[Discuss] Death, and other cheery topics

[eric.chadbourne at gmail.com (Eric Chadbourne)]

On 05/10/2012 05:34 PM, Daniel Barrett wrote:
>
> I'm wondering how other people in our community balance two competing
> factors:
>
> 1. Having a powerful computing environment at home: multiple machines,
> perhaps some of them hosting VM's, running a variety of operating
> systems, mounting each other's network drives, etc., plus a backup
> server, and holding critical information like financial records, tax
> returns, your family's music collection, etc.
>
> 2. The knowledge that when you die, there's no conceivable way your
> family could understand or operate this system, even if they are
> smart.
>
> For me, I document the system, keep backups and critical documents in
> a safety deposit box (in case my computers and I perish in a fire)
> along with a Knoppix CD, and occasionally do a run-through with my
> non-IT-professional spouse.  I suspect it's not enough to ensure she
> can find the password to our bank account in an emergency.
>
> What do you do? Keep important records on non-Linux machines so they're
> "easier" to access for non-techies? Arrange with an IT-savvy friend to help
> out if you die?  Put the data in the cloud and hope nobody breaks in?
> Pretend we'll live forever? :-)
>
> Dan

1.  I don't have a powerful computing environment at home.  I'm typing 
this on a $299 compaq laptop running xubuntu.  Now my work computer, 
wow.  A beast by system76.

2.  I have an agreement with my family that when I die they have to come 
with me.  Everybody get in the pyramid!  Also my hard drive is not 
encrypted.  On purpose.

- Eric C