In the days of old people would keep computers as long as 5 years or longer. However these days a new computer barely gets past 3 years before needing replacement – or so it seems.
You can easily get 5 years out of a computer if you buy it correctly the first time.
In fact, you most likely already own a computer that you can get a few more years out of.
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When I refer to “software maintenance” I’m not talking about defragging the hard drive or performing personal data backups.
What I am referring to is backing up your apps.
There will be apps you download off the internet that you really, really like. But let’s say you have some major hardware failure and lose those apps. They were all in your “downloads” folder and now they’re gone. It’s a good bet that more than half of what you used isn’t available on the internet anymore – and that sucks when that happens.
I have freeware software titles I downloaded years ago that I backed up to DVD, and I’m glad I did because those titles are not available on the internet anymore anywhere.
Some of the titles I have are technically obsolete because newer versions of said titles have been released over the years. However, if I have software I like and I don’t need to upgrade it, I absolutely won’t.
You should make it a routine habit to create “app” DVDs or alternatively buy a USB stick to put all your apps to.
When you find an app you really like:
1. IMMEDIATELY back it up the installer file somewhere, be it to DVD or USB stick.
2. Make note of the version number.
If you have to, rename the installer file to reflect this. For example, if the app is called “Name of App.exe”, rename to “Name of App v1.04.exe”. This is completely okay to do and will not affect the reinstallation of the file later, should you have to do so.
Why do this? Because you may install a later “improved” version that’s not improved at all. Fortunately you’ll have the old version at the ready.
3. Organize your downloaded apps into folders for easy retrieval.
When you back up your apps, make a “graphic editing” folder, “text editing” folder and so on so you can locate your stuff fast.
4. Make note of apps that “associate” with each other.
Example: Firefox and associated plug-in files.
5. For traditional from-CD applications, make your own backups and use those instead. I suggest using ImgBurn for that.
For example, if you have a game you really like that requires to be run from CD, back it up and use the backup copy to play instead of the disc you bought. Chances are it will go thru a lot of use and may become damaged over time. If/When it fails, just make another backup.
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