Tools and tricks for keeping track of everything from toys to keys to just-washed socks
Alexandra Rowley
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How to Avoid Losing Computer Files, Your Laptop, and Your PDA or Filofax
At least twice a week, copy all the important documents on your
computer onto another medium, such as a CD ($9 and up for 10,
Staples, www.staples.com) or a key chain — size USB flash drive ($20
to $400, depending on storage capacity, Staples). "I say it 50
times a day," says Karen Simon of PT Tech Associates, in Santa
Monica, California. "I had a client who was working on a
million-dollar sales deal, and his hard drive took a dive. He had
no backup." And, alas, no deal.
If you're not good about putting your backup CDs into their jewel
cases, keep a small basket or tray near the computer to act as an
interim holding bin. Line the basket with cloth to protect the CDs.
Do the same thing near your stereo for your music CDs.
Another option for your music: "Throw out the jewel cases
immediately and get a big CD storage book," urges international DJ
Lady Bunny, who prefers the convenience of three-ring-style binders
to hold her many discs ($5.50 to $55, www.caselogic.com). The
largest book can hold up to 264 CDs — with room for liner notes.
Best of all? "It's too big to lose," says Bunny.
Don't Lose Your Laptop
Simple, foolproof rule: When you're away from home, always keep
your laptop in view — even if you think it's in a secure room.
If that's not possible, use a cable lock to secure your laptop to
a table leg or a heavy chair ($30 to $80, www.kryptonite.com for
store locations). "If someone just picks up your laptop and walks
down the hall with confidence, no one's going to look twice," says
Broadway stage manager Patty Lyon, whose untraditional work
space — a theater — makes laptop locks a necessity. "It's the
equivalent of the Club for your car," she says.
Use a coded return-service tag.
Don't Lose Your PDA
Write your name and phone number in indelible ink on a heavy-duty
label and stick it in a conspicuous place on the item. For safety's
sake, use your office phone number — you don't want to disclose any
more personal info to strangers than your Filofax or Palm already
has.
Clearly write that you're offering a reward for the item's
return.
If you use a pen-and-paper Filofax, photocopy its contents at
least once a year. If you use a PDA, make sure that you do regular
backups onto your computer.
