How To Protect Your Computer When You Must Leave It Home Alone

by Maria Marsala

Summary: Each of us must leave our computer home alone at times. And during those times, there is a chance that lightening, water or other damage may occur. Use this article to show you ways to protect your computer.

Before you leave your home for an extended amount of time, such as a business trip, vacation, extended holiday, or weekend trip, remember:

1. Remove your computer' plug from the wall. Make sure the plug is as far from the electrical socket as is possible because lightening travels. So the same for the phone cord.
2. Temporarily stop some of your newsletters. Companies like yahoogroups, topica.com and smartgroups make it very easy. Just go to their site, register if you haven't already done so, and put all your lists on "only".
3. Check with your ISP and host (if you have a web site with domain addresses) for vacation services including ways to check your mail from another computer. This is especially important if you have a business. If you have a web e-mail program (yahoo.com or excite.com), you can access it anywhere you have web access.
4. If you stay where there is a computer, consider bringing the CD from your ISP's along with you. Ask if there is space on their system for your "stuff".
5. Clean your computer's address book. Take a printed address book on your trip.
6. Copy your Address Book and Favorites File to a disk. Check the help feature of I.E. or Netscape for instructions or go to your on-line help for assistance. If your ISP offers you on line services while you're away, it probably doesn't include your current address book.
7. If you can, borrow or purchase a laptop.
8. Won't have access to a computer or laptop? Visit Internet cafe's in the city you visit. Go on line before you leave and check the locations of the nearest cyber cafe www.cybercafe.com where you can rent computer time and get a great cup of coffee too!
9. Before you leave a borrowed computer, save yourself any posts you want to keep or save them to a disk.
10. Remember to have a great time!!

©2007 Maria Marsala, former Wall Street Fortune 200 executive, business strategist, author and speaker. As founder of Elevating Your Business, Maria helps business owners and independent service professionals work smarter and earn more. Learn more and receive free business tools at ElevatingYourBusiness.com

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