Washington - Got a new solid state drive (SSD) in your notebook or desktop computer? That's great, but it doesn't mean you can get complacent about backing up your data. SSDs can and do die as unpredictably and suddenly as traditional magnetic platter drives. So a backup plan is still essential. --------
Washington - Have an old computer that you are not sure how to use? Turn it into a backup server by using Microsoft's Windows Home Server (WHS) operating system. WHS, when connected to your in-home network, will automatically back up every PC in your house overnight. System restoration is as easy as popping a CD into the computer that needs to be restored and following the restoration wizard.
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Washington - If getting online is critical to you while you travel, do a bit of homework before you leave to find out what options exist - wireless or wired - at your destination. If you'll have a LAN port available at your hotel, consider bringing your own Ethernet cable, for instance, as many hotels either expect you to bring your own or supply one that's so well-used that it either does not work or falls out of your notebook's Ethernet socket. Also, if travelling out of the country, be sure you have the correct power adapter for your notebook's power supply.
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Washington - Thinking of making the move to 64-bit Windows? More people are, but the transition from 32-bit computing to 64-bit computing is not always smooth. Find out, first, whether 64-bit device drivers exist for all of the peripherals you use. Also determine whether the software you rely upon will work properly on 64-bit Windows. Not all software does.
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Washington - If you are thinking about upgrading your computer's display, should you opt for two monitors or one larger one? While two monitors may be the less expensive way to go - especially if you plan to employ your current monitor plus an additional one - the "one larger monitor" option often makes the most sense. First, you'll generally have to turn your head less if everything is in front of you on one screen. You'll also not have to worry about whether your graphics card will adequately support two displays.
