#free cloud data backup

[dramas-vs-novels]

It's a Tech Kinda Weekend...

So, I have a PC and a laptop (and a Chromebook but whatever).

Both were Windows 10 when I got them, now upgraded to Windows 11. On Windows 10, you set a 4 digit pin. On Windows 11, you do 6-8 digit pins. But when it upgraded to Windows 11, all fine, it kept my pin.

An update came out the other day and I installed it on my laptop. Went to turn it on yesterday, and it asked for my pin instead of fingerprint (it's fine, it does that every month or so where it wants both in one login just to kind of re-verify).

And apparently it won't take my 4 digit pin anymore. It only wants a 6-8 digit pin. Which again, coming from windows 10 originally, I only ever had a 4 digit pin.

I ended up having to bitlocker my own laptop and completely reinstall the operating system, fully wiping my files and resetting to new, all because Windows 11 suddenly decided to force a 6-8 digit pin without letting me set one.

So, if you have a 4-digit login pin for your PC, go update it or you might face the same problem I did...

Today is less dramatic, I'm just upgrading my portable drive from 1TB to 2TB. So far I'm only moving the folder I keep shows in...

**I don't know why there are so many "Items" listed, I don't record THAT many shows...

Oh, it's because half of my watch-through posts were mistakenly put in that folder instead of the Screenshots one.

[cashygophones]

Sell Your Old Laptop in Bangalore for Instant Cash

Selling your old laptop in Bangalore has never been easier. Whether upgrading to a new device or decluttering, you can get instant cash in exchange for your unused laptop. Here’s how you can make it happen seamlessly.

Why Sell Your Old Laptop?

Laptops lose value over time, and holding onto unused devices can clutter your space. Selling your old laptop allows you to:

Earn extra money instantly.

Upgrade to better technology.

Contribute to eco-friendly recycling efforts.

Where to Sell Old Laptops in Bangalore?

Bangalore offers several options for selling old laptops. You can choose the one that best fits your needs:

1. Online Platforms

Websites like OLX, Cashify, and Quikr make selling laptops simple. Create a listing, set your price, and connect with buyers in your area.

2. Cash-for-Gadgets Services

Services like CashyGo specialize in offering cash for old electronics. They provide quick quotes and hassle-free transactions, making them a top choice in Bangalore.

3. Local Shops and Marketplaces

Bangalore’s local electronic shops or marketplaces like SP Road can offer competitive prices for used laptops. Visit them to negotiate in person.

How to Prepare Your Laptop for Sale

1. Backup Your Data

Save your essential files on an external drive or cloud storage before selling your laptop.

2. Factory Reset the Device

Restore your laptop to factory settings to remove personal data and make it ready for the next user.

3. Clean and Package It Properly

A clean and well-maintained laptop creates a better impression and fetches a higher price.

Benefits of Choosing CashyGo in Bangalore

CashyGo is a reliable option for selling laptops in Bangalore. Here’s why:

Quick Cash Payments: Get instant cash upon selling.

Fair Price Evaluation: They assess the condition and brand of your laptop to offer the best value.

Convenience: Avoid the hassle of negotiating with multiple buyers.

Top Brands That Sell Well

If you own a laptop from top brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, or Asus, you’re likely to get a better resale value. These brands are in high demand due to their quality and durability.

Tips for Getting the Best Price

Highlight Features: Mention specifications like RAM, processor, and screen size in your listing.

Be Honest: Disclose any defects or issues to build trust with buyers.

Compare Offers: Don’t settle for the first offer; compare rates from multiple sources.

Final Thoughts

Selling your old laptop in Bangalore is a smart way to declutter, earn cash, and embrace sustainable practices. Choose a reliable service like CashyGo to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.

Take the first step today and turn your old laptop into instant cash!

[virtualizationhowto]

Top 10 Open Source NAS software in 2023

Top 10 Open Source NAS software in 2023 #homelab #selfhosted #opensourceNASsolutions #freeNASsoftware #networkattachedstorage #NASserverhardware #datastoragesolutions #selfhostedNASbenefits #personalcloudserver #filesharingprotocols

There are many freely available open-source NAS solutions you can download for free. An open-source NAS server offers an excellent way to manage and protect your data. Let’s dive deeper into the top free NAS software solutions available in 2023. Network attached storage nas for home Table of contentsIntroduction to Open Source NAS SolutionsTrueNAS Scale and TrueNAS Core: Great Open Source…

[minimalsizeconspiracy]

No-Google (fan)fic writing, Part 1: LibreOffice Writer

Storytime

The first documents and fanfictions I wrote on a computer were .doc documents written with Microsoft Word 98. At least those I remember.

From there, I sort of naturally graduated to following versions of Microsoft Word, the last one I’ve actively used to write texts of any considerable length (more than half a page) being Word 2007 (but only under duress from my employer).

That was partly due to the fact that the Microsoft Office suite has always been expensive and there were times I simply didn’t want to spend the money on it. So I started using OpenOffice Writer fairly early on, “graduating” to LibreOffice Writer once that was available.

Word versus Writer

What are the differences between Word (Microsoft) and Writer (LibreOffice)?

Cost

Firstly, Writer is free. It comes as part of the LibreOffice Suite, which has a replacement for almost every application Office has. The ones it hasn’t, you won’t need for writing fanfic, trust me.

So, +1 for being freely available.

Interface

Interface-wise – well, it might look a little old-fashioned to those used to Google docs and Word. Back in the day, it was mostly that the buttons looked differently. However, Writer did not adopt the “ribbon” Word has shipped and continues to have customisable bars. For me, that’s a huge +1 argument for using Writer over Word or Google docs, because I can edit these bars and only keep the buttons I actually need – unlike the Word ribbons, which drove me to despair and ultimately away from Word after 2007 appeared.

Features

Other than that, it really isn’t all that different from Word. You can use document structures like headings, subheadings, track changes, compare documents, footnotes, endnotes, everything else Word can do. It really is a proper, great replacement for Word – it even is mostly compatible with Word in that .doc and .docx documents can be opened with Writer, even if the layout may look a bit off.

So +1 – your old files are compatible with it.

File formats

Files written with Writer are stored as .odt (Open Document Text), but there are options for export into other formats, such as PDF, EPUB or XHTML. Exporting to AO3 is simple – copy the text you want, set the AO3 text editor to Rich Text and paste.

Easy +1.

Syncing

LibreOffice does not offer cloud-storage. So if you want your files available on several devices, you need a different solution. As I write more for this series, I’ll describe the different options in more detail, but Dropbox, GIT or, depending on which provider you’re using, your email providers cloud storage are options. OneDrive, if you mind Microsoft less than Google.

Or an old-fashioned USB in combination with an automatic backup application.*

Ease of use for Word/Google doc-users

As someone who came straight from Word (although a very old version) to Writer, I’ve always found it very easy to use. What I particularly like is that the interface is much less cluttered than the Word ribbons and I can customise the bars. In all honesty, if it weren’t for that cosmetic difference, I think many users wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between Writer and Word.

So if you’re just looking for something to replace Word or Google docs, Writer is definitely a good option.

*I’m not recommending USBs because I’m of the opinion that it’s a convenient solution. I’m doing it because I’m a cynic. Every time a company tells me I can have something for free, my first question will be “what will I be paying with instead?”

Because if I don’t pay money, I’ll pay with my data. That’s one of the main reasons I never started using Google. It’s just too good to be true, all those services for free.

So, you know, if you’re good with data being collected on you or you can’t afford to pay for a syncing service, by all means, use unpaid services. Just be aware of what comes with it. You will pay, one way or the other, with money or your data. Nothing in the world is for free, especially not those apps companies are trying to get you to use. Read No-Google (fan)fic writing, Part 2: Zettelkasten

Read No-Google (fan)fic writing, Part 3: LaTeχ

Read No-Google (fan)fic writing, Part 4: Markdown

Read No-Google (fan)fic writing, Part 5: Obsidian

[narastories]

trying out Obsidian, my first setup, my opinions, etc.

