Putting your PC and Applications on Vacation

When you're getting ready for vacation, your computer settings are often far down on the list of things to think about. A few quick changes to your settings will ensure that your return to your desk is as pleasant as the departure from it.

Set Up Your Out-of-Office Assistant

Not only will this help to keep your e-mail inbox from overflowing, it'll let your friends and co-workers know that you haven't simply fallen off the face of the earth. You can include the date of your return and a contact person in your absence.

To set up your Out of Office Assistant, simply follow these easy directions:

1. Open Outlook.
2. On the Tools menu, click Out of Office Assistant.
   
   
3. Select the second radio button (I am currently out of the office).
4. Enter your message in the top box.
   
   
5. Click OK.

Decline Meetings

It's a good idea to decline or cancel meetings that will take place while you're on vacation. Co-workers will not expect you and will not show up at meetings that you normally facilitate.

Change Your Voice Mail Greeting

Make sure that your voice mail greeting reflects that you will be out of the office until the date of your return. Remember to give callers another contact name and number should they require immediate assistance.

Check Your Password

Some IT departments make your password valid for a pre-determined length of time. Make sure that your password is not set to expire while you are on vacation. If it is, change your password before you leave to ensure that you can get back to work when you return.

Mark Your Calendar

Make sure that you block off time in your calendar so that people will be aware that you are out of the office and unavailable for meetings.

Clean Up Your Inbox

Make sure that you are not going to be over your mailbox size limit. You can do this using the Mailbox Cleanup tool.

1. Open Outlook.
2. On the Tools dropdown menu, select Mailbox Cleanup.
   
   

With the Mailbox Cleanup tool, you can view your mailbox size, find items older than a certain date or larger than a certain size, archive old items, empty your Deleted Items folder, and delete your Conflicts folder.

Close Programs and Files

Close all programs and save and close all files before you leave. Often times, updates require an automatic restart of your PC and you don't want to run the risk of losing your work. In addition, make sure that you check in work files so that they are available during your absence for other team members.

Secure Your Laptop

Laptop thievery is becoming epidemic. Remember to lock your laptop in a secure desk or cabinet before leaving, or take it with you.

Happy Vacation!