Our Hardware and Software Translation Tools

Hardware and software are only two of the components for technical translators to fulfil their responsibilities.

This is the list of our main hardware and software tools. Software, in particular, is always up-to-date, or it will be soon.

It is essential that professional technical translators keep their hardware and software tools constantly updated, for this is one of the most important investment translators can make for their business. The willingness to invest in the most appropriate translation tools, despite the relatively high cost for freelance translators, is also an important proof of seriousness and commitment to their profession.

Why so many computers?

On-time delivery and full adherence to translation specifications are a must for professional translators. Computers, however, have this amazing habit of failing right in the middle of an important or urgent job and this might considerably jeopardize the translator's reputation as a whole.

Hence the necessity to always have immediately available a spare computer to cut the resulting downtime to the bare minimum. This is what we do to minimize risks:

Both of us use one working computer plus a spare computer each, being the same software installed in each of them. Should one of these computers fail, in the span of ten or twenty minute time we can resume work on the spare computer (also thanks to the frequent back-ups we do during the working day, thus avoiding to jeopardize our daily productivity.

On average we replace all computers every three years.

We back-up all files many times a day, sometimes every hour or whenever we deem it necessary depending on the type of work. File back-ups are made on multiple external hard disks and at the end of the day on all six the computers connected to the network.

Each primary computer is powered through an UPS unit (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect it from sudden energy black-out and current surge due to lightning.

Besides the ability to continue working almost without interruption even in case of serious hardware problems, also communications with clients are guaranteed by having at least one computer in perfect operating conditions, allowing us to receive and send e-mails virtually without noticeable delay.

Hardware (Windows)

1 LAN (wired and wireless)

2 Intel Core 2 Quad (desktop/laptop)

2 PC Pentium IV (desktop)

2 PC Pentium IV (laptop)

1 iMac

1 Netbook

Auxiliary Equipment

1 Inkjet Printer

1 Laser Printer

4 External backup HDDs

1 Scanner