With basic preparation, a computer replacement or return can be largely seamless.
Overview
The most seamless computer replacements and returns occur when some time is taken to make sure that important files are easily transferred and any personal services are logged out.
Maintain access to your data
Before you Start, you'll need to decide:
- What files and tools are important to you
- Where you'll be backing them up
Understand the College's Data Handling Procedures
It is important that you know what types of data you work with and where it can be stored before you begin.
Back up files that only live on your computer
If all your work is accomplished in online systems, in Google Drive, or on MHCDrive, it's possible you won't need to transfer any files before returning your computer.
However, if you have important files on your computer's Desktop, Documents folder, Downloads folder, or somewhere else on your computer, that AREN'T ALREADY SAVED SOMEWHERE ELSE you'll want to back them up before you return your computer to LITS.
Backing up data to Google Drive
Google Drive isn't an on-going backup solution for local files (files that are stored directly on your computer), but can be used as a transitional backup location. Learn how to use Google for temporary backup.
- LITS encourages Google Drive for permanent storage for most types of data, with the exception of data that is prohibited from Google services by the Data Handling Procedures.
- Back up password vaults separately. Most, like Apple's Passwords app, have an export function that password-protects your vault.
- Make sure to clear unneeded files from Google Drive once you've transferred data to your new computer.
Other storage options
Another location may be more suitable for the kinds of data you work with. If you have questions about backing up data that requires special handling under the Data Handling Procedures, you can Ask LITS.
Save your browser bookmarks
Logging into Google Chrome and "turning on sync" will automatically sync your bookmarks to your MHC Google account so you'll have them wherever you sign into Chrome, including a replacement computer.
If you don't want to turn on sync in Google Chrome, or if you use a different browser, you will need to manually back up your bookmarks if you want to have them on the new computer. Be sure to save your exported bookmarks file somewhere you will have access on the new computer so you can import them.
Ensure LITS can wipe the computer
Before you Start, you'll need:
- You'll need to know if you have signed into any online services on the computer you're returning to LITS (ex. a personal Apple Account or streaming service) and how to sign out of those and remove the computer from the service.
In order for LITS to properly wipe a computer that has been returned to us, all users must be logged out of online services.
Sign out of online services
You'll want to sign out and/or unassociate your old computer from any online services that register computers as authorized for use. This includes Apple Accounts (previously, AppleID) and Find My, as well as streaming services.
- Apple Accounts - log in and remove the computer from registered devices.
- Any personal online accounts
- Streaming services that track the IDs of devices that use them
- When in doubt, sign it out!