Issue 27.09
In the last few weeks, I have traveled quite a bit (unusual for me). I have also been busy setting up two new websites and doing some writing that needs to be completed soon. As a result, I have been carrying a computer with me almost everywhere I go. Here are some important things to remember when you travel if you are going to use a computer.
If you are taking a laptop or netbook with you (desktops are bulky and cost a lot to transport), be sure you have the following items:
· Power Supply (even if you have a battery, you need this to keep it charged)
· Email Setup (this is easy if you use an on-line email service such as AOL, hotmail, gmail, etc. – you just need internet access). If your email is Thunderbird, Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, etc. you will need to be sure that your program is set up to access your email from locations other than your home. Your computer professional or your email provider can help you do this.
· Wireless capability and the knowledge of how to hook up to new locations.
· All the files and programs you will be working on. Unless you have the ability to access your home computer from other locations, you need to have anything you want to work on with you. These can be carried on an external hard drive or on flash drives quite easily. If you update them, remember to copy the newer files to your home computer when you return.
· Optionally, it is nice to have a second battery in case you need the computer but don’t have power.
Next week: More info on traveling with a computer.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 27 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.