Hi–Tech Moving Matters
You need to think about several other matters related to your move. One of the decisions is who will move your computer equipment. Assuming that you are using a moving company, ask the representative about how they move computers and related equipment. Ask about the insurance available and how to pack your equipment. It’s best if you have the original boxes.
I originally thought I’d put my computer into my car to go along with me. Once I looked at how big the boxes were (I had all of the original boxes and packing material), I realized we would not have room for the computer. I carefully packed each piece of equipment and had the moving company take everything. The most important thing I did was to make two total backups of all of my data. This is critical. If something happened to the computer during the move, I still had all of my data to load onto another computer. One backup tape went in each of our cars (we were driving two cars).
Another matter to consider is whether you need to find a new Internet service provider (ISP). This depends on the ISP you have now. If you are using CompuServe, AOL, or a national ISP, find out if your provider has a local node in your new area. You want to be sure that you can access the service with just a local phone call. If you are using a local or regional ISP, or if your national provider does not have a local node in your new area, you need to find a new ISP.
I suggest asking around for recommendations. Ask some of your new contacts about the service they use. Before you start contacting new ISPs, think about the type of services you need:
- How many e–mail accounts to you need?
- Do you have a domain name? Do you want one? (You may need a Web Host and an ISP, in this case.)
- Do you have a web site now that you need to move? Do you want to create a web site?
ISPs have many different options that go by a variety of names. It helps to know the services you want and then compare similar offerings. If you have your own domain name, making the move it easy. You should not have to change your e–mail address or your Web site address. You just need to find an ISP, move your files, and you are ready to go.
If you don’t have your own domain name, you need to change your e–mail address and you may have to change your web site address, too. Ask your new ISP about setting up an alias that lets you use the same web site address. This may be possible. If not, you need to distribute your new electronic addresses along with your new postal address.
Be sure to plan all of this well in advance of your actual move, so you can be sure that that things will work when you get to your new location.