Technical Test Thread

Data sticks seems a simple and inexpensive solution. Thank you Tiger. I

I assume one just uses the USB end and plugs that into the computer  - go down into My Computer and copy across to the device ??

Hi Tiger/Chloe/anyone - can you tell me why there are suddenly red X's instead of pictures displayed when composing post and sometimes for a long while afterwards when posted in intended thread???  Most disconcerting when one can't see what one has posted - didn't use to happen & wondered what has changed.

Thanks doggie - it seems I have found the answer...............just ask the question on TTT and it suddenly all gets resolved!!!  Have just completed long post with pics expecting problems and it all went like a dream!

Unknown said:

Data sticks seems a simple and inexpensive solution. Thank you Tiger. I

I assume one just uses the USB end and plugs that into the computer  - go down into My Computer and copy across to the device ??

Yes that is the idea. However unless you have your data organised it will be hard to get it all copied.

In practice I do it the other way around. I use as a memory stick as my data drive and then back that up.

A bit of experiment should help.

The advantage of having a proper backup programme is that it will only update the files which have changed.

Backing up to the cloud used not to be that practical since upload speeds used to be too slow. However upload speeds have improved a lot and it now works very well.

I would recommend setting a date like 1st January 2013 to start a new data tree. This would be a data folder for 2013 with all the folders within it that you need. For example I have an osprey folder which has subfolders for Scottish, Welsh, English and USA ospreys. The within the Scottish Ospreys I have folders for Loch Garten, Loch of The Lowes etc.

Then if you back this folder up regularly you data will  be safe.

I have just backed up my 2012 data in about a minute. I have 3348 favourites. Of course only one of those was new so in practice I only had to back up one. Similarly only 2 of my 2012 files had changed so it was only these two which needed backing up.

What do you actually mean when you say backing up to the cloud Tiger?

ChloeB said:

What do you actually mean when you say backing up to the cloud Tiger?

Well there are a variety of companies that provide online storage (for a fee usually). They also provide software to regularly (or on demand) back up the drive that you want to back up.

I usually only backup the data from the current year as my previous data will be backed up anyway.

This means that one should lose very little or no data if the worst comes to the worst.

It also has the rather useful feature that one can access one's data from anywhere.

So  CLOUD = ONLINE STORAGE

so this webpage could be said to be stored in the  CLOUD

Thank you Tiger.

ChloeB said:

Which antivirus software do you use scylla? I use Microsoft Security Essentials.

It's a bit late, but I use MSE too, CHLOE :-)  It's nice and quiet and doesn't keep pestering.

KEITH, glad you got sorted, it's a most horrible thing, being invaded :-(  But how the heck did that happen if you'd only been here?  I wonder if it was in an email? :-/

SANDRA, I'm in the "only one AV" gang ;-*  But you seem to be fine with two, you must have a special talent :-)

TIGER, I know that awful feeling :-(  I always partition my hard drive:  operating system and programs are installed on C, data is saved to D.  If I get a really bad problem that can't be fixed with 'housekeeping' programs, I format C (or restore to factory settings) and reinstall all the programs - the exe files are all on D.  But I'm very naughty about backing up, except most of my photos are on Photobucket.

Here are my osprey folders :-)

Hi Tiger - could you impart your views on Windows 8 please?

I am not planning on upgrading to 8 Wendy, am happy enough with 7. Windows 8 seems to be aimed more at tablet PCs from what I can see.