Chief Elf Officer for piece of mind

By the time you read this final WVBO issue of 2017, Santa’s Chief Elf Officer (CEO) will have inputted the billions of delivery destinations into the sleigh’s onboard GPS. He will also have duplicated them into the Google Map app on Santa’s smartphone as a backup in case the GPS receiver in Rudolph’s red nose malfunctions.

Being an avid reader of this column – available even in North Pole through the WBVO website in the digital world, aka internet – Santa’s CEO knows the importance of backups; Santa having a backup methodology for delivery routing is a must!

In the now-distant past, we have talked about the importance of backing up (i.e. copying) the information (aka data) on your computer, including pictures that you may have transferred from your digital camera, to an external hard drive or other removable device. These days, though, you may have noticed that we are more prone to using our ubiquitous device that we always have on us – i.e. our smartphones – to capture that “Kodak” moment instead.

So what about backing up those pictures and videos on our Power of One devices such as smartphones and tablets?

Apple’s smartphone and tablet, iPhone and iPad respectively, have the Photos app that comes pre-installed. Smartphones and tablets made by manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Motorola (just to name a few) that are based on Google’s Android system have their own default app pre-installed, also named Photos.

Both of these apps are your photo and video "album" meaning every photo and video you capture using your smartphone will be here for your viewing. Also if you or whoever initially set up your smartphone or tablet configured it properly, this app is also your first backup methodology of the precious memories you capture on your device.

Smartphones' and tablets’ utility is realized by always being connected to the internet (aka the cloud). In most cases during your initial configuration process you set your new device up to back up the photos and videos you take to an Apple ID account (iPhone or iPad) or Google Account that you present/create during your initial setup process. You'll want to set up your device to make sure backup occurs only when you are connected by Wi-Fi, unless you have a truly unlimited mobile data plan, to avoid using up your monthly data allowance.

To check whether your pictures and videos are backing up automatically to your account in the cloud, go into the Settings on your device. On an iPhone or iPad, click on the Settings app, then the Photos menu option. For Android devices, go into the Photos app, click on Settings, then click Backup & Sync to verify or change your settings. You can also visit your cell phone service provider’s storefront or point-of-purchase for assistance. Alternatively, if you are an iPhone or iPad user you can make an appointment at the Apple Store at Crocker Park for help.

Lastly, a bonus tip for iPhone and iPad users: You can download Google’s Photos app from the App Store and set it up as your second backup destination.

A little legwork goes a long way so you can enjoy the company of your family and friends knowing that the memories you capture on your Power of One devices are backed up. Happy holidays and see you in 2018!

Tak Sato

Strategist with over 25 years of experience. Holds Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science and Executive MBA from Cleveland State University.

As founder and strategist for the Center for Aging in the Digital World, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering seniors through technology, and founder of geek with a heart with the service mark "Hand-holding You in the Digital World", Tak helps people utilize appropriate technology in their personal and professional lives.

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Volume 9, Issue 24, Posted 9:55 AM, 12.19.2017