Okay, so this is going to be a long post. Earlier this week I decided to give Obsidian a go to see if it would work for my longer writing projects. I heard some of my mutuals use it and others would like to see my setup, so I'm making a post about what I learned so far. I downloaded it three days ago so I'm sure things will change, but this is where I am right now.

I'm shy about my WIPs so what you see there is the beginning of heart worth the trouble. But hopefully, this lets you see my folder structure and the links in the notes.

My wishlist and how I got here

I recently wrote a rambly post about writing software which got way more notes than I expected (bc the lovely @barbex reblogged it <3). After I made that post, I started using Focus Writer (again a recommendation from the writing discord) for my discovery writing in March. After more than two weeks of heavy use, I realized I needed a little bit more than that (but it's a great program).

Initially, I tried combining it with Wavemaker bc I liked that when I played around with it, but that completely pissed me off, bc it turns out it's just not compatible with other things I'm using. Like Firefox. -.-

Still, this whole ordeal made me narrow down what I really want and need from a piece of writing software at this moment. I think it's a good idea to start with such a wishlist if you are looking for a new software. Here is mine:

free

no account required, not stored on someone else's cloud, I can back it up wherever I want instead

Linux support

widely compatible file formats

focus mode, where it's full-screen, and ideally highlights the paragraph you are working on

I can make it look nice and calming on the eyes currently all I want is a cream paper background look, and a friendly monospace font changed to brown or something

clicky keyboard/typewriter noises - luckily I got this covered by Mechvibes already!

something like the card feature in Wavemaker, where I can have individual notes and choose to display them on the side. this might sound like it conflicts with the focus mode but I just want to have the option to have some notes without having to vomit them into the draft

easy to rearrange the order of the scenes

wordcount obviously

Tall order? Weird order? Maybe.

I think the most important is to figure out is how you work as a writer and find tools that match that. This is just honestly what is important for me right now.

It seems like Obsidian might just do this.

it's free

doesn't require an account

text is stored locally in markdown files

works on Linux I'm using the AppImage if you want to know

can be integrated with Github for backup & sync

tons of customization options to achieve the rest of my requirements

The Basics

If you want to use Obsidian for note-taking (or for writing fic but you're not very picky about the how), you can pretty much just download it, pick a pretty theme if you want and you're good to go. It's that easy. I promise it's not as hard as people make you believe.

This is a local-first software, which I love. However, this also means if you are not used to storing your writing locally, you need to get into the habit of backing your things up because if something happens to your computer, there is no copy of your files on the web.

That said, you can pay I think 4USD/month for the subscription and then you'll have an account, and your files will get synched to other devices, and you can restore your files. (And remember, if something is free and doesn't have ads and you have cloud storage space you didn't have to pay for... then you are the product and the company is paying for it with your data. So the fact that this is paid is actually a very good thing.)

The file structure works pretty much 1:1 as your file explorer btw

If you create a folder on the sidebar, it will create a folder on your computer.

If you create a note on the sidebar, it will create a text file on your computer.

If you drag the note into the folder on the sidebar, it will put the text file in the folder on your computer.

Each note is stored as a separate markdown file. Markdown files are widely compatible with various software so that's great. Also, you can even just rename the file to have .txt extension instead of .md extension and literally every text editor will open it for you (you will lose the formatting tho). The opposite also works. If you have a note in .txt format, you can copy it into your Obsidian folder, rename the extension to .md and it will appear in Obsidian.

That all makes it very easy to import things and switch between files to edit them.

There is only one downside to this that I found. You know how in your file explorer you can drag and drop files into folders but you can't drag and drop files to change their order? Well, your Obsidian side-bar is the same. You can choose to order them based on the name, last modified, etc. But if you want custom order, I suggest you number your notes and folders.

I feel like we're not that used to this anymore but again, this is literally like a file explorer, so it's not a big deal imo.

Another important basic concept is linking your notes. You can just right-click a piece of text and link a note, drag and drop the note into your other note, or do [[Note]] whatever you like. Then you can quickly access the other note by clicking on it, or see a preview while hovering over it (If you turned that feature on). Linking notes is also how you get those cool graph views.

I just wanted to mention all of this bc I feel like all the videos I came across on Obsidian intimidate people into thinking it's more complex than that lol

Appearance

I go a little crazy about visual optimization if you give me a chance. You can change a couple of simple things out the box. Light/dark theme, change the font, etc. I'm using a font called Code Saver for the editor (regular is free for personal use).

Then, there are the themes you can download. There are so many awesome ones! I'm using one called Underwater right now bc I liked the rounded edges.

Most themes come with a light/dark version. But if you download the Style Settings plugin, you might unlock more easy-to-customize options. It depends on the theme what you see there. The one I'm using has a couple of built-in colorways. I went with the "rose pine dawn" option and then I switched out some colors in the color pickers. If you want to mess with the colors I highly recommend finding some hex color palettes online, they make your life so much easier. You can find colors that look good together and look up a color and find lighter/darker versions instead of trying to blindly click around on the color picker.

For this theme, you can also add a background image if you want. (If you really want to make it look like Focus Writer for example ;)

Plugins

These are the plugins I'm using right now.

GitHub Sync: This is what I use to sync my progress and back up my files. I started with this before anything else, but I'm not going to go into what I did bc I don't want to make this post even more complicated. If you have a specific question about it, pls feel free to ask me :)

Focus Mode: This is a full-screen mode, very nice for writing

Stille: Dims everything but the active paragraph, again, very nice for writing. I found that the combination of these two plugins work best for me, but there are others like Typewriter Mode that can do both (I couldn't turn down the vignette mode on that one tho and it was annoying me)

Smart Typography: switches the straight quotation marks for curly ones

This is how it looks with Focus Mode and Stiille both on.

And lastly, a bit of a disappointment: Longform. This is the plugin that everyone seems to recommend for longer writing projects in Obisdian. Basically what it does is it can compile your individual notes into one file, and allows you to move the order of them freely, unlike the normal Obsidian sidebar. Here is a pretty good video on it.

Unfortunately, this plugin gets absolutely wrecked by synchronizing to another device.

From what I gathered, this happens regardless of what method of synching you use, meaning it happens even with the paid synching feature. You can read about this more here btw. It's a community plugin so I'm not going to be mad at the creators for not fixing this, however this means it just doesn't work for me.

If it worked on the one computer where I originally set it up, just not on the other, I would be fine with it. But I set it up on my Linux, and after I synched to my Windows, the scene list disappeared from both. (Not the actual files! It just doesn't get recognized as a Longform project anymore so it pretty much becomes useless lol)

So, I just decided to create the the same structure with folders and notes. Right now, this is a discovery draft and I don't have chapters. But I'm making a folder for an "Arc", and put the numbered scenes into them. I'm also making separate notes that I can link with stuff I want to remember/work on.

At the moment I don't require an extensive wiki where I note what each of the characters like to have for breakfast and such. But you can absolutely do that with Obsidian. You can create a folder for Characters, Worldbuilding, whatever you want, really. Put images there, links both internal and on the web and just go wild if you want.

Obviously, without Longform I will need to compile the files into one at the end by a different method, like copy-paste into one, turn them into .txt, and concatenate from the terminal, you know, depending on your comfort level xD. It will probably include more work than with this plugin, but it's not like you don't go through your manuscript about a million times anyways, am I right?

Word Count

Lastly, mentioning the wordcount options bc they are important

there is a built-in wordcount, about which the common agreement is that it's not very good lol

because of this there is a community plugin called Better Wordcount, which is self-explanatory. If you want to get the total word count, you can right-click the top folder of your project and ask it to count the words for you.

