Many people shut down their computers overnight to help save electricity. But what if you could set off a schedule of tasks that your computer to tackle while you sleep? Here are eight things you might want to try.
Backup the hard drive: Backups take a long time, especially if you are doing an online backup to an off-site server. Most people usually backup their files and data to an external drive. (Actually, most people don’t backup at all.) But if you have a reliable, full-time internet connection, you should try Mozy. For about $55 a year for unlimited backups (free for up to 2GB) you can rest assured that whatever happens to your computer, your data is safe and recoverable.
Make the hard drive repair itself: There is nothing we can do to save a hard disk from dying, but you should do your best to keep it healthy, specifically by periodically defragmenting and fixing any disk errors. This is an excellent task to run while you sleep.
Keep your operating system up to date: This one ought to be a no brainer, and it is very much worth your time. To schedule Windows updates, you need to run the Update tool in the Control Panel, choose ‘Let me choose my settings’; then adjust the best automated update settings.
Video encoding: Once you try video encoding or rendering to a DVD you’ll realize how much time it takes. Scheduling your encoding and rendering tasks at night means your files will be ready when you wake up, and you can get busy with your computer again.
Contribute your computing power for scientific purposes: Distributed computing allows researchers across the globe to utilize your excess CPU cycles for running complex algorithms in the background. Your lowly desktop may not be able to beat a massive supercomputer, but by using thousands of desktops together, researchers can create a powerful number cruncher. For example, Folding@home the largest distributed computing network uses up to 400,000 active computers running at one time. If you are interested in helping the humankind while you’re sleeping, there are a lot of options.
Updating your programs: Try Ketarin, a software update tool for checking and downloading update packages. You can also tell Ketarin to delay the update installation and create a list of downloaded updates in a text file, so in the morning you can decide which update you want to install.
Compiling code: Code compilation is an intensive process. You can use your PC to have your complex source code compiled while you’re asleep without having to give up computer power while you’re working.
Total virus and adware scanning: Sometimes a few malware programs or adware may pass through undetected and take up residence in your temporary folders. It’s a good idea to scan your machine thoroughly once a month.