If you are anything like me chances are you know several technologically challenged individuals in dire need of some assistance in managing their computers, technology, digital footprint, etc. As technology progresses things will only get more and more difficult for older folks to understand and adapt to. On top of this, rampant scams, viruses, and traps cause uneducated computer users to get taken advantage of, or even have their data or money stolen. This means that it is up to us younger folks to make it as easy as possible for our elders to safely use the technologies that our society has quickly begun to force everyone to need.

As someone who frequently installs new Linux distros on lots of different systems, I am no stranger to the process of packing up old files, wiping hard drives, and moving files back onto a device. However, recently I learned a very valuable lesson from a Linux install gone sour. I backed up all my files onto an external ssd, wiped my laptop, and installed the latest version of Linux Mint. Once the install process had finished, I plugged in the external drive and began copying files back over to the laptop. Mid way through the transfer an error message popped up. I unplugged the drive and when I plugged it back in the laptop was unaware that a new device had been plugged in. The drive died leaving me with just a small ounce of hope that I could recover any files that weren’t written over.