StartToFinishDesigns

When contemplating the purchase of a new computer we struggle with the hassle of having to have our information transferred to another or the fact that we would have to have software setup and configured the way we had it.  I am sure that this has hindered some people from just going out and purchasing a new PC.  I know that if I need to transfer files or setup a new laptop of pc at home, that I am very reluctant to do so as I plan out everything from my documents, pictures, music all the way to the programs I use for school, work, and other activities.  The planning process is a job in itself.

For the average person, many computer stores now offer data transfer for free as part of the buying experience.  This can be a big deal as the companies would help guarantee that the information that you would rely on would then be on the new computer you would be using.  Your pictures would be secure, safe, and able to be retrieved when you need too.  

The companies will even load the newest software for your computer purchase too and most of the time for free.  Not having to worry about installing these programs can make that experience of taking your computer home and then getting down to business without the need to or hassle of installing and the time consuming process of waiting on those cd’s and dvd’s to stop whirling while that status bar climbs from 0 to 100.  The need to keep feeding your computer those disks or hoping that you installed the correct features as you had before helps with the anticipation.  You can now plug your pc in and be ready for whatever it is you need too.

I can be classified as one of those narcissists that like to setup my own computer.  I actually like the fact that I have the software in my hands and that my mouth actually starts to water when I begin the install process.  It’s like getting a new toy and playing with it the first time.  I want the full experience, although I still want it to be completed and ready when I am.  I plan out every detail to make sure that I get everything that I need and want.  I don’t like downtime and or the possibility of not having what I need, when I need it. 

The compromise I would use would be to have these companies setup my documents, pictures, and whatever other files I needed with explicit instructions on the locations that I wanted them placed in.  The more information you are willing to give the companies, the better.  They are working for you actually; the services they are providing are for your benefit and possibly helped to secure the sale.  Make sure your explicit on how and what you want and if they would have any questions that they have your contact information. 

When it comes to your data, you need to ask yourself a question… “If I lost this, what impact would it have on me and could it be replaced?”  I often ask managers a similar question that would relate here, “How much is your data worth?”  Most of the time people neglect the fact that mistakes happen, that computers are manmade and that they fail because of it.  Check and see if the retail store also would be able to place your data files onto dvd’s for you too as a nice added bonus.  You could always just put it in a fire safe or someplace safe (just in case).