Musings

 Backup Your Data-Avoid Chaos 

Other Creations sends our best wishes for the victims of this week's Super Storm.  We also wish them all a speedy recovery.

       The recent super storm on the East coast should make us all aware of the need to backup all of the information on our computers, and store it off site. 

       You can be sure that a lot of people in the storm lost their computers and all the information and photos that were stored on their hard drives.   When they get replacements, they will have to reformat them.  Some important documents and photographs cannot be replaced.

       Many people think that if they copy their files to a flash drive or disc that they are protected. This method works well, but it has a couple of drawbacks; most people store these copies in their office.  It is important that you store your copies off site where you can retrieve them later to use in rebuilding your computer.

       The second drawback has to do with what you might lose between backups.  If you are working with a complicated spreadsheet, you are going to want to backup more often.  The thought of having to recreate the data should remind you.

       There are new virtual storage facilities that you can save you a lot of stress.  One is cloud computing. Think of a huge cloud full of cubbyholes of stored data. The Cloud stored data is available at any time from any computer.  My one complaint about the Cloud is that it will have so much information stored that it will be a prime target for computer hackers.

       Other Creations uses Carbonite.  It is, of course, a  smaller population so it is less attractive to hacking.  It backs up constantly so nothing is left unprotected for more than a few minutes.  If you have to redo your computer, of retrieve something that you trashed, just dial into your account and download what you need.  Carbonite does charge a small fee for this protection, but I don't mind, in exchange for peace of mind and concierge service.

Your Money - Your Life 

Save on Christmas

       It is almost that time of year that we all start making big financial mistakes that we regret for the whole following year.  Unless you have been very precise about budgeting, you are

likely to be one of the many people who over spend during the holiday season.

       You can easily reduce this spending, and have fun by making as much of your Christmas as possible.  You probably can reuse last year's decorations; it is easy to update them with a little paint and glitter if necessary.  This is a terrific opportunity to get the kids involved.    Using the ornaments that you have in storage is another major economy.  With the exception of commemorative ornaments, reusing what you have, a different assortment each year will save you a lot of money.

       Make gifts.  Most people don't really need trinkets, but the will definitely like a homemade gift.  They can be treats from your kitchen, or objects you have created.  You can even have fun re-gifting; you might have something that matches another of your friends, pass it on.

       The Holiday Season should be dominated by friends and family, and the love they share.  Becoming creative is very rewarding and has a major impact on your budget.

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