(NC)-Each September students of all ages return to school with a clean slate, a refreshed mind and a bright outlook. It's also a great time to make personal resolutions.
One great resolution is to get organized. It may seem like a daunting assignment, but a little planning and the right technology can go a long way. Below are some key tips that will help students de-clutter their academic lives.
• Out with the old, in with the new. Is your PC desktop littered with documents? Make sure to file away old exams, assignments, files and notes. Store unused files in safe, easily accessible places for future reference so that items are out of sight, but not necessarily out of mind.
• Organize and protect your files. On your PC, create folders for each subject and be sure to frequently save and back up important documents. Teachers are as unlikely to accept the 'my hard drive crashed and I lost everything' excuse as the 'dog ate homework' one. New storage devices such as HP's MediaSmart Home Server gives you added backup. Featuring Microsoft Home Server software, this home server automatically backs up files, folders and even the Windows operating system.
• Write it down. Can't remember when the next exam is or what last night's homework assignment was? Record assignments and due dates in a planner or calendar in order to stay on top of deadlines. Flag them in a personal information manager such as Microsoft Outlook so that you receive reminders well ahead of deadline.
• Easy access - anytime, anywhere. Ever rushed home to retrieve files stored on a home computer? Better to keep important files at your fingertips. Online storage options such as Windows Live Skydrive allow you to store and share files online. Home servers running Windows Home Server also allow you to create a personalized website address where you can download and upload files to shared folders making getting the files you need as easy as ABC.
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