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Don't walk away, Renee!  (Don't leave that program open.)

When

Every time you leave your computer for more than 15 minutes.  That would be break time, lunch time, quitting time, vacation time, nap time.

Why

Every time you leave your computer unattended, several things can go wrong.  If you leave a program open on your computer and walk away, chances are that if something goes wrong, it will damage the open document.

First of all, if there is any kind of security policy at your company, it's probably not too cool to leave an important memo, spreadsheet, or presentation wide open where anyone walking past your desk can see it.  This may not be a major concern to you, but could turn into one when your boss sees your resumé being worked on.

Second, if there is the slightest power blink and your computer resets itself, you risk corrupting the file you are working on.  This could wipe out the last changes you made (see:  Save, save, save), ruin the file completely, and even cause a problem with your hard disk that needs to be fixed (see:   ScanDisk).

Third, it could cause an episode of mass hysteria within your company, threatening lives and sending people to the hospital with anxiety attacks.  Follow this logic if you will:  If your boss had told everyone to close all open applications if you're not at your desk, everybody would assume that all employees would follow that directive.   Then, the only logical assumption one could make upon seeing a file open on someone's computer is that a robbery is happening, and that person had fled for their lives.  Therefore, everyone should run (not walk) to the nearest exit.   Imagine all the poor people being trampled to death by the potential robbery victims fleeing the building.  Would you want this on your head?  I think not!

How

On each open application program, the lovely and talented programmers have supplied a multitude of ways to close your application. 

1. The easiest way is to click the 'X' in the upper right corner of your application's window.  If you have files open that have not been saved, you will be prompted to save them.  or...
2. If you wish to use the 'professional' (old) method, click 'File' on the menu bar, then select 'Exit' to close the program.  Again, if you have unsaved files open, you will be prompted to save the contents.

• Pick up your buttocks and leave the area of your computer, secure in the knowledge that you have done the right thing.
• Smile knowingly to all you see.  They will understand that you have been a good computer user and closed your files.
• Glare fiercely at all those users who have walked away from their computers without closing their programs.  They may eventually get the message.

Disclaimer:

Every precaution has been taken to insure that the procedures presented here will not cause damage to your computer system.  However, Mind Over Machines Inc. will not be responsible for any damage caused directly or indirectly by any advice and/or procedures given anywhere on this web site.  Likewise, we cannot be responsible for malfunctions caused by defective hardware, or unforeseen problems which arise from use of the standard Microsoft tools.  If problems do arise, we may attempt to assist in the diagnosis and eventual remedy, but cannot be held liable or bound to do so.

Contents Copyright (c) 1999-2004, Mind Over Machines Inc.

Page last updated 08/28/04.