• To make it easier to collect your important files, make sure they're always saved under a single folder, like My Documents in Windows.
• Use an online service like Dropbox, which automatically synchronizes a special folder every time you add, remove, or change files. A free account (2GB) may not be large enough for all of your files though.
• Choose a backup tool to make backing up as easy as possible. If it's not easy, you won't do it regularly.
• Burning a copy of your files to CD (700MB) or DVD (4.38GB) is pretty simple, but an external hard drive is even easier, though more expensive.
• If you do use a CD, DVD, or external drive, move it to a distant locked and safe place (e.g., office, locker, vehicle, safety deposit box) after the backup procedure (meaning you may need two external drives) so that even if your house burns down, your data will be protected.
• Ideally, you would want to encrypt your backups so that, if stolen, the thief can't search through your files for sensitive or personal information.
• Very Important: test your backup copies regularly to make sure that you can open your files. If you can't, you're no better off than if you hadn't done the backup in the first place.

• The Student Computing Services page has a lot of info about the computer labs.
• If your e-mail is working you can contact them at lab_support@yukoncollege.yk.ca.
• If not, either visit the lab office in room A2434 (map) or call 668-8799.
• If you're having trouble with the wireless, bring your laptop or mobile device to the lab office. You may need to schedule an appointment if your problem is particularly thorny.
• By all means, ask me for help, although I don't know all that much about the lab and I have no control over accounts.

• Ask me about it first. Write down the exact procedure to replicate the problem (if you can) and also the exact text of any error messages that appear. I won't be able to work on your computer, but I may have seen the problem before.
• If I can't help you, Student Computing Services may be able to offer advice, but please realize that they can't do any work on your personal computer.
• If you're still stuck, I can recommend a couple of businesses in town that repair and restore computers. They don't do it for free though.

Helpful Links and Tools

• Microsoft Security Essentials is a free program for Windows XP/Vista/7 that protects against many types of malware (viruses and spyware). We'll discuss it and other similar programs as part of the Internet Security Topic.
• Soluto is a new and interesting service that analyses your Windows PC and compares it with others to streamline the boot process. I tried it out on our old Windows laptop and it brought the boot-up time down to about 1:40 from over 4 minutes.
• Super User is an online question & answer site devoted to everyday computer users. If you ask a question, you're bound to get a response within minutes. It's also fun to help others with their problems and earn points and badges as you do.