Longform also has a wordcount and it will display it like words of the scene/total words of the project if you are using that

if you don't want to have three different word counts displayed I recommend you only have one of these active (:

That's where I am right now. If you have read all this to the end, you're awesome, and also we both should stop procrastinating and go write instead :P But if you also use Obsidian for writing and have cool tips pls let me know xx

[blissfullyunawares]

5 Days of Helping You Outline Your Next Novel

Day 5: Obsidian for Outlining

Find all 5 installments of the mini series: helping you outline your next novel

*I have added a layer of “static” over my screenshots so they are distinctive enough to stand apart from the surrounding text

did you miss this series? here you can find all posts here: [day 1] [day 2] [day 3] [day 4]

Do you use Obsidian?

What is Obsidian?

A note-taking and knowledge management tool that allows you to create and connect notes seamlessly.

Uses a local-first approach, meaning your data is stored on your computer, not the cloud (unless you choose to sync).

Features bidirectional linking, which helps create a non-linear, networked way of organizing ideas—great for brainstorming and outlining.

Why should you use Obsidian?

Flexible & Customizable – Unlike rigid writing apps, you can design your own workflow.

Distraction-Free Writing – Markdown keeps the focus on text without extra formatting distractions.

Ideal for Outlining & Organization – Connect story ideas, characters, and settings effortlessly.

Obsidian for Writing

Outlining

Creating a One Pager

Create a single markdown note for a high-level novel summary.

Use headings and bullet points for clarity.

Link to related notes (e.g., character pages, theme exploration).

Here’s an example of an outline I’m currently using. This is what my website will have on it (and what goals I hope to achieve w my website)

Using the Native Canvas Tool

Use Obsidian’s native Canvas tool to visually outline your novel. (Best on PC)

Create a board with columns for Acts, Chapters, or Story Beats.

Drag and drop cards as the story evolves.

Writing

Why Write Directly in Obsidian?

Minimalist interface reduces distractions.

Markdown-based formatting keeps the focus on words.

No auto-formatting issues (compared to Word or Google Docs).

Why is Obsidian Great for Writing?

Customizable workspace (plugins for word count, timers, and focus mode).

Easy to link notes (e.g., instantly reference past chapters or research).

Dark mode & themes for an optimal writing environment.

Organization in Obsidian

Outlining, Tags, Links

Each chapter, character, important item, and setting can have its own linked note.

Below, for example, you can see the purple text is a linked page directly in my outline.

Use bidirectional linking to create relationships between (story) elements. Clicking these links will automatically open the next page.

Tags can be used for important characters, items, places, or events that happen in your writing. Especially useful for tracking.

Folders for Efficient Storage

Organize notes into folders for Acts, Characters, Worldbuilding, and Drafts.

Use tags and backlinks for quick navigation.

Creating a separate folder for the actual writing and linking next (chapter) and previous (chapter) at the bottom for smooth navigation.

You can also create and reuse your own internal templates!

Spiderweb Map Feature (Graph View)

Visualize connections between characters, plot points, and themes. Below you’ll see the basic mapping of my website development project.

This view can help you spot disconnected (floating) ideas and create bridges to them.

Exporting

Why Export?

Ready to format in another program (Scrivener, Word, Docs, Vellum, etc).

Need a clean version (removing tags, notes, etc) for beta readers or editors.

Creating a backup copy of your work.

When should you export?

Personally, I like to export every 5 chapters or so and update my live version on Google Docs. This allows my family, friends, and beta readers to access my edited work.

After finishing a draft or major revision.

Before sending to an editor or formatting for publication.

Where should you export?

Personally I copy and paste my content from each chapter into a google doc for editing. You may also want to make note of the following export options:

Markdown to Word (.docx) – For editing or submitting.

Markdown to PDF – For quick sharing

Markdown to Scrivener – For those who format in Scrivener.

To Conclude

Obsidian is an invaluable tool for novelists who want a flexible, organized, and distraction-free writing process.

Try setting up your own Obsidian vault for your next novel! Comment below and let me know if this was helpful for you 🫶🏻

your reblogs help me help more ppl 💕

follow along for writing prompts, vocabulary lists, and helpful content like this! <333

✨ #blissfullyunawaresoriginals ✨

[quads004]

Please Start Archiving in the US

With current events, I think it is prudent that everyone, that is able to, needs start archiving shit. I am a former library worker but I do not know much about cybersecurity. If you do want to go down that route please research and keep you and your archive safe :). The more copies that are preserved, then the more likely it is that the media will survive. Even if you save only 2 files that is still important!

First, I will list how to create an computer archive and best practices, then I will provide a list of known targets and suggested materials to add.

You need somewhere to store your data most people will use their computer's storage drive but you need to have backups! Do not rely on cloud storage solutions, they require internet connection are vulnerable to data breaches, and the companies that store that data must follow any laws that the government may decide to pass. USBs or external hardrives are best options. CDs can be used in a pinch, but are more likely to degrade as well as having lower storage capacity then the previous options. Use whatever you have lying around, you do not need to spend money if you don't want to.

When saving data use file formats that are common and able to be read without use of a special software. (that means no .docx) PDF/A is the gold standard for archiving. It is a subtype of pdf that contains metadata, such as typefaces and graphical info, that ensure the files are read properly in the future. Adobe Acrobat is able to save and convert documents into PDF/A. PDFTron, DocuPub, and Ghostscript are all free or have free versions that create pdf/a files. PNG, JPEG2000, .txt, MP3, wav, are other common file types that the Smithsonian recommends for data storage. For a full list of types to use and avoid, see the sources cited at the bottom.

What are we archiving?

Please gather both fiction and nonfiction resources. Nonfiction collection ideas: Current news clips, local history of marginalized communities, interviews, biographies, memoirs, zines, and art pieces. Saving scientific research is incredibly important! In 1933, one of the first places they targeted was the Institute of Sexual Science. Lots of what was stored there was never recovered. Environmental science, trans and intersex health, and minority history will likely be targeted first. For fiction, the most commonly challenged books last year were: 1) GenderQueer by Maia Kobabe 2) All Boys Aren't Blue by George Johnson 3) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson 4) The of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 5) Flamer by Mike Curato 6) The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison 7) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews 8) Tricks by Ellen Hopkins 9) Let's Talk about it (Teen guide to sex, relationships, and being a human) by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan 10) Sold by Patricia McCormick I present this list so you have an idea of what is normally targeted. Books that describe racism and queer identities are most common, but other targets include any depictions of violence, drugs, sex. Use your personal archive to accumulate data that you personally are passionate about. The more niche a topic the more likely it is that other people will not have it in their storage.

Lastly, please remember as an archivist you are not there to determine if a piece is worthy of being saved. Just because you do not like or agree with the message does not mean it will be saved from being banned. All artworks amateur or professional are worthy of being archived.

Sources: ALA 2023 Banned Books https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

How to create a PDF/A file https://www.research.gov/common/attachment/Desktop/How_do_I_create_a_PDF-A_file.pdf

Smithsonian Data Management Best Practices and File Formats https://siarchives.si.edu/what-we-do/digital-curation/recommended-preservation-formats-electronic-records https://library.si.edu/research/best-practices-storing-archiving-and-preserving-data

[not-poignant]

Hi Pia.

I want to ask— do you backup your wips? How do you do it?

I know there are things like Cloud and Dropbox but those are practically at the mercy of big corporations and with ai scraping now being the norm it feels risky saving work with online backup.

Do you use a USB instead?

Unfortunately nothing is risk-free these days.

I once saved a story to three different USBs, all different brands, and they all corrupted. Not all at the same time, but they all eventually lost the data. This was over a period of ten years, but of course some people have been relying on USBs etc. for this long now. Same with CDs burnt with data (something we used to do before USBs were cheap).

In fact a new study shows that over half of all external hard drives and USBs over a certain age (I think around 5 years) are already corrupted and often not being checked enough to check if they're still containing/keeping the data necessary. (To say nothing of entire batches of like Seagate and other brands being notorious for literally just...losing data and corrupting at any point in time - which is an issue for actual hard drives within the computer as well).

