Switching to a New Computer – What You Need to Do

Switching to a New Computer – What You Need to Do

Dec 28, 2020 | Informational

Getting a new computer is exciting, but making the switch can cause stress. You don’t want to lose any files, photos or important communication – and you don’t want to make it more complicated than it ought to be.

Use our worry-free file transfer guide below. It, paired with a fast and reliable internet from Piedmont Rural Fiber will have you up and connected on your new computer in no time.

Getting Ready

There are two critical steps before migrating data to your new computer:

  • File Management. Go through everything on your old computer and delete files and apps you don’t need or use anymore. There’s no point clogging up your new hard drive with useless stuff.
  • Create Backups. Back up everything before you initiate a migration. There are a couple of ways you can do this. First, purchase an external drive that’s big enough to hold everything, including your operating system.

Backing up to the cloud is also a good idea as it gives you some redundancy, just in case anything happens to the physical drive. Cloud storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive are all excellent options.

If you have a Windows PC, you already have 5Gb of storage on OneDrive, but you can always purchase more storage if you need it. Be sure to choose a plan that gives you enough storage for your entire file system and all your apps.

Migrating Your Files

If you are upgrading to the same type of computer (Mac to Mac or PC to PC), the process is fairly straightforward. There are various cloud services you can use to facilitate a file transfer, but it can also be done offline.

  • Transfer using an external drive. This method is a bit labor intensive as you’ll have to transfer files manually, but if you’re going from PC to PC, there’s no need to use any additional software. For PC to Mac, you should use a migration assistant as file formats can make this tricky. Your application settings won’t transfer using this method, so you’ll usually need to set up your preferences afresh.
  • PC to Mac using Windows Migration Assistant. You’ll need to install the Windows Migration Assistant onto your PC first. Your new and old computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or connected with an ethernet cable. There’s a step-by-step guide on Apple support that walks you through the process.
  • Mac to Mac. The built-in migration assistant in Mac’s utilities is the easiest way to facilitate a data transfer. Both computers should be on the same Wi-Fi network before you begin. On your old Mac, go to System Preferences and choose Sharing. On the new Mac, open Migration Assistant from the utilities folder and follow the prompts. The assistant will allow you to transfer directly from the old computer, from a drive, or from a Time Machine backup.
  • PC to PC. There’s a couple of different methods here. If you don’t want to do a manual or cloud transfer, you can either purchase a migration tool like PCMover or use a transfer cable to do it offline.

Pretty soon, you’ll be on your way to a better, faster computer experience! If you plan to use an online cloud backup or migration service, you’ll need a fast, reliable broadband internet connection. Call Piedmont Rural Fiber today to ensure you have the plan and speed you need!

Medical Care is Just a Click Away

Medical Care is Just a Click Away

Dec 28, 2020 | Telemedicine

Coronavirus is putting telemedicine in the spotlight as a safer, more efficient way to receive medical help.

It’s a welcome alternative to visiting a doctor’s office, now viewed as a hub of anxiety and potential illness. Additionally, many physicians’ offices don’t offer after-hours appointments or leave you twiddling your thumbs in crowded waiting rooms.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use telemedicine, either. It’s as simple as logging into your computer using your fast and reliable internet from Piedmont Rural Fiber, opening a video chat link provided by your healthcare provider and getting the medical advice and prescriptions you need from the comfort of your home.

Does Your Family Doctor Offer Telemedicine?

If you have a family doctor, check with their office first to see if they offer telemedicine. When possible, it’s a good idea to stick with a doctor who knows you, your medical history and has access to your files, charts and pharmacy information. This ensures that you are getting the best, most consistent care from a physician who is familiar with your health and with whom you feel comfortable.

Ask your primary care physician if their practice has an online patient portal. This system functions similarly to email but offers privacy and security necessary for relaying sensitive medical information and data. 

Types of Telemedicine

Some patient portals allow you to video chat with a doctor or nurse from the comfort of your home. Other online portals allow for web-based consultation, which means you click through a questionnaire about your symptoms. This type of assessment is perfect for those with minor medical issues who don’t need an in-person visit.

If your primary care physician is part of an extensive medical network like a hospital, chances are they have a well-established, secure online system. In this case, your patient portal acts as a one-stop-shop for all your medical needs, allowing you to consult with specialists inside the existing framework.

But even if your primary care provider doesn’t have an integrated care system, they may still conduct appointments via video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. In fact, many medical offices use Zoom because it’s HIPAA-compliant! That means it protects all your sensitive medical data, helping you feel safe and secure.

What You Need to Access Telemedicine

Advances in technology have changed all our lives for the better. But to reap the benefits that telemedicine offers, you need to be able to access those services. With fast and reliable high-speed internet, you never have to worry about losing the connection to your health care provider, even in rural settings. 

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to stay healthy and look after ourselves. And since you can get medical attention from the comfort of your own home, there’s no reason to avoid professional care and assessment. Better health is at your fingertips with telemedicine, and a good internet connection is the vehicle that gets you there.