The SCWLA Midlands Region held its monthly luncheon at the Summit Club on Thursday, October 6, 2011 in Columbia. Our guests were Courtney Kennaday, Director of the South Carolina Bar Practice Management Assistance Program (PMAP), and Joey Heape, the Bar’s Director of Media and Technology. Courtney founded PMAP in 2002, and she assists lawyers in large and small firms with law office technology and management issues. She has appeared at numerous state and local legal events. Joey worked with local news organizations, such as WOLO-TV, before coming to the SC Bar, where he specializes in technology issues and oversees the media initiatives of the CLE Division as well as technology initiatives for various Bar projects. (We found out Joey is also an accomplished musician, and has played professionally with artists such as Bad Company, Richard Marx, and Delbert McClinton.)
Courtney and Joey provided our group with much-needed computer tips that we can all use (everyone has I.T. departments at work, but what happens when you’re working on something at home?) Judging from the reaction of those in attendance, it was clear everyone has experienced some strange computer snafus at one time or another (sometimes repeatedly), so their advice on avoiding these pitfalls was greatly appreciated! For the benefit of those who missed this great opportunity to consult the experts, their tips are summarized below.
Courtney’s & Joey’s Ten Commandments for Technology
(1) Don’t Cheap Out
It’s better to replace technology more often, as older computers often run slowly, suffer hard drive failures, or do not have the capacity to run the latest programs. Note the approximate lifecycles of these items: laptops 2-3 years; desktops 3-4 years; servers 3 years; laser printers & scanners – indefinite. For toner, they recommend OEM, as secondary or replacement brands may leak.
(2) Always Reboot
Often rebooting solves the problem, as the computer may still be working on an error that you cannot see running on the system. (We’ve always heard this, but now we know why.)
(3) Google It
Almost all technology questions can be answered with a very specific Google search.
(4) Read the FAQs
The Frequently Asked Questions encountered by the manufacturer are usually found on the manufacturer’s website.
(5) Know What You Have
Know your operating system (OS). Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista? Windows 7 is now the standard. Updates are no longer being issued for XP, but if you have XP, you should make sure you have Service Pack 3 installed. WPA is the secure option for WiFi.
Consider Belarc Advisor. This is a free software advisor that inventories your computer to list what software items you have, including the license numbers. It’s good to run this when you purchase a new computer and again when you make any changes on your computer.
(6) Write It Down
Write down error messages or copy and paste them and use Google to search for the meaning of the error. In Windows 7, you can also use the Snip It! tool. This tool can be found by going to the Start menu, then typing “Snip” in the search box, and it will automatically come up.
(7) Remember Your Passwords
Don’t use the same password for everything. You can use some software programs, such as Robo Form or the web-based Last Pass, which let you remember one password and it then encrypts all of your other passwords to a designated source. You can also save all of your passwords on a flash drive.
SC Bar’s Casemaker Service: Note, there is a new sign-in system for the Casemaker service. Go to the Bar’s homepage at scbar.org, go to Member Log In, then enter your 7-digit Bar number (use zeros at the beginning if your number is less than 7 digits), and then have your password e-mailed to you.
(8) Back Up Regularly
You can use programs such as Core Vault, Carbonite, or Mozy. Another alternative is an external hard drive. IO Safe makes an external hard drive that is advertised as being virtually indestructible, like an airplane’s black box, for about $250. The average external drive is about $125.
(9) Read The Reviews
Before purchasing any technology product, consider product reviews on the websites of Best Buy and other stores, as well as C/Net, ZD net, PCmag.com, and LTN (Law Technology News).
(10) Don’t Stand Naked In An Open Window: The Danger of Free WiFi
Warning: using an unprotected WiFi connection is as described above. Always know what the source is of your connection. Never click an icon that shows two computers connected, that is usually an indication that you are being connected with another computer, not a true WiFi site. It’s best to have an icon showing a cell tower or something similar. Final points to consider:
*Firewall – need this turned on, except at work
*Turn off file sharing
*Use antivirus and antispyware
*Get your own MiFi hot spot
Many thanks to Courtney and Joey for their advice. For further information, please contact them at the SC Bar or view the SC Bar’s website at www.scbar.org.
–Karen Huelson, S.C. Supreme Court
