my personal life…but the External Hard Drive is never constantly plugged in, and when it is, the laptop is offline (you can do this by going into the wireless settings and properties of the driver and disabling it, or less guaranteed, use the airplane & Bluetooth Off mode which also disconnects you form being on the internet). Keep in mind, forgetting any part of this as a common practice allows you to be vulnerable, and some worms and Trojans can continue where they left off from when it was disconnected, until such time it can be fully installed and compromise your security and privacy. Relying on one computer to do everything is like having “all your eggs in one basket…, and Backups must always be part of your routine, more importantly than any other.

            The Virus Protection

As an individual or Sole Proprietor, no matter what options you use, virus protection on a computer purchased or available for free is always a need. The time it is realized is typically after it happens, and depending on how damaging the virus was, the cost and constant practice and upkeep of that virus software needs to become a common practice. A separate concept is purchasing something like a Verizon Wireless “MiFi”, where the computer is only on and offline when the MiFi is on. These MiFi’s can now run up to ten networking devices, but you still need to practice common sense. In a concept, the ultimate Virus protection is “you”. We are all human, and have curiosities in trivial advertisements and other discretionary interests. This type of activity needs to be on a device or computer with no personal and important records! Yes, you should be a cheap laptop, desktop, or smaller device to socialize and fulfill your inhibitions and desires. And yet, it is never considered to inform each person that the best protection is common sense planning, and thinking out the possible implications. We all have heard of people being fired for being on a social network, and even a select few on adult websites, using a company computer. It is this type of behavior that leaves the company at greatest risk, and they must eliminate those risks to protect their business. Bottom line, and even on impulse, stop and realize if this is safe for the information kept…don’t keep believing it is not wrong until you are caught.

            The Computers Initial Purpose

“To Create”. It will always be my most important definition. Since computers were used, its purpose was records keeping, and product creating, and development. The computer still can show many variations and drafts without costing materials and stationary. It still in my opinion is the most important “workshop” to any industry, before building anything costly from scratch. The world-wide web became primarily communications tool to sharing and communicating these ideas. Its secondary role became the most primary use though…socializing. This is to be considered when you own a computer…and you might want to consider a cheaper redundant computer for all internet communicating. Understand that the industry of computers may be changing, and Smartphones still show how powerful they can be, when it comes to sharing information, communicating ideas, and even entertaining each of us. But there is indeed a “Time and a virtual place” for everything.

        The Power of a Computer

Depending on your basic records keeping needs, the computer really does not need to be the one with the best processor, memory, and capacity, unless you are into Producing your work, such as music, videos, graphics designing, gaming, and even conferencing. Conferencing can be done for small groups, but even that should have a stronger processor, operating system, software, and even type of computer to accomplish a decent group meeting. There are server services out specifically designed for doing this, with the tools to give you a quality presentation, for a nominal price. We take advantage of such great services such as My Space, AOL, Yahoo, Google, and Facebook…. you’re using a server based conferencing network. Nothing has changed in my previous Blogs, you do get what you pay for. And it hurts when what you invested in gets destroyed, by extreme conditions, like weather and Truck Driving. So, you can consider to go cheaper to do the data entry portion of your business. The performance work and data processing does need a stronger processor or server based machine. Somewhere like in a controlled environment, such as the office and at home, where you can copy or transfer your work for your routine backups and archiving.