Backup Q&A
Q: Why should I back up my data?
A: If your hard drive malfunctions tomorrow, whether it's the result of accidentally dropping your laptop or a simple unfortunate mechanical failure, it's likely that you'll lose everything on your computer.
Q: Where can I make this backup?
A: External hard drives are inexpensive. They can offer the necessary storage space and physical redundancy to back up the full contents of your computer's internal hard drive. Pick a hard drive that's at least as large as your computer's internal hard drive, don't store any other data on it, and make a permanent space for it on your desk near your computer. Newegg frequently has good deals on external hard drives. If you have any questions about what type of drive you need, contact the Call Center.
Q: When should I back up my data?
A: All the time. Save documents frequently while you're working on them, and back them up as soon as you finish.
Q: Ok, so how do I make backups?
A: Mac OS X 10.5 and later includes Time Machine, an application that will automatically create and archive hourly backups of any changes on your computer. Members of ITS and the college community in general have had good experiences with Time Machine. Recent versions of Windows have had backup software built in, and we're currently reviewing the backup software included with Windows 7. Many third-party backup utilities are also available for both platforms.
Q: Do I have to back up all my data?
A: Only the data you want to keep.
Guest Access to the F&M Network
Q: I have a guest speaker coming to campus soon. Can I get his computer onto our college network?
I am hosting an event on campus that will have 50 attendees; can I have wireless network access for my guests?
A: The answer to these questions is "yes!" Although Franklin & Marshall has a closed network that is designed to be secure, we do have a provision for temporary guest access. If you are hosting a single guest for one day, we suggest registering the computer in your name. The registration in your name will expire after the computer is "off" the College network.
If you are hosting an event with multiple participants, please contact the ITS Call Center at least one week before the event. ITS will create a temporary login for you to disseminate to participants in the event.
Network registration of a guest computer is straightforward and almost identical to the process of registering a computer used by a member of the Franklin & Marshall community.