USBs and external HDs aren't necessarily safer.

In general it's a good idea to back up in three places, though this still isn't enough to guarantee safety. Those three places should be: a) hard copy (i.e. USB or external hard-drive), b) cloud copy (i.e. Dropbox etc.), c) on the machine itself (if it's a desktop). You can sometimes do like, a + a + c or b + b + a etc.

It still doesn't guarantee preservation of data! I think that's the hardest thing about preserving data and back-ups overall.

I have an extra bonus 'back up' in that 99.5% of all my writing is already public. And that a lot of that writing has additionally been snapshotted into the Wayback Machine. If all my methods somehow corrupted or failed, I could literally copy/paste my stories from AO3 back into Word documents (in fact I've actually done this before because I frequently go back in and edit AO3 chapters for typos etc. but don't mirror those changes in the original documents, so sometimes if I want to update a story, I'll copy/paste the AO3 chapter and override the original document).

Anyway, I use Dropbox Business (cloud), hard external copy (though not as often as I should), desktop version, and then also the AO3 version. Dropbox Business has additional data recovery protections that general Dropbox accounts don't.

We are always at the mercy of big corporations, anon. Big corporations make USBs. They make faulty external hard-drives that we sometimes mistakenly trust. Like no, they're not scraping for AI the same way, but I no longer believe - unfortunately - that this is truly preventable. Short of going a grassroots Linux direction, which...I can't, lol.

(This is a reminder to all writers: Back-up your writing! The beginning of the year is a good time to remember to do it, if you're not doing it every 3 months).

(And also, check all your USB/external hard drives! And make sure they're not your only source for that content, because you would not believe how much they degrade over time.)

If I ever needed a 5th option, I host my own domain and have done so through the same company for over 10 years with very high fidelity, and I would just dump it all into a database there so I could pull it back if necessary. That's not ideal (it's probably the easiest way I could be hacked because I check into the cpanel the least often), but it's doable.

But yeah I've been Dropbox Business for a long time. I don't like everything about them, but I trust them a lot more than Microsoft OneDrive (which I refuse to use) and many other cloud networks.

As for AI scraping, since 99.5% of my stuff is on AO3, it's already been scraped, and it's delusional of me to think it hasn't been. I have already had the majority of my art scraped into Midjourney, so sadly I've reached a level of disgusted acceptance that the gormless unethical billionaires of the world will just do what they want. If it has an internet connection to it, it's probably been scraped or will be scraped and putting something on a USB isn't going to stop that, because it needs to come off a USB if I want to work on an ongoing story.

[hand-written-dreams]

CRIMSON SHADE

Chapter 06

Error 404 - File Not Found

I know how much it matters to you

I know that you got daddy issues.

- ( The song of the chapter is "Daddy Issues" by The Neighbourhood ft. Syd)

Khushi sits in front of her laptop screen, staring at the empty file that once held her escape. It feels as if the code of her life has been rewritten, lines of her plan deleted without warning.

She managed to recover some of the files from her formatted computer but the most important folder is, of course.

Empty.

Her encrypted freedom was hijacked by an unseen hacker, who tore down her firewall from the inside and rewrote her life's code with a single keystroke.

She feels the walls closing in, like the network is shrinking, suffocating. Every key she types echoes like the ticking of a countdown. Each attempt to trace the hacker, to recover even a shred of her stolen evidence, hits a dead-end. The once familiar language of numbers and commands, her shield, now betrays her, leaving her exposed in the dark web.

She hadn’t dared to keep a physical backup, knowing the risks of his father finding it. Instead, she had placed all her trust in the cloud, a decision she now regretted bitterly.

Because the bastard found it.

Every file, every carefully constructed layer of her work, wiped clean. Hacked and erased by him with surgical precision, as if mocking her for thinking she could ever be one step ahead.

The trap is perfect.

She feels herself sinking into it.

The safety protocols failing one by one.

There's no backdoor, no way to break the code that now binds her, leaving her frozen in a system she thought she could outsmart.

The last few days were tough, frustration gnawing at her ever since that unexpected meeting with Mr. Raizada.

Damn it, Damn him.

She will be lying, if she says she isn't sacred of 'Mr. I-despise-you'.

Actually

He terrifies her.

The man is like an encrypted code filled with blank spaces, written in hidden algorithms that she had no idea how to decipher. So much information, so many answers encrypted within his layers. And she had no idea where to find the correct data sequence to decrypt his mysteries.

Sighing, she shakes her head, as if to remove Mr. Raizada out of her head. She leans back into her pillow, closing her eyes to escape the strain of too much screen time, replaying the events that happened last few days.

After ditching her bodyguards, again, she slipped into the city yesterday to meet one of her college professors, someone brilliant enough to maybe help her trace the hacker. After days of gruelling effort on her own, pushing her limits until her eyes stung and her hands ached, he was her last hope.

She explained the situation as vaguely as possible, hoping he'd see something she missed, some miracle solution that would break her free. But there was none. Just more dead ends.

Finally, after exhausting all options, Khushi decides to wait. Patience will have to be her strategy for now. She plans to rely on the network of resources she has meticulously planted throughout the house...hidden cameras, discreet microphones, and surveillance equipment. Each one is her carefully placed set of eyes and ears, her silent sentinels. All the while, she prays no one discovers them.

If she can't act yet, she can at least watch and listen, biding her time until the perfect moment to strike.

And meanwhile, she hopes for something significant to unfold, something she can use to her advantage, something she can leverage to turn the situation in her favour.

She hacks into the main circuits of the house's CCTV system, gaining full control. Now, every camera, every angle is at her command. She watches the feeds stream through her laptop, monitoring every movement in the house without anyone suspecting her. It's her own invisible web.

Through the CCTV feeds, Khushi scans the sprawling mansion her father built in Delhi after their move from Kolkata, a blend of traditional Indian designs and modern conveniences.

The mansion may look like a symbol of status and power from the outside, but through her feeds, she sees it for what it is.

'A gilded cage'

It is filled with secrets and shadows, a place designed to control both the outside world and the people trapped inside it.

Her father recently had the house repainted. No matter how many fresh coats are added, the crimson will always remain, splattered beneath the pristine white wall.

Unseen but never forgotten.

Nothing in the mansion screams opulence. The carefully curated simplicity is just another layer of control. The wealth is there, woven into the fabric of every room, hidden beneath a veil of restraint, much like her father's carefully maintained image.

Her father cannot openly flaunt his wealth, as any display can draw the scrutiny of the Income Tax Department or the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Though these departments are in his pocket, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

She observes the Entrance hall, with its polished marble floors gleaming under the soft lighting. Beyond the hall, a staircase rises, curving upwards like something out of an old-world palace, its handrails intricately carved from dark mahogany, leading to the upper levels of the house.

The mansion is filled with abstract artwork, some genuine, some likely smuggled. Large French windows overlook manicured lawns, but she knows every one of those windows is equipped with bulletproof glass.

Her father's study is discreetly tucked away behind a solid wooden door on the first floor. It's the heart of his operations.

It was always off-limits to her, a place of secrecy and constant mystery. Despite all her expertise, she can't infiltrate the walls with any of her surveillance tools.

No camera can penetrate those walls.

There's no CCTV as well.

It frustrates her endlessly, knowing that within those walls are the answers she sought. But she isn't entirely powerless. She has managed to plant a small microphone inside a flower vase during one of her rare visits, hoping it would give her some access to the world her father has kept hidden. Now, as she pulls up the feed, she wonders if it's still active.

Her fingers hover over the keyboard as the feed comes to life. It's still active!! Relief washes over her as she adjusts the volume. The faint crackle of static confirms the microphone is picking up sound. She connects her headphones swiftly.

Voices float in the background.

Pulse quickens.

Breathing ceases.

And she listens.

".....what should we do next, sir?" The gruff voice of Mr. Sharma filters through. He is the lifelong bodyguard/right-hand man of her father.

"I said it was a bad idea," her father snaps, his frustration palpable even through the static. "But he was so stubborn... and oh so impatient... he could wait a few days...I had it all planned."

"Mr.Jha picked someone so unprofessional for such a sensitive job," Mr.Sharma commented.

A pause....

A static....

"That lousy motherfucker Rocky botched the entire thing. Soon they will find out, we were behind it." Her father's voice drops lower, almost a growl.

"Why did Mr. Jha act without consulting us? We could have handled it on his behalf, " frustration creeps into Mr. Sharma's voice as well.

"He thought he was avenging his father," her father replies.

"If you don't mind, can I ask something, Sir?" Mr.Sharma asks. Her father might have given him the green signal because a minute later, he continues, "He said he was sure about who killed his father. But how could that be? The person he's talking about was just a boy back then...what, 14 or 15?"

A long, tense silence follows before her father responds, his voice now cold and measured. "We never truly know the monsters people carry inside them."

Mr. Sharma says cautiously, "But how does killing the Wolves' daughter fit into that revenge?"

Another pause. Her breath catches as her father's voice cuts through, sharp and suspicious. "Someone's been feeding him information. He believed he'd killed The Vulture's sister."

Her mouth hangs open, as her heartbeat picks up. Holy fucking shit!!

"But why would his sister be with The Wolves?"

"We had no idea where the girl went after her mother's death, but Mr. Rathore has a nasty habit of using daughters as bargaining chips, doesn't he?" her father's voice drops down.

There was a long pause as if her father was in deep thought. "It's entirely possible he handed the girl over to the wolves to hide her identity or.... worse.. exchanged her with a daughter of the wolves to gain leverage over someone in their family."

"Do you think she really was his sister?"

Khushi leans in closer, her heart racing as she strains to catch her father's reply.

"Let's hope she wasn't." her father responds, his voice steady yet a dark, bitter shadow overpowers his voice. "If she was, the hell will break loose."

"If we're lucky," he continues after a pause, "...no one will ever find out we're behind it. But the way it was handled... so sloppily...it's only a matter of time before the wolves figure it out. It's a direct slap to their face. And if she was indeed his sister, soon both the Eagles and the Wolves will be at our throats.. This is war. They'll demand retribution....You understand what that means, don't you?"

"Yeah," Mr.Sharma responds grimly. "We need to tighten our security. And with Mr. Jha's political campaign underway, we'll have to stay on high alert."

"I'm concerned about the Wolves' new security expert, Adam Marcus. He's a former American Navy SEAL, and people have already started calling him 'the hound dog.' They say he has a special talent for digging up dirt. Keep an eye on him."

"Sir?" Mr. Sharma asks after a brief pause, his gravelly voice cutting through the silence. "Should we alert your daughter?"

"There's no need," her father replies, his tone dismissive yet sharp. "It's not her safety I'm worried about, it's ours. And our reputation is what's at risk right now."

Yes, of course. What's new?

Her father's indifference no longer surprises or bothers her.

Then his father's faint voice crackles in the faint static as if he were talking to himself, "The Eagles won't hurt her..''

"Sorry, Sir, I didn’t quite catch that."

"It's nothing. Do as I say.....Tell..."

A sharp knock on her door jolts Khushi from her thoughts, sending her heart racing. Panic floods her as she hastily shoves her laptop beneath a pillow. She runs a hand through her hair, trying to smooth away her startled expression before standing up.

Mr. Jha's smiling face peeks through the ajar door,

"Khushi," he beams, his voice light, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"..umm..Hello, Mr.Jha." Khushi just gives him a tight-lipped smile.

"Khushi, Khushi, Khushi," he says with an almost playful tone as he steps into her room, a package in his hand. He sinks into the chair at her desk. "You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you."

Light filters weakly through the curtains, casting elongated shadows across the floor that seem to shift with the tension. Her room, her sanctuary amidst the chaos of her life started to feel different all of a sudden, taut, like a wire ready to snap. It feels exposed.

So does she.

She's always kept her space simple-a bed neatly tucked in one corner, a sleek desk where she often loses herself in study and a leather couch facing the TV. If she listens closely, it feels like she can hear the silent screams of her furniture.

Her bookshelf in the corner, filled with books she escapes into, stands as a silent witness, but nothing in this space feels safe now. It's as if the walls themselves are holding their breath. Waiting

Just like her.

Khushi stares at Mr. Jha with a blank expression, realizing he's waiting for a response, evident from the expectant look on his face.

"Mr. Jha, you just saw me two days ago," she says dryly.

He smirks, eyes glinting. "You're a beauty I could never tire of praising..... and soon, my goddess, you'll be my wife. Drop this 'Mr. Jha' nonsense. I have a name. Call me Shyam."

Standing, he strides over to her, his fingers wrapping around her hand before she can pull it away. He places the package in her palm. "This is for you."

She resists the strong urge to yank her hand free and step back. But that would be disrespectful and her father would have her head for it. He made it perfectly clear to her.

"Thank you, Mr. Jha."

He sighs, frustration leaking into his eyes. "Come on, open it."

Reluctantly, she pulls apart the wrapping. Inside is a deep red saree with intricate borders, adorned with shimmering stones. She glances at him, confusion flickering across her face.

"We're going on a date tonight," he declares with smug satisfaction.

"Oh..." she falters, unsure of how to respond.

"We'll be joined by some of my party's politicians and their wives. They've been eager to meet you for a while."

She blinks, still processing. The last thing she feels like doing is entertaining those sleazy politicians.

"Wear the saree. You just look divine in red. " Mr.Jha's tone drops down an octave, "Red suits you, but having you all to myself suits you more." His hand lingers on her forearm, sliding up toward her shoulder, then her face. Her stomach tightens, and she bites her lip, wishing he would stop. Her throat tightened as if invisible hands were squeezing it. Every breath she took felt shallow, incomplete, like she was drowning in the very air around her. The urge to pull away, to run, to be anywhere but here, was overwhelming, yet she remained frozen, trapped in the politeness expected of her.

A sharp knock breaks the tension. Mr. Jha steps back, clearly irritated. It's Buaji.

"Mr. Jha, Mr. Gupta is waiting for you in his study."

Khushi exhales deeply, releasing a breath she doesn't realize she is holding as she grips the package with trembling hands. Mr.Jha flashes her a smile that promises this isn't over, before leaving the room with unsettling ease.

The moment the door clicks shut behind him, Khushi feels her entire body sag with relief, her shoulders falling as if unburdened by an invisible force.

The stillness that follows his departure is welcomed.

She savores the quiet.

It is all she has at this moment.

Author's note:

Hello-hi bye-bye, sweet readers ☺️

Thank you for reading! It's always exciting to share this story with you. Drop a comment if you enjoyed it, and don't forget to hit the star! Until the next chapter!

<previous> | <next>

@arshifiesta @featheredclover @phuljari @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @chutkiandchotte @shiyaravi @titaliya @arshiradio

[countzeroor]

I've been thinking long and hard about the BDS Microsoft Boycott call. The request focused on Microsoft Games, on the basis that, in theory, that's the easiest part of the Microsoft financial ecosystem for people to disconnect from in order to send a message. This includes pushing people (including parents) to uninstall and get their kids to stop playing Minecraft.

First off, the way the game industry is now, unfortunately, is that game developers or even full divisions of larger companies that underperform - or even just indy developers who self publish and underperform, just get shut down and everyone gets fired. Even if we boycott South of Midnight as part of the BDS movement and clearly communicate that message, what's more likely to happen is the company would be shut down, everyone would be fired, and a bunch of alt-right chuds would ignore the BDS boycott and call this a triumph of "Get Woke, Go Broke". They might even try to co-opt the movement as a half alliance of convenience, half desire to redirect the movement for antisemitic ends, with no actual interest in the plight of the Palestinian people.

There was an opportunity here to point people towards alternatives outside of either abandoning the software entirely, or alternative programs people who want to boycott can use to abandon something that they didn't think they could.

First, and this feels weird to say, Minecraft is something that doesn't have a lot of alternative replacements - it's a sandbox that allows children to indulge their imagination to create large scale ambitious projects that can't be replicated the same way as, for example, Lego, because they take no space in the real world, and thus you have no real world storage concerns, both in terms of space and in terms of risk of damage. The alternative to Minecraft isn't Palworld or Ark Survival Evolved. It's Roblox. And Roblox is also a bunch of dark patterns and sexual predators stacked on top of each other in a trenchcoat.

https://youtu.be/cGAXGroHZKA?si=SNfL_seTHlLTzLh4

https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/

Now, on the other hand, Microsoft will happily charge you money to host a Minecraft server through them, and that puts money in the Azure division, the part that is directly aiding and abetting Israeli war crimes. But you don't have to go through Microsoft. You can run your own Minecraft server. Microsoft even tells you how to do it.

https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360058525452-How-to-Setup-a-Minecraft-Java-Edition-Server

So, cancel your Minecraft Worlds subscription, and roll your own server. You can even set it up so it stays in your network, so your kid's friends have to come over to use it (or so it stays in the family).

Next up - Microsoft pushes OneDrive hard as part of Windows 11. They also pushed it hard on Windows 10. They insist that it's the best and biggest way, and easiest way to backup your data. It's not. There are myriad alternatives, from Google Drive, to Dropbox, to the Apple iCloud (if you use iOS devices). And, OneDrive uses Azure Cloud services to host your data

So, disable OneDrive, and go somewhere else. I've listed several alternatives above, but if you're okay with the backup being on site, you can also build a NAS (Network Attached Storage) server to store files locally. This does have the disadvantage that if something damages your house, your kinda in trouble, though using something like Backblaze on the NAS can make up for that.

Then there's the whole Microsoft 365 suite. Azure is connected to the Microsoft Office part of the business, and they've been incorporating some of those services, like Copilot, into Microsoft 365. So, again, there are alternatives.

LibreOffice has been around for years, is free, and runs locally with no cloud hooks. You can replace Outlook with Thunderbird, or the BetterBird fork.

Finally, there are the hooks to Copilot, which also runs on Azure, which Microsoft runs in the operating system. Turn that shit off.

https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/software/how-disable-copilot-in-windows-11

Also, turn off the Bing websearch hooks as well, as those also connect to Azure.

https://www.howtogeek.com/826967/how-to-disable-bing-in-the-windows-11-start-menu/

Also, if you use DuckDuckGo, that links with Bing for part of their search results, so you may want to switch back to Google or find another search engine in the interim.

[partumsoftwares]

🧾 GST Billing & Invoicing Software – The Ultimate Solution for Small Businesses in India

In today’s fast-paced business world, managing GST invoices, stock, and accounts manually is not only time-consuming but prone to errors. This is where a smart GST Billing & Invoicing Software comes to your rescue.

Whether you run an optical store, retail shop, or small business — using automated GST software can save hours and boost productivity.

✅ Why You Need GST Billing Software

1. 100% GST Compliant Invoices - Create professional invoices with your GSTIN, HSN/SAC codes, and automated tax calculations — in seconds.

2. E-Invoice Generation - Connect directly with the GSTN portal for seamless e-invoicing and avoid penalties.

3. Integrated Stock & Inventory Management - Track your real-time stock levels, product batches, expiry dates, and low stock alerts — all from your billing screen.

4. Sales, Purchase, & Return Management - Handle sales orders, purchase orders, quotations, and returns with one-click conversion to invoices.

5. Tally Integration & Accounting - Export reports directly to Tally ERP and simplify your accounting process.

🔍 Top Features of GST Billing & Invoicing Software

📦 Inventory & Stock Control

💳 POS System for Fast Billing

🧾 GST Reports: GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9

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This software is ideal for:

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Switching to a Partum GST billing software is not just about compliance — it’s about scaling your business smartly. With built-in automation, detailed reports, and error-free invoicing, your daily operations become faster and smoother.

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[vinzomagazine]

Cloud Storage vs Local Storage: Pros and Cons

In today’s digital world, choosing the right storage solution for your data is critical. Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a creative professional, understanding the benefits and limitations of cloud storage and local storage can help you make an informed decision that fits your needs. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, so let’s explore the pros and cons of each.

Pros of Cloud Storage

Accessibility Anywhere: Cloud storage lets you access your files from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility is invaluable for remote workers, frequent travelers, and anyone needing quick, on-the-go access to their data.

Scalability: Cloud plans can be easily upgraded as your storage needs grow, without the hassle of purchasing or setting up new hardware. This makes cloud storage ideal for businesses or individuals with rapidly expanding data.

Automatic Backups and Updates: Cloud providers handle all maintenance, backups, and software updates. This reduces the risk of data loss and frees you from managing technical upkeep.

Collaboration: Cloud platforms allow real-time file sharing and editing, supporting team projects and collaboration across different locations.

Cons of Cloud Storage

Internet Dependency: You need a stable internet connection to upload, download, or access your files quickly. Slow or intermittent connections can be frustrating and limit efficiency.

Recurring Costs: Cloud storage usually involves monthly or yearly subscription fees. While some providers offer free tiers, costs can increase significantly with higher storage demands.

Privacy Concerns: Your data is stored on third-party servers, which may raise privacy or security concerns for sensitive or confidential information, despite encryption and security measures.

Pros of Local Storage

Full Control and Privacy: With local storage, your data remains physically with you, giving you complete control over security and access. This is important for users handling sensitive files like legal or medical records.

Offline Access: Local storage devices such as external hard drives or Network Attached Storage (NAS) allow file access without needing the internet, making it reliable in areas with poor connectivity.

One-Time Cost: You purchase the storage device once and avoid recurring fees. Over time, this can be more economical than cloud subscriptions.

High-Speed Transfers: Local storage generally offers faster data transfer rates, especially with solid-state drives (SSDs) or USB 3.0 connections, beneficial for large files like videos or high-resolution images.

Cons of Local Storage

Limited Accessibility: Access is restricted to the physical device unless you set up complex remote access systems, which can be inconvenient.

Scalability Challenges: Expanding storage requires buying additional devices, which may be costly and less flexible.

Risk of Physical Damage: Local drives can fail, be lost, stolen, or damaged by environmental factors. Without proper backups, this can result in permanent data loss.

Maintenance Burden: You are responsible for managing backups, software updates, and hardware maintenance, which can require technical know-how.

For a detailed comparison, check out this comprehensive guide on Cloud Storage vs Local Storage to help you decide what’s best for your data needs.

Conclusion

Choosing between cloud and local storage depends largely on your priorities. Cloud storage excels in flexibility, scalability, and ease of use, making it ideal for users who need remote access and collaboration. Local storage shines when control, privacy, speed, and offline access are more important.

For many, a hybrid approach that combines both cloud and local solutions offers the best balance — local storage for sensitive or large files, and cloud storage for backups and easy sharing.

[masllp]

Online Bookkeeping Services by Mercurius & Associates LLP

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, accurate and efficient financial management is crucial for every business. Whether you're a startup, small enterprise, or a growing company, keeping track of your finances is vital for sustainability and success. That’s where Mercurius & Associates LLP steps in with its online bookkeeping services — blending technology, expertise, and reliability to manage your books with precision.

Why Bookkeeping Matters

Bookkeeping is the foundation of any business’s financial health. It involves recording, classifying, and organizing all financial transactions so that businesses can:

Monitor their financial position

Ensure regulatory compliance

Make informed decisions

File accurate tax returns

Plan for growth and investment

Yet, many businesses struggle to keep up with bookkeeping due to time constraints, lack of in-house expertise, or outdated processes.

