Smart Use of Technology

This course relies heavily on access to computers, specific software, and the Internet. At some point during the semester you WILL have a problem with technology: your laptop will crash, a file will become corrupted, a server will go down, or something else will occur. These are facts of life, not emergencies. Technology problems will not normally be accepted as excuses for unfinished work. Count on “stuff” happening and protect yourself by doing the following:

• Plan ahead – start early, particularly if scarce resources are required
• Save work often – at least every ten minutes
• Make regular backups of files in a different location from the originals
• Save drafts of work at multiple stages
• When editing an image, set aside the original and work with a copy
• Practice safe computing when surfing the web and checking email
• On your personal computer, install and use software to control viruses and malware