The Estrin Report

"10 dumb things users do that can mess up their computers"

Check out these very helpful reminders from the information technology gurus at TechRepublic:

"We all do dumb things now and then, and computer users are no exception. Inadvertently pressing the wrong key combination or innocently clicking OK in the wrong dialog box can change important settings that alter a computer's behavior or even crash the system.

"Nervous newbies are often fearful that one wrong move might break the computer forever. Luckily, short of taking a sledge hammer to the box, the consequences aren't usually quite that dire. Even so, users often do create problems for their computers and for your network. Here's a description of common missteps you can share with your users to help them steer clear of preventable problems.

#1: Plug into the wall without surge protection

"Here's one that actually can physically destroy your computer equipment, as well as the data it holds. You may think your systems are in danger only during an electrical storm, but anything that interrupts the electrical circuit and then starts the current back again can fry your components. Something as simple as someone turning on an appliance that's plugged into the same circuit (especially a high voltage one such as a hair dryer, electric heater, or air conditioner) can cause a surge, or a surge may be caused by a tree limb touching a power line. If you have a power outage, you may experience a surge when the electricity comes back on.

[snip]

#6: Open all attachments

"Some folks just can't help themselves: Getting an e-mail message with an attachment is like getting an unexpected gift. You just have to peek inside to see what it is. But just as that package left on your doorstep could contain a bomb, that file attached to your mail message could contain code that will delete your documents or system folder or send viruses to everyone in your address book."

"Making Forensics Elementary at Your Firm"

Here's another career choice -- computer-forensics examinaton -- in which a paralegal background can be most helpful:

[snip]

"Attorney and e-discovery expert Tom O'Connor, with the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Legal Electronic Document Institute, says that judges in the cases he consults on are ordering e-discovery and computer-forensics investigation much more frequently than ever before. O'Connor is seeing the effect of this change on all kinds of cases.

[snip]

"For civil domestic cases such as divorce proceedings, there's an enormous amount of forensics investigation occurring. O'Connor says that PCs are being examined to prove or refute claims by one spouse that the other has been engaging in extramarital affairs or hiding financial assets. Forensics experts are trained to search for e-mail exchanges in which the parties are setting dates and carrying on other communications. They can also:

• Uncover questionable online purchases;
• Track credit-card transactions; and
• Detect whether credit cards unknown to one spouse are being used to make illicit purchases.

"Stephanie Simons Neal, litigation-support [PDF] project manager in the New York office of Weil Gotshal & Manges, attests to the burgeoning need for forensics expertise at her firm. Simons Neal's caseload consists of a number of patent cases, along with other corporate-litigation matters.

"'We've definitely noticed an increase in request for forensics, as well as requests for review and production of documents in native form as opposed to paper,' she says, adding that while the requests continue to come in, the expertise to meet those requests is lacking and there is a growing 'disconnect' between what cases actually require and what the law firms are equipped to provide.

[snip]

"Trial attorney and certified computer forensic examiner Craig Ball of Austin, TX, has seen a marked increase in the use of forensically qualified imaging to preserve data prior to litigation rather than in reaction to it."

NOTE: This article also says: "Computer forensics is still a young science that's being shaped by the electronic-discovery rules as they continue to evolve and change. This expanding industry simultaneously presents huge opportunities and great responsibility."

"Can Data Have a Life After a Death?"

Of course! Just be sure to utilize some basic, but smart, computer management skills:

"Everyone who has worked with a computer, even before the arrival of the Internet, knows the sickening feeling of loss. Without warning, hours of your work suddenly vanish from the screen. You hope (and pray) that perhaps it's been saved in a backup or temp file -- but often it's not. As your internal soundtrack turns up the volume on Don Henley and Glenn Frey, you realize that your carefully crafted project is 'already gone' -- and that it's not the time for a victory song. Instead, you will have to painstakingly recreate the work you had already done -- but didn't get a chance to (or even forgot to) save before the crash signaled by the apparently ubiquitous 'blue screen of death.'

"Fortunately, this problem is an easy one to fix -- before the fact. Periodic automatic save features can be turned on in many programs, such as Word, and 'Control S' has become an automatic part of typing for many people. On a systemwide basis, network administrators can generate minute-by-minute backups -- many thanks to David, Steve and the Help Desk at my firm, because their efforts have often saved me during computer or system crashes and blackouts."

Author Stanley P. Jaskiewicz, a business lawyer at the Philadelphia law firm of Spector Gadon & Rosen P.C., helps clients solve e-commerce, corporate contract and technology-law problems, and is a member of e-Commerce Law & Strategy's Board of Editors. Jaskiewicz thanks his legal assistant, Frank Manzano, for his research support for this article.

"MoFo IT Gets Its Green On"

Kudos to Morrison & Foerster for adopting a strong 'green' culture! Find four good ideas in this Legal Technology article:

"With 1,070 lawyers in 18 offices throughout the world, Morrison & Foerster has a culture that promotes excellence, diversity, teamwork and social responsibility. Last year, we were selected as one of Fortune magazine's '2006 Best Companies to Work For,' and the firm has won numerous other accolades that reflect our commitment to these goals.

