I am embarrassed to admit it, but I am on my fourth laptop in less than eight years. Yep, you read that right. I have witnessed the destruction of a laptop on an every other year average. Motherboard issues, being dropped, slushy spills, and a "who knows" have wiped out my laptops.
You would think that would mean I was a pro at backing up my files but you'd be wrong. My photos I am decent with, they're barely organized and I probably have hundreds (if not thousands) of duplicates, but they're mostly safe. After the last crash it made me all too aware of the tax documents, budgets, password lists, work files & more that I have on my laptop that were totally unsecured & not backed up. The last crash cost me $300+ to recover my documents & photos I didn't have the chance to back up, as well as hours and hours back and forth to Staples. I was on a first name basis with them by the time it was all said and done.
When Carbonite reached out through Macaroni Kid to see if I was interested in reviewing their one year Basic Plan, I jumped at the chance. The thought of having an exact replica of the current files on my laptop stored safely on the cloud in the event this laptop bites the dust or I accidentally delete a file I need is the perfect solution for me.
Installing Carbonite could not have been easier. I loaded it to my computer, it started the initial back up (which did take a bit longer due to the thousand of photos I have) and I went back to work on the newsletter. It worked away in the background seamlessly, I never noticed it running or any issues because of it running. I love the set-it and forget-it ability with Carbonite. I don't have to worry about going back in and setting the backup, it happens automatically. Easy peasy!
Carbonite offers a few reminders to keep us, our family and our data safe and sound:
1. #OVERSHARING - Social media-savvy as we all are, the Instagram posts and Facebook check-ins that get us ‘likes’ can sometimes be opening you up to danger. Think about it, your vacation posts (before, while and when back!) can be a good indicator that your house is empty for would-be thieves. Another overshare concern? Your kids. Talk to your kids about the importance of never posting the name of their school, where they’re hanging out with their friends or any revealing information. Make sure you talk to your family members and close friends, too – they may post something they think is ‘fun’ but could potentially put your home or kids in danger.
2. Enemies in your Inbox - We all know that the Nigerian Prince in need of money ASAP is a scam for your cash BUT a lot of scams are not that obvious! If you get an email from your bank or credit card provider that seems off or suspicious – it probably is. For example, you should NEVER be asked to type your information directly into a link from an email that doesn’t require a password to access. If something seems fishy, then report it and deal with your bank (or insurance provider, etc) directly.
3. The hack is coming from INSIDE the house - The people who are using your computer might be the ones putting it at risk the most. Talk to your kids (and anyone else who has access to your computer) about downloading programs and documents without knowing if they are ‘safe.’ Threats to your computer could be links that download viruses, games that eat up too much memory space and could cause a crash, programs that are downloaded directly to your computer, without your knowledge. Have a conversation and stay vigilant!
3. The hack is coming from INSIDE the house - The people who are using your computer might be the ones putting it at risk the most. Talk to your kids (and anyone else who has access to your computer) about downloading programs and documents without knowing if they are ‘safe.’ Threats to your computer could be links that download viruses, games that eat up too much memory space and could cause a crash, programs that are downloaded directly to your computer, without your knowledge. Have a conversation and stay vigilant!
4. A Warning about Warnings - Some of the most recent security scams have come from warnings that appear to be connected to your computer, but are actually fake. The warnings ask for the user to call a number and provide direct access to their computer PLUS request payment to fix a fake problem. When a warning pops up, evaluate it carefully. Remember, a real warning would NEVER ask you to call an external company to fix something. When in doubt, reach out directly to your computer’s manufacturer.
GIVEAWAY: HWS Macaroni Kid is thrilled to be giving away a 1 year Basic Plan, courtesy of Carbonite, to one lucky reader! All you have to do is comment with your own restory. Did your computer die and take your data with it? Are you in need of a great back up system? Tell me in the comments by noon on May 3rd for your chance to win. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified via email. Good luck!
Click here for full giveaway rules & details.
Congratulations, Heidi R! You are the lucky winner of the one year plan from Carbonite! Please check your email and get back to me within 48 hours to claim your awesome prize!
