Digitally Backup - Kitchen Sink

[Kyle]

Lately, I've been gearing up for our GUZ interview. I've read some information related to protecting and organizing the "kitchen sink". A few posts mentioned making a digital back-up copy to store on a disc or USB drive - except I cannot find the particular thread I'm thinking of. Anyway, Jingjing and I are putting everything on a USB drive for backup purposes. Hopefully we won't need it, but we'll keep it for a rainy day.

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...c=23567&hl=
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...c=18762&hl=
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...mp;hl=usb+drive

Below are some programs that have helped me put our entire kitchen sink on a usb flash drive.


Paint.NET - Free

Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools.

I use this because my hp printer is fairly old and I lost the software for it. I use it to scan and manipulate images.

Not as functional as GIMP but it has an easier learning curve.

http://www.getpaint.net

GIMP - Free

Offers a lot of the same functionality as Adobe Photoshop. Although it might not be as good as Photoshop, it comes close. It's great for touching up photos.

http://www.gimp.org/

Pixresizer - Free

PIXresizer is a photo resizing program to easily create web and e-mail friendly versions of your images with reduced file sizes.

http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm

PicPick Tools - Free

PicPick is an all-in-one software for software developers, graphic designers and home user.

It has an intuitive interface and simple, elegant operation. After starting the software, you simply select one of the tool from the PicPick Tools trayicon menu when you want. It features a powerful capture tool, image editor, color picker, color palette, pixel ruler, protractor, crosshair, whiteboard and etc. You can use all these tools freely....

http://picpick.wiziple.net/

See also:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial135.html

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/s...screenshot.mspx

Export your Skype call logs - Free

Works with the current version 4.1.0.179 and previous versions

http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/r-skype-vo...e-call-log.html

Export your Skype chat logs - Free

Works with the current version 4.1.0.179 and previous versions

http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic...mp;#entry407497

CutePDF Writer - Free

If you're needing something saved as a PDF.

http://download.cnet.com/CutePDF-Writer/30...4-10206470.html

[xiaofeizhu]

It's a great idea, especially for people who are CR-1 or K visas because they can use the files again later when applying for removal of conditions. We ended up with several pounds of paper copies and only some things on a flash drive. I might use some of your programs to digital-ize all of the copies. Good idea for everyone!

[Kyle]

Thankfully, DoS and USCIS are using many forms that can be completed by computer, then saved. However, there are still forms which cannot be saved after completion. That's where some of the programs listed above become useful.

Edited October 26, 2009 by KJJ (see edit history)

[Kyle]

Because your USB will have a ton of personal information on it, I would highly recommend encrypting all of your personal documents, so that in case of it being lost or stolen, no one will be able to access it (assuming that your password is not "password", your birthday, or some other easily guessed tidbit of personal information.

 

How to do this?

 

The easiest way would be to create a hidden container (it's easier than it sounds because the program walks you through the process) by using a free program called TrueCrypt

 

http://www.truecrypt.org/

 

You will need to download and install the software. In our case, I've installed it also on my wife's net-book, because she'll be taking it with her when we go to GUZ. You need access to the TrueCrypt program to access your encrypted files. After installing the program, just follow the prompts. I created a hidden container (two containers in one) on my USB drive.

 

If we need to print something off, we'll just open the hidden container using my wife's net-book and TrueCrypt program, copy the file to an unencrypted folder on the USB drive and go print it out.

 

I know this sounds confusing, but if you read the documentation and play around with the program, you'll quickly figure it out.

 

Documentation:

 

http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/

Edited November 14, 2009 by Kyle (see edit history)

[Kyle]

Also, if you need some portable applications to install on your USB drive, they have things like that as well: Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, etc.

 

http://portableapps.com/

 

There are other sources, but, the link above is a good starting point.

[Guest Pommey]

We just had/ have paper copies of it all, usefull for both AOS & ROC, would be a nighmare if you lost that flash card and/or disk.

[chilton747]

Looks like Kyle is an IR1 so no need for all of this.

[Guest Pommey]

Looks like Kyle is an IR1 so no need for all of this.

 

 

His post is non-specific to visa type

[Kyle]

You're right, I may not need it after Jingjing enters the US, but until then, all bets are off

[chilton747]

You're right, I may not need it after Jingjing enters the US, but until then, all bets are off

 

I doubt you will need it "until then." You probably have one of the strongest cases there ever were.

[Kyle]

I sure hope so. I've busted my butt getting everything that could help Jingjing. I'll let you know after the 25th. My wife is confident as well. That being said, one thing we've noticed is that the whole interview process is somewhat abstract. There are no set defined criteria that is consistent with each visa officer. For example, how one VO interprets "domicile" may not be how another interprets it. Glad when it's over.

[chilton747]

I sure hope so. I've busted my butt getting everything that could help Jingjing. I'll let you know after the 25th. My wife is confident as well. That being said, one thing we've noticed is that the whole interview process is somewhat abstract. There are no set defined criteria that is consistent with each visa officer. For example, how one VO interprets "domicile" may not be how another interprets it. Glad when it's over.

 

 

One thing that I have learned is that a VO might define any word that they wish just to delay a case for further study. I really think your case will be just a few short questions and then the pink handed over. Really no doubts there.

[Kyle]

I gave some inaccurate information regarding TrueCrypt. You CAN access your files on a computer that doesn't have the software installed. Please read the above documentation (link) for further information. Sorry about that.

[Kyle]

Axcrypt - http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/ - Free

(encrypting software - similar to TrueCrypt)

 

AxCrypt is the leading open source file encryption software for Windows. It integrates seamlessly with Windows to compress, encrypt, decrypt, store, send and work with individual files.

 

Click the above link for more information.