Computers

Computers, you can't live with them and you can't live without them. Tom gave me a new computer. It had glitches in the program and kept shutting down. He took it back for a new one. Within a day the screen turned dark and it wouldn't work. I took it back. The service technitian asked if I had closed the lid while the computer was still on. Probably, if I was picking it up or getting it out of the way.

Well the new programs go into sleeper mode and if you shut the lid it locks up the whole system. You have to unplug it from the wall and take the battery out of the back to get it fixed. he tells me it is not in the manual, only a person with a lot of experience could diagnose the problem this quickly. He did a cute little fix customizing the sleeper mode to never come on, just screen saver. So this problem should not happen again. Awesome, one problem solved.

The next problem is I can't print anything from this new computer. We have loaded the driver for Riley's new printer. It is supposed to be wireless. Nada, not a thing happens. The little icon spins in circles, but at the other end, Riley's beautiful new printer nothing happens.

so I tried plugging in my old printer. State of the art in 2006 when I purchased it. Well, thats two generations ago. We have had Vista and now Windows 7. My "old" printer is incompatible with my new computer even after downloading a driver from the manufacturer's web site. its enough to pull your hair out.

So if you are in the position to purchase a new computer just know that the most successful method is to replace everything in the office with the same brand and buy them all at the same time so their ages match.

I love computers. The ability to communicate with friends, the research at your fingertips, it improves the quality of our lives, but only after the hours and hours of frusteration to get the damn system to work and all the devices to work with it.

My solution to the printer has been to hook up my old faithful computer that I bought with it four years ago, and continue using it until it croaks for good. Last time we had computer problems, Tom took the computer to work and handed the problem off to someone who knew what they were doing. We may have to hire someone and let them do their magic.

I asked the technitian at school what kind of system he likes. He told me he likes to build his from scratch. I just remind myself of the old days, pre computer. Typing with copy paper and ribbons of ink. Computers no matter the headache to get set up are worth it.