IT Literacy 101: Backup and Web Security

You are moving out of your town. You have to leave your important friends who were dear to you. You appreciate the way they were. You have to move on and will never return to the past.  You are going through changes.

Similar sentiment will return to you when you lose all of your data on your laptop or lab’s computer. You cannot return to the days when your data were still alive. A cliché Ph.D. tragedy entitled “My dissertation was gone with the wind one week before the submission date” still happens. Can I convince you just how important it is to back up your data regularly?

Not only back up data, but there are also several things that you should know regarding computer security in the lab. Here are some examples:

•    Back up periodically!
You have to back up your data to an external hard drive at least once a week.
•    Do not let a public computer remember your password!

SAY NOOOOOOOOOOOOO, if it is a public computer!!!!!

•    Do not leave log-in information on a public computer.
These rules are not only for you. From your account, your collaborator’s data might be accessed. Although you know that all of your friends in the lab don’t do anything harmful, it remains your responsibility if something happens.

Good luck with your IT security!

4 Safety Resources to Know at Your University

Breaking Bad, Fight Club, Planet of the Apes… Chemists are labeled as people who do dangerous things in the movies.

In reality, Ph.D. life in chemistry is no joke, either. From dangerous chemical reactions to difficult graduate school projects and research, you have to be careful. Like all difficulties in your life, you may not 100% avoid them, but you can get prepared before you face difficulties. I’ve compiled a list of things you should know for your safety. Save it in your phone so you can reference it as often as needed.

4  safety resources to know at your university

• Campus infirmary and first aid kit box

If you are an experimental chemist, you really should know where the first aid kit boxes are. 

• Emergency contact number

Usually, the university has a number to make a call for fire incidents, when you got hurt, etc.  At Brown University,  401-863-4111 (4111 from any campus phone) is the number.  Save it in your cell phone.

• Campus counseling

Mental exhaustion is a real problem at a graduate course. As you challenge things you’ve never done before, it can take a toll on your mental health. Managing your mental health is as important as your physical health.

• Lab concerns

You don’t have to let someone else solve your problems, but you don’t have to wade through the confusion by yourself, either. There are people willing and available to help give you perspective and advise.

At Brown Univ Chemistry Department, DIAC addresses issues of inclusion, diversity, and community

Good luck on your safe Ph.D. life!