More post-crash: Request for reader help
So I spent the last two days restoring my files from my online back-up. I’ll identify the service I’ve been using now, because it’s been a life saver: Data Deposit Box. It’s cheap and easy. But even though it’s an automated back-up system, some human thought is required to make sure that it’s backing up all of the critical files. And from that need springs my sorrow. I’d been using Outlook Express, but sometime in the spring I switched to Outlook. And I forgot to update my back-up file selections, so I’ve probably lost all emails and all address book changes since early April. If you use an automatic back-up system, learn from my error: stop what you’re doing right now to be sure you’re backing up the proper files.
I presented a CLE program on e-discovery earlier this year and one of my co-presenters was the Chief Technology Officer with The Norcross Group, a company that provides computer forensic services (among others) to law firms. I called him in a panic to ask whether it might be possible to restore the overwritten Outlook files (the answer was yes, but the odds are far below 100%), and I’ve shut down my computer until I can get it to him on Monday. What a mess.
Today’s effort focuses on finding a suitable back-up computer. I rely on my laptop since I split my time between Atlanta and Orlando and travel elsewhere several times a month, but it’s clear to me that it’s time to have a desktop for emergency use — and perhaps to remove some wear and tear on the laptop. I don’t want to use Windows Vista (having heard not a single good word about it for my purposes), and I’m now trying to decide between scooping up one of the few NT Professional boxes I can find or (drumroll please) buying a Mac.
Two requests for help from you, readers:
1. If you sent me an email and have not received a response, PLEASE RESEND! I am not aware of any outstanding emails, but I’d hate to overlook something because of this crash.
2. If you have comments about a Mac, and specifically switching from PC to Mac and/or continuing to use both PC and Mac, I would love to hear them.
And in the end… Back up early and often, and check your automatic back-up settings to be sure everything you need is being captured. This is the pained voice of experience.
Regular topical postings will resume no later than Monday.
Oh, Julie. I feel your pain. And that #2 request? Makes my heart sing. I went ga-ga over my new iMac when it arrived in January and I can’t say enough good things about it. The user experience is just so far superior to anything I’ve experienced on a Windows machine that there’s simply no comparison. With the use of Parallels, I can run every Windows program I formerly used on my laptop on this gorgeous iMac. I hooked up another flat panel monitor to the iMac using a miniVGA-to-DVI adapater and I can run Windows on one monitor, Mac on the other. It’s a sweet setup and I will never go back to just Windows. Ever.
Have I convinced you yet? OK.
Now, Macs crash on occasion (not nearly as much as PCs but … still). No computer is perfect. But Macs are about as close as I’ve ever seen anyone come. I’m sold. Email me if you want any more advice or specific input on certain programs – I’ll be happy to help!
Sheryl, thank you SO much for your comment! I’m intrigued by the Windows/Mac dual setup and will definitely be investigating it over the holiday. Mac users are always so enthusiastic about their experiences — something I can’t say about PC users — and that really speaks for itself.
Thanks for your input!