Okay, this is actually a tough
topic to write about because on the one hand, the computer is the one
single piece of equipment that you will buy on which your entire
professional life will depend....and on the other, there are so many
options and differences of opinion that it's hard to cover them all, let
alone offer truly neutral advice.
So
I think all I can do is talk a bit about what does and doesn't work for
me, and let you add my experience to the mountain of tips and advice
you are likely to get when acquiring this all important work tool.
1. Take your time - but don't put it off forever
First
up, obviously it is important to do your research, shop around a little
and chew over your options. Even if you are pretty techno-savvy, IT is
developing so fast that you need a couple of days just to get to grips
with what's available to you at any given moment in time. Surf the net,
check out IT forums and check out prices/specs in a number of different
places.... but my advice would be that once you've made up your mind to
make this investment, don't wait too long to take the plunge. If you're
waiting for the "right" time to buy a computer, the "right" time may
never come. Make an informed choice, and then stick to it.
As
for how to choose - so much of it is down to personal preference. I
made the move from desktop to laptop many years ago and can't conceive
not being able to take my office around with me - although it is also
true that the advent of cloud computing and automatic device
synchronising this is less and less of an issue, and I know of many
translators who prefer to work with a hefty tower. Then of course you
have the Apple/Microsoft debate. While I use Windows and I am anti-Apple
on principle (I cannot abide IT exclusivity and object to being forced
to use certain software) I have to admit that most Apple equipment have
tried is excellent... so once again, personal preference comes into
play here.
The
most important thing is to remember that whatever equipment or OS you
choose - this is your workspace. It needs to make your life easier. It
needs to respond to your every whim. It needs to be reliable...and you
need to make it all of those things.
2. Put aside a day or two for getting it "just so"
Every
time I buy a new computer I make sure I have a weekend or a couple of
free days to devote to setting it up. There's always a driver that needs
to be updated, a particular programme that chucks up compatibility
issues, or even a new operating system to get used to (who hasn't
pulled their hair out at some stage over Windows 8????) and you don't
want to be squeezing all that in around a looming deadline. Ideally - if
possible - leave your previous computer up and running until everything
is tried and tested on your new one before making the final changeover.
I can't stress the importance of taking your time to set everything up
properly. Your computer is everything - in the sense that without it
your business would be nothing - so dont' cut corners. Keep it clean.
Keep it updated and properly protected against Internet nasties. If at
all possible, keep it for work only - no bogging it down with downloads
or Minecraft, or letting the entire family use it - that's what your
old Pentium tower running on Windows 98 is for! 3. Peripherals are key
As
I said before, a computer and how it is set up is a highly personal
thing, and peripherals are no exception. I am sure every freelance
translator's list of essentials is different. But for what it's worth,
here's mine:
- Second monitor: obviously I can't/won't take it on holiday with me, but for everyday use at my desk, it's a godsend.
- External Hard Drive:
Actually I have two. They have large capacity (600 GB) but are pocket
sized and they contain daily back-ups of my computer, plus all my work
files since the day I began. Teamed with appropriate software I don't
even have to do anything, it's all copied automatically. Bliss.
- All in one printer/scanner/photocopier:
Self explanatory, really. Mine isn't WiFi enabled, but when it dies,
the next one most certainly will be. I look forward to printing stuff
off while I'm sitting out in the garden.
- Cooler pad:
this is VITAL for laptops. They rely on a good flow of air under them
to keep themselves from overheating and - speaking from painful
experience - once they start getting hot and bothered, it's one problem
after another. Don't leave it until it's too late and get a cooler pad,
preferably one with a built-in fan for extra ventilation.
4. Remember your invoices!
Last
but by no means least, remember that as your nº1 professional tool,
your computer and all its assorted bits and bobs should be offset as
business expenses. Make sure you get proper invoices, guarantees, and
any other paperwork you may need for accounting/tax purposes.
So, that's the physical/hardware
bit covered. But what about software? What does every self respecting
translator need to use? Check out Part III next time for my tips and
list of essentials!
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