Backing Up - a User Group Presentation

Last Monday while putting finishing touches on the topic I planned on discussing this week, I took a break to read the e-mails I received concerning last weeks’ article on backing up.

Although I expected the usual number of questions from novices concerning backup issues, I didn’t expected the extraordinary number of e-mails I received from self proclaimed experienced users who had no idea how to or what to backup. E-mails that included questions like and I quote; "would backing up expose their computer to identity theft" and "I would love to be able to back up my files but I am always afraid I’ll do something that will wipe out all I have stored over the last four years".

In fact because of the confusion so many experienced Good Booters seem to have about backing up, next week I’ll begin a series of articles on backing up. This week however, I’ll substitute my planned article for a Good Boot nag.

I’m a bit disappointed that after all my years of suggesting a way novices and a bit beyond novices can receive quality information (particularly on subjects as important as backing up) from qualified technicians, so many have not taken advantage of my suggestion.

Every month the SWFPCUG offers novices and experienced users an opportunity to attend
a meeting hosted by our consulting technicians that includes a question and answer opportunity.

And regardless of whether a user attends all the meetings or just a meeting to obtain assistance on an individual problem or concern, these meetings are free with no obligation to join the user group.

Let me use backing up as an example of the value of having it answered and demonstrated at a meeting. It would be impractical for me to attempt via an e-mail to explain to the Good Booter concerned about backing up four years of data on how he should back up his data. But at a user group meeting it would not be a problem as the process can be demonstrated.

This month (February 21st, 6:00 PM at Lee Memorial Hospital Auditorium) Dwayne Alton’s will continue his digital photo presentation seminars. But before and after the presentation our consulting technicians will be available to answer and demonstrate any question on any subject.

If you have a problem, why not attend a meeting. With the exception of our February meeting they’re always the second Thursday of the month.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot