I love new technology. I embrace it with open arms (when it fits my budget).
Except for The Cloud aka Cloud computing. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I’m a huge fan of Google Docs. I can access my files anywhere as long as I have internet access.When I’m at a seminar, I just take notes in a new Google document on my netbook. With Google Docs, I can create documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. It automatically saves my work, and I can pull it up on my desktop when I get home.
It sure beats my old method of syncing up my work files between laptop desktop. I would sync them up using a USB flash drive-as long as I haven’t misplaced my convenient but small flash drive. The other I would share files between the two would be emailing them to myself.
No matter how you transport or sync your files, just remember make sure your antivirus software is current and can safeguard your machine from potential viruses. Since it’s back to school season, here are some tips for you and your students when saving files.
USB Flash Drives
- Pros Its small size makes them easy to attach to a keychain or slip into a pocket. They’re durable due to lack of moving parts and tend to be quite reliable over an extended period of time. They’re available in a wide range of sizes
- Cons USB drives can be easily misplaced. Not only does it cost money to replace but the data is often lost unless a regular backup is done to the home computer. USB drives can also be infected with viruses living on host computers they are plugged into. You can unknowingly install viruses on your home computer
Emailing Assignments
- Pros: You (or your kids) can work on an assignment at home and attach it to an email to themselves. It’s free and easy, as long as you have an internet connection.
- Cons: Your computer may run a different version of software than what you use at work (or your child uses at school). This can make it impossible to open documents, especially if you have a newer version installed at home. Instead use the “Save as” option to save the document in a compatible format. Also there’s a high risk of viruses attaching themselves to Microsoft Word documents thanks to macros that are written into the language of the program. To avoid this, turn on Macro Virus Protection and make sure your antivirus software is current and always scanning in the background
Google Docs
- Pros: Google Docs is free, easy to navigate and use, and allows users to access their documents from any computer as long as you have an internet connection. You can also share your work and collaborate on assignments. As I mentioned earlier, it autosaves your work. It’s also its own system; creating, editing, and saving documents while they are part of Google Docs is a safe way to avoid potential viruses and malware.
- Cons: Google Docs requires an internet connection so if the wifi at your cafe isn’t working, you can’t work. Some schools don’t allow the use of Google Docs. If you convert your Google Docs into another file format to email it someone, there is a potential that a virus will sneak into the emailed file.
Regardless of your child’s preferred way to save and access documents both at home and school, knowing the risks that come with each method helps prevent potential problems that could jeopardize your student’s ability to get work turned in on time and harm your family computer. If you feel like your computer has been compromised, you can always run BitDefender’s free online scanner directly from your browser to immediately clean your system memory.
This article was provided as exclusive content by BitDefender because of my role as a BitMom Blog Network Member.No compensation was received for sharing this post however; BitMoms is providing me with a blog conference stipend and other materials to help me facilitate sharing topics of internet safety and security with my readers and through the BitMom Community.
About BitDefender®- BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry’s fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe — giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. More information about BitDefender and its products are available on the company’s website.