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Q: I want to combine in one place my files from 4 different computers that are not networked. They are in different geographical locations. I am looking for a simple way to accomplish this. Currently I am transferring files to a 500G external hard drive and it is a very slow process, i.e. one file at a time drag and drop. Is there less time consuming and more expedient way?

– William M.
Memphis, Tennessee

 A:  That would depend on exactly what you mean by “combine in one place,” William, because I could see that phrase having multiple meanings in this context.  For example, it could mean that you want to synchronize them, which would ensure that all four computers have the same copy of each of the files.  It could also mean that you want to simply have a spare copy of the files on each of the machines in case of a hard drive failure or other catastrophic event.  I’m guessing it’s the latter that you’re trying to do, although the reason why you want to combine them together escapes me.  Except for that one seemingly odd aspect, this sounds just like a straight forward backup operation.  If that’s the case, combining them will make it harder to restore them in the event you do have a problem.

If you want to do it manually, I don’t see why you should need to drag and drop a single file at a time.  You can drag and drop entire directory trees in one operation.  In doing so, Windows can even skip files that already exist on the target drive.  If a regular backup operation is what you have in mind, there are plenty of free software applications available that will do that job very nicely.  Using a dedicated backup utility, you can specify exactly which files you want to backup, and then save that specification.  The saved backup can then be executed many times from the original setup.  There is even a type of backup called an incremental backup that will only make copies of the files that have changed since the last successful backup.  That will save you even more time, not to mention space on your 500 GB drive.

What would be ideal would be if these machines were on the Internet.  Then you could back each one up to cloud-storage, and the problem would take care of itself. 

• • •

 Q: Last summer I upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 8.1. Now I am getting notices that I will be offered a free upgrade to Windows 10. Should I?

– Nancy C.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida

 

A:  What you are seeing is the vanguard of what is certain to be an exceptionally aggressive campaign on the part of Microsoft to move people onto the Windows 10 platform.  They’ve already taken the unprecedented step of offering the upgrade for free for a year, with the promise of free support for some period beyond that, but nobody knows for sure what happens when that free period expires.  It seems doubtful that you’d be able to downgrade back to your old OS, but it seems just as doubtful that Microsoft would have the audacity to somehow just cause your computer to stop working if you don’t pony up cash for a new update to replace the “free” one.  Can you imagine the public outrage? 

 

There is no answer to your question that is suitable for everybody.  However, if history is any guide, it seems eventually you are going to move to a newer operating system whether you like it or not.  If you don’t mind living on the bleeding edge of technology, go for it, but be prepared for that maturation phase that that early-adopters usually go through.  If you’re happy with the status quo, feel free to cling to it as long as you’re able.  With as fast as PCs advance, you may very well get rid of your current hardware before Microsoft pulls support for Windows 8.1.  Just know that the process has already begun.  Read at tinyurl.com/k69vm2k to find out more.