Someday, your computer will refuse to start. Would you be in big trouble? The answer usually is "Yes!" But just how much anguish, time, and money would this cause you? Ask yourself these five questions to find out.
1. Do you know exactly what is inside your computer?
Your computer setup consists of various hardware components and software programs. If something goes wrong, it could be for a number of reasons. That's why you should know what is exactly inside the casing. The time to get this information is now, when all is working properly.
Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows XP includes a tool called "System Information" made precisely for this job. It captures a wealth of diagnostic information about your entire system. From the Start menu, open Programs, Accessories, and then the System Tools folder. Double-click System Information. To get a print out of the details, select Print off the File menu.
If you have a Mac, the Apple System Profiler, http://developer.apple.com/testing/docs/TNsystemprofiler.html, reports on your computer's software and installed hardware devices.
2. Do you have a print out of all your passwords?
Odds are, you have passwords for web sites, confidential files and maybe even one to access your system. Make a list of your passwords and store it in a secure place. Don't store the list on your computer. If the hard drive is gone and you don't remember your passwords, that list isn't any good. This printed list not only helps you.
It's not a happy thought but someday, a family member may need access to your computer's accounts and files when you are gone. I have received many calls on my national TalkRadio show from people trying to break into a deceased loved one's computer files. While tools exist for this task, it not as easy as looking it up on a piece of paper.
3. Do you have a backup?
Backups are like insurance. You may never need it but when you do, you are sure glad it's there. You don't have to back up everything on your hard drive. Just copy your personal files. If a disaster occurs, you can reinstall your programs on the replacement hard drive.
Traditionally, backups have been done to tape drives. But tape drives are expensive and slow. And tapes are costly, too. Instead, consider adding a second hard drive to your system. You could also use an external hard drive (more expensive), a Zip drive, or a CD or DVD burner. Forget floppies; they're too small.
To really be safe, the backup medium (tape, CD or DVD, etc.) should be removed from your site. If you are backing up to tape, for instance, and you leave the tape cartridge in the machine, you'll be protected if the hard drive fails. But if the equipment is stolen, or your house burns to the ground, the backup will be lost.
4. Do you have all your software product keys?
These are the alphanumeric numbers you must enter when installing software. If your hard drive dies, you'll probably need to reinstall the software. Without those keys, you might have to buy new software. Make a record of those numbers. They're probably on your installation disk cases.
5. Do you know where all your software is located?
Find a storage place for your software installation discs. Be sure they're all there. I can't tell you how many sad stories I've heard about missing discs. It's bad enough to lose your hard drive. Having to buy a new copy of Microsoft Office would really be rubbing salt into a wound.
OK, let's see how you did. Quite simply, you failed this test if you answered "No" to any question. Better get those answers now, before it's too late.
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