Benefits of Online Bookkeeping Services

Online bookkeeping is a game-changer for modern businesses. It offers:

Real-time access to financial data

Cloud-based solutions for anytime, anywhere access

Cost-effective services compared to in-house staff

Scalability as your business grows

Increased accuracy through automated tools

Secure data storage with regular backups

By outsourcing bookkeeping to professionals, businesses can focus more on core operations while ensuring their books are in order.

Why Choose Mercurius & Associates LLP?

At Mercurius & Associates LLP, we specialize in providing online bookkeeping services tailored to your business needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Experienced Professionals

Our team comprises skilled accountants and finance experts who understand the nuances of bookkeeping across industries. We ensure compliance with Indian and international accounting standards.

2. Customized Solutions

We understand that no two businesses are the same. Our bookkeeping services are tailored to suit your industry, size, and specific requirements.

3. Technology-Driven Approach

We leverage cloud-based platforms like QuickBooks, Zoho Books, Xero, and Tally for seamless and accurate bookkeeping. Integration with your existing systems is quick and hassle-free.

4. Transparent Reporting

You receive regular financial reports that help you track performance, manage cash flow, and plan strategically. Our detailed reports include profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow summaries.

5. Data Security

We implement best-in-class data protection protocols to ensure your financial information is secure and confidential.

Services We Offer

Daily, weekly, or monthly transaction recording

Bank and credit card reconciliation

Accounts payable and receivable management

General ledger maintenance

Payroll processing support

GST return preparation and filing

Financial reporting and analysis

Industries We Serve

Our online bookkeeping services are ideal for:

Startups & Entrepreneurs

E-commerce Businesses

Healthcare Professionals

Legal Firms

Retail & Wholesale Businesses

IT & Software Companies

NGOs and Trusts

Get Started with Mercurius & Associates LLP

Outsourcing your bookkeeping doesn’t mean losing control. With Mercurius & Associates LLP, you gain a partner who brings clarity, accuracy, and efficiency to your financial operations.

Let us handle your books while you focus on growing your business.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our online bookkeeping services or to request a free consultation.

[stuarttechnologybob]

How do businesses use Microsoft technologies?

Microsoft Technologies Services

In today’s fast-paced and modern digital world, businesses rely on powerful tools and resources to stay productive, secure, and competitive. Microsoft Technologies provides many solutions that help organizations streamline operations, improve communication, and grow efficiently. Companies across all industries, from small startups to large enterprises, use Microsoft tools to power their success.

Enhancing Team Collaboration and Productivity -

One of the most common uses of Microsoft Technologies is to improve how teams work together. Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive make it easy for employees to share files, hold virtual meetings, and manage tasks in real time—no matter where they are.

Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure -

Businesses use Microsoft Azure to host websites, applications, and databases in the cloud. Azure allows companies to scale their IT resources and tools up or down based on the objective demand, which lower costs and increases flexibility. It also supports data backup, disaster recovery, and AI-driven services.

Managing Customer Relationships -

Microsoft Dynamics 365, resources assists the companies to handle out their sales, customer service, and marketing in one place at a time. With insights powered by data and automation, businesses can build stronger customer relationships and make smarter decisions faster with the assistance of Microsoft Technologies.

Improving Security and Compliance -

With cyber threats on the rise, Microsoft Technologies offers built-in security tools to help protect sensitive data. Features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and compliance tracking help businesses meet industry regulations and secure their systems.

Automating Processes with Power Platform -

Tools like Power Automate and Power Apps allow businesses to create custom apps and automate repetitive tasks without writing complex code. This helps save time and lets employees focus on more important work.

Businesses use Microsoft Technologies to stay efficient, connected, and secure in a digital-first world. Whether through cloud computing, team collaboration tools, or business intelligence platforms, Microsoft remains a trusted partner for organizations looking to grow and succeed. Additionally, Microsoft and its tools support the organization with remote work offerings and hybrid environments setup, and digital transformation with ease. Their solutions helps out the businesses to stay agile and alert, adaptive to change quickly, and remain competitive in the ever-evolving market as leads towards stand out of the domain in the industry.

Partnering with Experts for Microsoft Technology -

Businesses can rely on shifting their existing system and operating structure to new mediums as if for Microsoft tools with companies and experts like Suma Soft, IBM, and Cyntexa for a hassle-free Microsoft rollout journey.

As these set of industry leaders and experts assure a smooth transition with custom solutions offerings with its adaptation into the system with advanced security measures, and ongoing support, allowing the companies to maximize the benefits of their modern digital infrastructure.

[wilteddreamsofbaldursgate]

2. Writing Set Up: Where to Write Your Draft

Before you even start writing, you’ll need to find a writing program/medium you feel comfortable working with. 

I promise you—from start to finish—you’ll look at your draft for a couple of hours at minimum, so I suggest you choose a program/medium that aligns with your individual needs. Now it’s time for you to identify what those needs might be. 

Here are some options:

Creativity strikes while you’re cuddled up in bed or on your commute to work? 

Try writing on your phone/tablet (unless you’re the one driving, of course!)—you can use pre-installed apps like Pages (iOS) or your Notes/Memo app. You can also download free writing applications like Google Docs. Google Docs works on and offline on basically any mobile device, which is great for when you’re on the go! 

You prefer writing/typing on a computer? 

There are many desktop writing programs like LibreOffice (free for Windows, Mac and Linux), MS Word (needs to be purchased/subscription-based), countless online text editors or the browser version of Google Docs. 

You need to physically feel the words flowing through your body? 

Well, imagine you’re a classic author and write them down by hand on generously perfumed paper (preferably with royal blue ink)! Of course, you can also use Post-it notes or that coffee-stained notebook from 2013. Regular paper will do, too, though it’s obviously not as cool. 

Of course, there are many more options to choose from, but since you’re just starting out, I suggest you try free and more readily available programs first. Everything has its pros and cons, but digital writing is generally pretty clean-cut and saves you the trouble of digitising hand-written drafts (which you’ll need to do if you want to share your writing online! Unless you want to share scans of your beautiful handwritten writing, of course!). 

But before you settle for one (or more!) program/media of your choice, you might want to consider a few things: 

Is your writing easily accessible to you? → Can you add to your draft whenever and wherever creativity strikes? 

Does your writing program save your progress automatically? → You don’t want to lose hours upon hours of work because you forgot to save your progress! 

Is your writing secure? → Is your writing uploaded to a cloud? Will you still be able to access your writing if your computer crashes or you lose your login data/ phone/notebook? Can you easily create external backups of your files?

It really doesn’t matter what you need to write down at this early point. Be it an idea, rough outline, dialogue, stream of consciousness, mind map or a finished draft—you just want your entire writing process to happen in a secure, accessible location that you feel confident working in. There is no perfect writing program; whatever program works best for you is the best program for you! 

For example: 

I almost exclusively write on Google Docs since it meets all my personal writing needs: It’s a free cloud service that syncs my files all across my devices (phone, laptop, tablet) regardless of where I am. It has an intuitive interface with all the basic writing/formatting tools I need. 

Once a month, I download my most recent drafts as “.docx”-files and back them up on an external hard drive—so even if I can’t, for whatever reason, access my Google Docs account, my files are still secured in a different location. 

Sometimes, I make use of handwritten notes, too—though I keep losing them or can’t decipher my handwriting…This seems minuscule or even funny, but it’s hard to come back to an idea when you’ve literally lost the physical manifestation of it! 

Next: The Idea: Coming Up With and Developing Your Idea (with examples)

Masterlist

[saasboosterhub]

Unbeatable Value: Why Hostinger is the Best Choice for Affordable Web Hosting

Did you know Hostinger now offers a Biggest ever Black Friday sale Up to 85% off hosting + website builder + Extra Flat 20% discounts on all hosting plans? This amazing deal shows Hostinger's strong commitment to quality and value. They want to help everyone, from small businesses to website dreamers, without costing too much.

