By Bob Dalles
Tech Talk with Bob: Upgrade Safely
If you just got a new computer or are thinking about upgrading to a new system, you might just have a need for my team. Clients have found peace of mind with these two services we offer businesses and individuals. Data Transfers: If you are upgrading from an older computer to a newer one, you probably want to have all of your personal data transferred from your old computer to your new computer too. A lot of folks ask me if we can move their existing data (music, pictures, documents, videos, etc.) from their old computer to their new computer. We do this routinely. Clients tell me countless stories of data losses from attempting to transfer their files without using the proper techniques. We will safely and securely move your data quickly and painlessly. If the reason you are getting a new computer is because your old computer will not boot up, I usually can still recover your data off of your old dead system. Once you have upgraded to your new computer and have successfully transferred all of your pictures, documents, and other personal files over to it, what do you do with your old computer? First, never throw your old computer into the trash. It needs to be disposed of properly and responsibly because it contains elements that are not safe for our environment. In addition, most municipalities have laws
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and impose fines in regard to the proper/improper disposal of these items. Second, your discarded computer has a disk drive in it (hard disk drive/solid state drive) that stores your information, including your personal data. Even if you delete your personal files, there are still methods cyber criminals can use to extract data that you thought was permanently erased. Therefore your data on your old computer sitting by the curb or in a dumpster can be intercepted by anyone willing to rummage through your trash from the time you throw it out to the time it gets to the landfill. That is why I also offer my clients… Safe and Secure System Disposals: Let me explain the process. First, we remove the disk drive mounted inside your computer that actually stores all of your personal data and private information. It is usually in the form of a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. Second, we disassemble and dispose of the remaining components through proper industry channels we have in place. At this point all that is left is your old disk drive. Finally, we place that drive into an industrial shredder that converts the drive into a pile of rubble. There is no way any data will get into the hands of anyone, let alone cyber criminals, through an old computer we discarded. We can provide you with this quick and easy way to dispose of your old environmentally toxic computer. Plus, you also
have peace of mind knowing that the data that was on your old computer is safe and inaccessible because your computer has been dismantled and its disk drive is no longer in one piece. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy, unprotected systems. Protecting your data is your responsibility, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself. My staff and I are here to help you navigate through these cumbersome
and often confusing tasks. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified Computer Technician. If you need a certified professional, call us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!
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