Helpful Ways to Keep from Throwing Your Computer Out the Window

I nearly lost it today. I had already grabbed my car keys, placed my cute little Dell laptop on the driveway, and was ready to back over the thing when I came to the realization that I didn't want to pay $800 again for a computer. The reason for my rage was simple, really. During the morning I had been working on several articles for the wonderful online publisher Associated Content. I had done extensive research for the articles and it was indeed some of the best writing I've done in weeks. Throughout that morning, however, there was a message that kept popping up on my screen informing me that Windows had obtained an updated and asked whether or not I wanted to restart my computer then or later on. I clicked "Remind Later" and went on with my research. Every twenty minutes or so the screen would pop up again, and like a pesky fly I swatted it down. At lunchtime I left my computer where it sat and went in to the kitchen to fix one of the tastiest turkey sandwiches this side of the world has ever witnessed. However, when I returned to the room the turkey taste in my mouth went sour when I noticed my computer had shut down because of the Windows update and my articles had not been saved or recovered. That's when I made the decision to stop hating my computer, get over my pity party, and instead embraced this thing that drives me crazy. Here are a few easy ways you can reduce the risk on your computer and ensure all of your work is saved properly:

Think like a computer.

Start off your friendship with the computer by learning as much as you can about the operating system and how files are stored in your computer. If you spent $800 on a television then chances are you'd know every single feature about the thing, so why cut corners on the computer? By educating yourself you might find out whether or not there is a solution to problems that arise. For instance, if I'd had known to activate the Autorecovery feature in Microsoft Word then I'd never have encountered the problem and wouldn't be writing this article!

Always expect something will go wrong.

In my case, my simple solution should have been to save my work immediately and just let computer update so it would quit whining about it. Always save your work in ten minute increments when working on the computer so that you're addressing anything unexpected that may come up. If you keep putting something off then eventually it will get you in the end. Allow your computer to do updates when it's necessary.Keep a back up.

If you're working on an article or document that is extremely important then I recommend keeping at least two copies of it in a safe place. In using a zip disk, CD, or jump drive you're ensuring that your work will not be lost and you'll be able to retrieve it without a problem. Be sure that all copies are consistently updated throughout the day.

This is especially true if you're working on a public computer. There are many virus programs on public computers that clean the system routinely and non system files routinely and if you leave the computer just for a second to go do something stupid like making the best turkey sandwich in history then you could risk losing your work. The work is only secure as long as you're in front of it. Sometimes it's the price you have to pay for a good sandwich.

Also, if you're working on a public computer then be sure to log out after you're done using it. If you leave the connection open then you're inviting other users to see your files and duplicate them.

Save your work consistently throughout the day.

As I mentioned earlier, you can never expect when something will happen to your computer. It could be a storm to come through and knock out power or a simple virus scan. Save your work every twenty minutes onto the hard disk. If for some reason you do lose the work, then be sure to check the Autorecovery feature most operating systems have for files that were corrupted.

Store files properly.

Like anything in life, if you're disorganized then there is a greater risk that you'll lose something. There is no exception when it comes to computers and operating systems. Many people lose files simply because they are stored in the wrong place. Always sort files into the right folder and be sure to name them in a way that is not confusing to you later on. For instance, always use the underscore button when naming a file where a space is intended.

All of your important files should remain on your hard disk where it is safest. However, it's important to back everything up with a disc so that you don't lose all of your work. It's best to always have a solution and to be educated when using your computer so you don't waste your time like I did today!