Key Takeaways

Hostinger offers an unbeatable Extra Flat 20% discount on all hosting plans

Hostinger is a top-rated web hosting provider known for its affordable yet reliable services

Hostinger's hosting plans cater to a wide range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises

Hostinger's commitment to quality and performance ensures a seamless online experience

Hostinger's user-friendly interface and extensive features make website management a breeze

Understanding Hostinger's Web Hosting Services

Hostinger has many website hosting plans for businesses and people. They offer budget-friendly hosting and WordPress optimized hosting too.

Shared Hosting Solutions

Hostinger's shared hosting is great for beginners or small sites. It's budget-friendly with weekly backups, free SSL, and 24/7 support.

Cloud Hosting Options

Hostinger's cloud hosting is scalable and strong. It has instant resources, automatic backups, and top security. It's perfect for growing businesses.

WordPress Specialized Hosting

Hostinger has WordPress optimized hosting for WordPress users. It comes with WordPress pre-installed, automatic updates, and server tweaks for smooth running.

Hostinger has many website hosting plans for all needs. They focus on being affordable, fast, and reliable. They aim to make customers happy and keep improving.

Why Hostinger is the Best Choice for Affordable Web Hosting

Biggest ever Black Friday sale

Up to 85% off hosting + website builder + Extra Flat 20% discounts

Hostinger is great for reliable hosting that's easy on your wallet. It offers fast web hosting at a good price. This makes it a favorite for both businesses and individuals.

Hostinger is known for its affordable prices without losing quality. It uses the latest tech and efficient systems. This means you get lots of features for a low cost.

But it's not just about the price. Hostinger focuses on speed and has a big network of data centers. Your site will load fast and work well everywhere. This makes your site better for visitors and helps your business grow.

"Hostinger's reliable hosting and lightning-fast speeds have been a game-changer for my business. It's the perfect balance of affordability and top-notch performance."

Hostinger also has an easy-to-use interface and lots of tools. You can easily set up your site with one-click installers and website builders. This makes it simple for anyone to start their online presence.

Hostinger is good for anyone, from small businesses to big companies. Its cheap web hosting offers great value. It's the best choice for affordable web hosting without losing quality.

Cutting-Edge Performance and Speed Features

At Hostinger, we know fast web hosting is key for a great user experience. We've got top-notch features to make your websites super fast. Our LiteSpeed web servers, global data centers, and caching solutions make sure your fast web hosting needs are met.

LiteSpeed Web Servers

Our web hosting uses LiteSpeed web servers. They're super efficient and handle lots of traffic well. Your websites will load fast, giving your visitors a smooth and secure hosting services experience.

Global Data Center Network

Our data centers are all over the world. This means your websites are close to your visitors. You get faster load times and a better user experience, no matter where they are.

Built-in Caching Solutions

Our web hosting plans have advanced caching solutions that boost your website's speed.

LiteSpeed Cache and Redis Cache reduce server load and page load times. Your visitors will have a smooth experience.

These caching solutions work in the background. They make sure your website is always fast, without you having to do anything.

With Hostinger's top performance and speed features, your websites will load super fast. This will make your online presence shine and give your visitors a great experience.

Security and Reliability Measures

At Hostinger, we know how important it is to keep your website safe and running well. That's why we have many security features and ways to keep your site up and running. This helps your business grow and succeed online.

Robust DDoS Protection

Our hosting services have strong DDoS protection. This keeps your website safe from bad attacks that could stop it from working. Our system watches for and blocks bad traffic, so your site stays open and your customers happy.

Secure SSL Certificates

All our plans include free SSL certificates. This means your website's data and talks are safe from others seeing them. It's key for making your visitors trust you and keeping their private info safe.

Reliable Data Backup and Restoration

Hostinger backs up your website data often, so you're safe if something goes wrong or data gets lost.

With just one click, you can bring back your website to a time before problems started. This cuts down on lost time and keeps your business running smoothly.

Uptime Guarantee

We're proud of how reliable our hosting is, which is why we promise 99.9% uptime. This means your website will be open for your customers all the time. You can focus on making your online business bigger without worrying about it going down.

At Hostinger, we're all about giving you safe and reliable hosting. Our strong security and dependable setup mean your website is in great hands. This lets you focus on making your online business a success.

User-Friendly Interface and Website Management Tools

At Hostinger, we know web hosting can be hard for some. Especially for those new to the web. That's why we made our control panel and website management tools easy to use. Now, anyone can create and manage their website easily.

hPanel Control Panel Overview

Our hPanel is a dashboard that lets you control your web hosting. It's easy to use and navigate. You can manage your domains, websites, and emails all in one place.

Whether you're a pro or new to websites, hPanel makes it easy. It helps you work smoothly and efficiently.

One-Click Installers

Hostinger's one-click installers make it easy to set up CMS like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

With just a few clicks, you can start your WordPress-optimized hosting and bring your ideas to life.

No need for technical skills. Our tools do the hard work, so you can focus on your website.

Website Builder Integration

For those who like a guided website creation, Hostinger has a website builder. It lets you make professional-looking websites without coding. You can build a blog, store, or corporate site easily and enjoyably.

Feature

Benefit

User-friendly control panel

Streamlined website management and easy access to all your hosting tools

One-click installers

Quickly set up popular CMSs like WordPress with no technical expertise required

Integrated website builder

Design professional-looking websites using a drag-and-drop interface

At Hostinger, we want to help our customers succeed online. Our easy-to-use interface and website management tools make hosting smooth, no matter your skill level. Start your online journey with Hostinger today.

Pricing Plans and Special Offers

Hostinger is a top choice for cheap web hosting and budget-friendly hosting. They offer many website hosting plans to fit different needs.

Now, Hostinger has a Biggest ever Black Friday sale

Up to 85% off hosting + website builder + Extra Flat 20% discounts

on all plans. This makes their prices even better for those looking for cheap web hosting.

Shared Hosting Plans

Hostinger's shared hosting starts at $0.99 per month. It's ideal for small businesses and individuals. You get a free domain, SSL, and lots of storage and bandwidth.

Cloud Hosting Solutions

For more power, Hostinger's cloud hosting is great. Prices range from $3.99 to $15.99 per month. It's perfect for growing businesses and big websites.

WordPress Specialized Hosting

Hostinger has special plans for WordPress users. Starting at $1.99 per month, they're optimized for WordPress. This means your WordPress site will run smoothly.

Hostinger has many website hosting plans for all budgets. With the

Extra Flat 20% discounts , it's a great choice for affordable web hosting.

Conclusion

Hostinger is the top pick for affordable web hosting. It offers fast performance and strong security. Plus, it's easy to use.

Hostinger has many hosting options. You can choose from shared, cloud, or WordPress hosting. It also has 24/7 support and special deals.

Hostinger is dedicated to giving you the best web hosting experience. Choose Hostinger for a great start online. You'll be in good hands.

FAQ

What makes Hostinger the best choice for affordable web hosting?

Hostinger offers great hosting at low prices. It's perfect for those who want reliable and cheap web hosting. Their value, performance, and easy-to-use interface make Hostinger a top pick.

What types of hosting services does Hostinger offer?

Hostinger has many hosting services. You can choose from shared hosting, cloud hosting, or WordPress hosting. Each type meets different needs, so you're sure to find what you need.

How does Hostinger ensure fast and reliable performance?

Hostinger uses fast web servers and a global network. They also have caching solutions. These features make your website load quickly and perform well.

What security and reliability measures does Hostinger have in place?

Hostinger focuses on security and reliability. They have DDoS protection, SSL certificates, and backups. They also guarantee your website will be up and running.

How user-friendly is Hostinger's hosting platform?

Hostinger's platform is easy to use. It has a simple control panel and one-click installers. It's great for anyone to manage and grow their website.

What are Hostinger's pricing plans and special offers?

Hostinger has plans for every budget. They offer shared, cloud, and WordPress hosting. They also have special deals, like a 20% discount now.

Does Hostinger provide 24/7 customer support?

Yes, Hostinger's support team is available all the time. They can help with setup, problems, or account management. Their experts are ready to assist you.