When asked to participate in this series I was reluctant, actually I am reluctant, mainly because my writing area has been declared a mess by certain individuals in my household. But then again, I subscribe to the old saying that “if a cluttered desk is evidence of a cluttered mind, what does an empty desk signify”. I feel comfortable with all my “things” within easy reach.
To insure that I don’t corrupt my personal use system, I have another that I dedicate to hardware and software reviews. Although I’ve only had one instance of a hardware driver corrupting my PC, going through the pain of re-installing everything justifies having two.
The Windows 7 PC on the right is what I use for day-to-day writing and financial transactions.
On the left is the test system which is a Windows Vista PC. Both PCs are from Dell. The monitor for the test system is a re-purposed 20″ TV. Also connected to the monitor, through an HDMI switch, are an old Roku box and an Android box. In addition to the 2 PCs, I have a Windows 7 laptop, iPod touch, iPad 2 and an iPad mini. There are a couple of wireless printers ,scanners, Internet radios, Rokus and wireless security cameras scattered around the house. Shortly I hope to add an Asus Chromebox to the configuration. I’m on the wait-list!
Everything that can be is networked, which makes it difficult if we have a power failure (something not unheard of in NH -:) Besides the computers, I am dependent upon the Internet for telephone communication. All my phone lines are VOIP and I have them backed up with a Battery UPS.
In addition, the Windows 7 PC, modem and wireless router have their own Battery back-up. I can sustain operation for about an hour during a power failure, which covers most outages here. If it goes longer, I have a generator that powers most of the house. In the event I lose my 50 Mb/s cable connection, I have a mobile hotspot that comes into play. It may be only 3G, but it’s better than nothing.
It may not be neat, but it works for me!
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Wow what a setup. I understand why you can justify having two computers to avoid having to reinstall everything. I just had to have my offsite backup restore my work computer and it was a nightmare.