www.Leazott.com

What Would We Do Without The Internet?             Published Monthly
Lesson 028...                                                                                                            2018 02 01

Defining The Problem...
There are many ways to loose internet access, and several levels within each that determine severity.
Problems vary from immediate/short-term to long-range/permanent and from moderate to extreme.

Determining "how" the access became lost is the primary item of importance to focus on.
In doing so, the unrealistic frenzy of misguided funding and efforts can hopefully then be avoided.

By knowing precisely what caused the loss we can reach solutions faster both now and in the future.
In determining the severity, we can then better understand a foreseeable timeframe of the issue.

Obviously the best course is to learn from the error to limit the amount of future "down-time".
Together, these two things can help determine an appropriate amount of effort needed.
Overkill or underkill can lead to other types of unnecessary problems later on.

We must also assess whether the problem is solvable by ourselves or out of our control completely.
Temper all that with whether the issue is real or imagined, and is it external or internal.
Expierience speeds us through most problems, but new issues need care.


How Did That Happen?...
How anything happens is always attributed to its preceding events.
All reasons eventually come down to being the result of our own previous choices.
No matter how prepared you think you are, there will be times when your internet "goes down".

Providing insight to every scenario is beyond this page, but here are some things that do happen.
Internal loss is usually a result of human error, while external is generally due to overload.
Permanent disconections from illicit behaviors are also beyond this pages scope.

If the problem is out of our control (Not our computer/software/bill/etc) it does no good to dwell.
While you may want to change providers, be aware that "type" of service may be the real issue.
There may either be a "planned" outage or accidental-Either way, it's best to call them ASAP!!

When a working service suddenly stops working, that means something has "changed".
Check to see if all computers (and phones) are affected, or if it's limited to one.
This is an important step in determining how the outage occurred!


What Can Be Done To Fix This?...
As far as service provider issues, most items are out of your control.
Call them immediately whenever there's an issue, that's what you pay them for!
If you feel you must change providers, check the "type" of services offered in your area.

During any outage, a ready-made plan for after the initial phonecall to the provider is always best.
The call should determine whether the problem is within your equipment or theirs.
In either case, repair prep has now been started and direction found.

Usually the problem is from an accident, breakage, weather or overload on the service provider part.
Keep a "free email address" or your own website email as a safeguard against provider lockouts.
By diversifying your internet needs, you are better positioned to avoid most total failures.

Within our own software and equipment, the best tragedy prevention is to do regular maintenance.
Software conflicts can happen at any time, whether updates, hardware changes or other.
A minor adjustment in settings may not be noticed for several days until "restart".

As for human interface, it's up to the access owner whether they wish to let you use their network.
Some may feel it to be an imposition, while others might relish being a part of the project!
Keep a list of a few access places ready before any last minute needs happen!


What Can We Do To Continue Our Research?...
Make good use of the time! The first item should always be to catch up on other unfinished items.
If downtime is a chronic problem or your access is scheduled, then timing is critical!
Conduct your downloads quickly but save the data transfer for later.

If the access problem appears it will be long-term or un-ending, other solutions must be found.
To avoid delays, you should keep a list of nearby places ready that have access to free wifi.
They are inconvienient and usually temporary, but useful if there is no other access.

One way to approach "undones" is to add info in a production shop manor, such as one item to all.
Though tedious/monotonous/etc, it has the advantage of faster completion by repetition!
Additionally, it serves to insure that all subjects carry the same info equally.

Non-computer things like photo-documenting can fill lots of hours and can be fun to work with!
It's also a great time to interview a family elder! You never know what clues they'll reveal!
Cemetery visits might be another good use of time to get those headstone photo's!


What Did We Learn From This?...
First, no matter how many safeguards you install, there will be times without internet.
The best we can do is preventative maintenance against unnecessary problems.
Along with that is having a plan ready to avoid having wasted downtime.

The problem area must be determined before a proper approach can be made.
Start by checking other devices. If they do not connect either, then call your provider.
Above all, don't get excited, upset or panic! Stay calm. There will be a logical solution found!

The good news is that most of the external interuptions seem to be "temporary"!
Outages will rarely affect only one household, so they will likely fix it quickly!
There can however be major area storms or distribution hub problems.

Other access points are available if necessary, though they may be bothersome to yourself or others.
They should be used only if online work is critical to a necessary task, otherwise wait it out.
Have a list beforehand, and expect slow speeds and a quid-pro-quo atmosphere.

Ideally, this is the time to make a clean break from the screen and head out for other ways!
Get headstone pictures, elder interviews, photo recordings, and other non-computer items done!
Offline computer work "usually" incorporates itself with online, so hold that for later if at all possible.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Restart your machine, re-check, try connecting other devices to that same network.
If they cannot, then call the service provider immediately about the issue.

Second...
Prepare a plan now that lists places to get backup service in decending order of preference.
Consider creating a generic/free email account for use instead of your ISP one.

Third...
List the offline/hands-on genealogy work that you would like to add to your tree and keep it ready!
Be sure it includes elder interviews and cemetery visits for image snapshots!


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

Our family. Our website.
Leazott.com