Parenting Pointers: Back-to-School Tech Tips

This year, when students return to school, many will be given a personal computer or using a home laptop for completing and turning in assignments. For students, having a computer issue, which leads to a lost term paper, report or take-home test, can be devastating. We love the convenience of technology, but hate the risk of our devices crashing and leaving us with lost data.

It is important to plan for any types of computer catastrophe, especially when expensive electronics are being handled by young kids. So what are the proper procedures to follow when handling your hardware? DriveSavers Data Recovery, the worldwide leader in data recovery services, has provided tips for students and parents for protecting their data.

1. Walking To and From School? Protect and Waterproof Your Electronics!

From walking in the rain to tripping and falling, even the smallest accidents can be detrimental to your child’s expensive laptop or tablet. Make sure that your child uses a backpack or messenger to carry his or her laptop or tablet to and from school. The laptop should be stored in a padded laptop carrier inside of a backpack or bag. If it’s raining outside, put your child’s technology in a Ziploc bag to keep it dry. 

2. Storing Your Laptop At Home? Keep Electronic Devices off the Floor.

If your computer hardware is stored near the ground of your location, be sure to move them away from the floor to protect them from possible water damage or being overlooked and stepped on. It’s easy to neglect electronics stored in your book bag that you’ve left lying on the floor. Take a moment, and safely store your personal belongings off the ground.

3. Bringing Your Homework On A Trip? Protect Your Devices From Extreme Climates

When traveling to a location with extreme temperatures, it is best to leave your digital devices safe in a place of mild temperature. Heat, cold and humidity can wreck havoc with digital equipment, especially hard drives and flash memory devices. Pay special attention to the climate of each location you travel. Don’t forget to consider where you are leaving your devices, such as an extremely hot or cold vehicle.

4. Spent Hours On That Assignment? Transfer Your Files From Your Portable Device

Always transfer or sync your data to a computer on backup drives as soon as possible. We recommend doing this regularly throughout your trip. It’s also important that you never delete images or reformat your digital camera’s memory card while it is still in the camera. Always verify that your photos have been transferred and verified before erasing and reusing a camera card.

5. Don’t Wait Until You’ve Lost Your Term Paper! Backup Your Data Now

Sometimes it’s inevitable that your portable electronic devices will be damaged. Always back up your data and back up often! This will prevent data loss even if the device itself is destroyed.