I’ve been servicing customers’ computer needs for fifteen years and have heard the same question: “How do I use all these pieces of technology?” Many become confused and wonder how to adopt new technologies.

Even I get confused when a new gizmo appears on the market because it seems that some of the device’s functionality is redundant. I believe the confusion is compounded because of the overlap in functionality from device to device. Instead, if we look at the core functionality of the device then successfully integrating it will be much easier.

Everyone should own a desktop PC tower. Desktop computers are making a resurgence because they’re stationary. Think of them like a house’s foundation; they bolster our collection of technologies because they’re the most substantial equipment in our mix. They are the least likely to fail.

My computer tower gets turned on weekly. When I’m done with my work I’ll synchronize all my devices to it and then back them up to an external hard drive. After my work is done, it gets powered off until I need it again for real work.

Think of laptop computers like a mobile computer and you’re all set. Laptops should only be used when traveling or mobile. Because they’re meant to be taken on the road, they are more prone to failure and should be backed up frequently.

My laptop stays in the trunk of my car in case I need it for work during the day. Rarely do I use it to save documents, and if I do they also get saved to other media for redundancy.

Tablets are my least favorite device. Tablets should only be used for casual surfing and should never be used for hardcore computing.

My tablet stays at home next to my bed and couch and is only used for casual surfing. Pretty boring, but that’s all it gets used for.

Phones, like tablets, are not meant for actual computing and should only be small portion of your productivity arsenal. As phones become more powerful so does their functionality. The word smartphone tells the whole story: a communication device that handles other functions.

My phone goes with me everywhere. I use it for quick purchases and communications with my stores and customers. It gets synchronized weekly to my computer tower.

I believe we should own at least one of each of the above devices. Each has its place and serves a distinct function in our technology grouping. No matter if for work or play, understanding what each piece of technology is used for and adopting that regimen will reduce some confusion.

(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. You can read past articles at www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)