Backup and running? Not this digital sign

OFFBEAT

Nagware goes large on the mean streets of Derby

Microsoft and backup are two words often uttered together, usually in the form of "Microsoft Windows has crashed again, where's my backup?" The question is: what would a backup look like for a digital sign in Derby?

Spotted by eagle-eyed Register reader "nategee" on a stroll in Derby, this sign appears to have spent much of the day pleading to be backed up.

This poses an interesting question. What, exactly, would constitute a backup for a sign? Microsoft would obviously like somebody to log in with a Microsoft account so the data on the computer behind the scenes can be squirted into its cloud.

However, we'd contend that a more appropriate backup for a digital sign would involve glue, paper, and a person on a ladder, wielding a brush.

Although the words "if anything gets my back up" is often muttered by Windows users faced with yet another surprise update or unexpected screen of blue, the backup suggestion usually pops up when Windows restarts after an update. Microsoft has examined the user's device and tightly clutched its pearls upon realizing that the PC isn't backed up.

And now would be the perfect time to back it up by signing in with a Microsoft account, at least as far as the tech giant is concerned. The owners of the billboard might disagree.

Sadly, there is nowhere obvious for a technically minded passer-by to attach a keyboard and mouse to let the sign continue the startup process, and the hard-pressed techie responsible, doubtless sitting behind a desk at the mothership, has yet to give a remote command to unbork the signage.

Digital signage might be flexible, but we doubt Microsoft is advertising backups here - or reminding everyone that Windows has a habit of nagging users into doing what Redmond thinks is best for them.

Perhaps it's best to back up to something that doesn't involve Microsoft's OS, or maybe even save the power, dust off the poster poster and glue pot. No tech required. ®