autosave

OS X Lion: Where did my windows go?

If you use OS X Lion, you might run into a problem where upon switching applications, entering Mission Control, or using other features of the OS that manage application windows, the collection of currently open windows for a program may disappear. If this happens, switching to the application or hiding and unhiding it does not reveal any windows, but if you check the Window menu in the application you will see that the windows are definitely active and recognized by the system as being available.

This bug may be with one of Lion's new window management features, such as … Read more

Duplicate vs. Save As in OS X Lion

One of the features in OS X Lion that has gained some attention is the new Duplicate command that Apple has implemented to replace the age-old Save As feature in the Mac OS. The Save As function has become a regular option in programs that many have relied on, and to see it changed in Lion has raised some concern and disappointment; however, exploring the feature should show that it can perform similar functions as the Save As feature, albeit not without question to its necessity.

Since early in their development, computer systems have had basic Save commands to preserve … Read more

Backing up gets dummy-proof, thanks to new blank discs

The gist of backing up is as simple as copying files from one place to another. However, the actual work of getting this done is still a lot more complicated than some people can handle. I've met people who make copies of desktop shortcuts, thinking they have backed up their documents, or those who think the computer's optical (DVD/CD) drive can be used as a retractable cup-holder.

(This might sounds like an old joke, but take a look at the drive; you'll see that they kind of have a point.)

But now, there's a new, easier way to back up your files, using a new type of optical media--AutoSave discs--recently introduced by a French company called TX WEA.

In a nutshell, the product is a blank optical media disc that isn't blank at all. It has backup software embedded that runs as you insert the media into the computer's optical drive.

AutoRun is not new and can be even annoying sometimes. The difference of AutoSave is the fact that the software automatically saves photos, e-mails, and Office documents on the particular disc you just insert; you even have the option to encrypt the backed-up files.

The product comes in four styles: