When you store your information and documents on a computer, there are a few regular habits you can adopt that will insure that your data remain safe and easily accesible.

Data Storage and Backup

Store all your files in the same place so they are easy to back up. On a Windows machine, the My Documents folder is probably the best place to store personal information. You can build folders inside My Documents to further categorize your items, just as you add new file folders to a filing cabinet. You should back up your my documents folder on a regular basis. You can do this by simply copying the entire folder to a zip disk or writable cd if your computer has a writable cd drive. If you need help deciding on a back-up strategy, check with your SBTS.

If your school is fortunate enough to have a file server, the file server is probably the best place to store your personal documents. If your files are stored on a file server, you can usually get to the files from any computer in your school and your files are typically backed up nightly so you don't have to worry about backing up your own files. Again, you will want to check with your SBTS to see exactly how to access your school's server.

Passwords

Your personal passwords, whether to the server, FCPS Outlook, FCPS Blackboard, SASI or electronic gradebooks should never be shared with anyone, including your SBTS. FCPS Regulation 6220 establishes security procdures for FCPS and states "Computer users shall not reveal their passwords to anyone...."

In addition, when you create a new password, it must be at least 7 characters and may not be initials, proper names, social security numbers, license plate numbers or any other characters that may identify the user. Your SBTS can help you with strategies to create easy-to-remember passwords that conform to FCPS regulation.