"Among these priorities is our commitment to create a work environment that is healthy and environmentally responsible. Our IT department has initiated a number of programs designed not only to help to minimize our impact on the environment, but also generate real savings. Here are a few of our recent programs:

1. CRT to LCD

"Our first project was designed to save desktop space, as well as eyes and power. Over the last four years, we have significantly reduced our power consumption in our offices and data centers by replacing all cathode ray tube monitors with liquid crystal display units. LCD monitors consume less power and have a longer life than CRT monitors. As a result, we have saved roughly 619 megawatts of power per year -- enough to power 58 average American homes for one full year."

Author Anthony Hoke is global technology purchasing/asset manager at Morrison & Foerster, based in Los Angeles.

"'The Eight E's': Ascending the Computer Forensics Ladder"

Sounds like this could be a good career path for tech-minded paralegals:

"Though computer forensics is a young discipline, it's not the exclusive province of new graduates of computer forensics degree programs. It's a natural career extension for IT and law enforcement professionals and peripatetic lawyers [& paralegals] with a dominant geek gene. Expertise in litigation and computer forensics also opens the door to lucrative opportunities in electronic data discovery consulting. Here are 'The Eight E's' to becoming a skilled CF expert:

"1. Exploration: The lion's share of CF knowledge is self-taught. The best examiners are insatiably curious and voraciously read about software, hardware, registry keys, root kits, etc. They live for figuring out how it all fits together. Fortunately, there's a wealth of information: in books (search Amazon.com for "computer forensics") and online (www.e-evidence.info) in discussion forums, product FAQs, user groups and confabs."

You'll find lots more info in the rest of this article by Craig Ball, an Austin, Texas-based trial lawyer and certified computer forensic examiner.

"Five ways to be nice to your eyes"

Important advice for people who work with computers & read lots of documents:

"Your eyes are the products of millions of years of evolution. Unfortunately, this means that they’re optimized for spotting prey across the savanna, not for peering at letters built up of little dots on tiny screens. In recent years, optometrists have come to recognize a complex of eye and vision problems they call Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS for short.

"When you spend your day looking at computer screens (especially poorly-maintained screens, or the tiny ones on mobile devices), your eyes strain, you blink less, and your body gets generally unhappy. The result? Fatigue, headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, neck and backaches, and even double vision."

"Five IT Blind Spots That Shut Lawyers Out"

Oh boy, doesn't this sound like an all-too-familiar story?

"In a world where even the most senior of partners can now be found typing away on a laptop, an observer could mistakenly believe that personal computing is as straightforward as using the average toaster. Unfortunately for attorneys, computer software is mostly designed or implemented by computer people for computer people and not for legal professionals.

"What exacerbates the problem: IT's steadfast adherence to flawed beliefs we'll call 'The Five Grand Assumptions.' In order to transform your technology department from good to great, eliminate these five blind spots and open up the door to a better relationship with your users."

Author Tom Ranalli is technology services manager at the Los Angeles office of Kirkland & Ellis. BTW, the firm curently has some legal assistant openings.

NFPA Launches 1st National Legal Technology Conference Specifically for Paralegals

Well, this sure sounds like a conference you should try to attend!

"The NFPA\\2007:\\Tech.Institute\\: is the place for paralegals, attorneys and other legal professionals to gain knowledge, perspective and insight into the benefits, challenges, and pitfalls of legal technology.  Learn about major trends and technological innovations that will affect your career, your profession, and your organization now and in the years ahead.

"July 19th\\20th, 2007, NFPA launches its first Tech Institute at the elegant Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  300 participants are expected to attend and take advantage of 21 educational seminars, as well as a vendor track offering demonstrations of new software, product information, and related services.  Technology products and services will also be featured in an interactive trade show."

"A Mouse on a Mission in the Document Maze"

Just what I've wanted: a computer mouse that smartly finds what I want in a mountain of documents:

"The new mouse does all the work of a standard model, while also letting the user skim rapidly through lengthy documents to reach a desired spot in seconds. It does this with an unusual scroll wheel that can be flicked with a forefinger; the text on the computer screen immediately starts flying past, but stops on a dime when the wheel is tapped. The speed is adjustable to let users see exactly where they are in the document.

"The mouse, called the MX Revolution, is made by Logitech, a Swiss manufacturer of game mice and other computer-input devices. Within the mouse is a heavy, finely balanced wheel that spins through distances that would normally require many scrolling motions and many minutes."

[snip]

"Erik Khoobyarian, a lawyer in Sacramento who reviewed the mouse for Logitech before its release in August, now always has the MX at hand. 'It’s a small change, but it’s made me more efficient,' he said of the mouse’s ability to scan quickly."

"Electronic Evidence - Fear and Loathing in the Legal Profession"

Great post to the MassLawBlog! First, a great quote, followed by a daunting, yet very informative diagram of "client server architecture" [PDF]:

"The schematic displayed...is a simplified illustration of a corporate network which Microsoft provided to the Federal Rules Committee in connection with proceedings on electronic evidence. It was intended to illustrate a generic corporate computer network.

"If you are a lawyer and this seems like an alien concept that no lawyer should ever be required to understand, you’re not alone. Lets face it - like most stereotypes, the old joke that lawyers go to law school to avoid math and technology contains a large element of truth.

[snip]

"Nevertheless, every day emails and brochures arrive announcing seminars and warning that the era of electronic data discovery (EDD) has finally, truly arrived. Luddite lawyers are warned that...99% of all documents created today are in electronic form."

Hey, I think this quote might apply as well to paralegals:

"The best aspect of law school is the subordination of math." Anon