Looking after your Software

[-pops-]

There seems to be a never ending stream of posts here, and all other computer forums, along the lines of: "I've lost the disk for (insert whatever software you wish). What can I do?"

Well, in my view you should have taken more care of it and I think it quite reasonable for suppliers to be reluctant or refuse to supply a replacement.

This is what I do with all important disks. All software disks related to any desktop machine I have I keep in the computer case that the disk relates to.

Now, with desktop case becoming ever more smaller and with the increasing popularity of laptops, tablets and other things I'm not familiar with the "put inside the case" is impractical or impossible.

What I do now - and is my recommendation here - is to get a small safe. This need not be some expensive fancy item, just a secure lockable bx which is preferably attached to a permanent fixing. What I have is a "car safe" which is a steel drawer box with a cable lock system along the lines of http://www.amazon.co.uk/LTS-UK-CT0076-CAR-SAFE/dp/B0058NMNCW/ref=sr_1_79?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1318749256&sr=1-79 This link is only to give an idea of what I mean. There are a number of similar things available. The important thing is that the box attached to a permanent fixture so it doesn't get mislaid.

The most important thing, whatever you use to look after your disks is to be consistent and save them in a secure place AND you remember where that is!