Yesterday, I unexpectedly spent the morning begging for mercy at the Genius Bar. Fortunately, my laptop is okay -- but things could have been much, much worse.
For many college students, their laptop and/or desktop computer is critical for their success in college. I thought I'd transform my bad luck into good luck for you. So ... what's your plan if your computer dies? What would you do if someone walked off with your laptop?
There's no need to set up a complicated, step-by-step back-up plan; just spend a few minutes as you're walking to class today thinking about what you would do. What would happen to all of your papers, research, lab reports, etc.? Can you back those up to a place like Google Docs or a cloud? Can you put your most important stuff on a jump drive? Additionally, how and where would you get access to a computer if yours disappeared? Are there labs on campus? If so, where are they -- and how late are they open? Could you borrow a friend's computer for a little while?
Think, too, about some security concerns that might arise if your laptop goes MIA. Is there information on there that could prove problematic? Do you automatically, for example, sign in to your bank account and email?
Lastly, think about how you would replace your computer. Do you have the money to buy a new one? Do your parents? Where would you get one from? How would you make things work for your classes if you couldn't get one for a while?
Thinking through things like this might be a pain in the brain -- but doing so is much, much easier than trying to think of them after your computer disappears. So take that extra minute and back your stuff up while thinking of a back-up plan!
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