Technology

There is a lot of technology involved in using a laptop computer.  Thanks to my brother, who gave me a cordless mouse, I have that luxury and convenience.  I like it so much, I bought a second to use on the desktop computer that I now no longer use, as it is sooooo slooooow.

The last time the batteries died in the mouse, I did not realize what was happening. All of a sudden, I could not use the mouse.  And the computer seemed to freeze.  But, I changed out that mouse with the one for the desktop, and was back in business. It took me some to figure out how to open the mouse, but I even did that, changed the batteries, and I was back in business.

Obviously, I did not see the warning signs that the batteries were low:  the light on the mouse turned red instead of green.  And, there was an icon on the laptop that told me the batteries were critical.  So, this time, I was able to change out the batteries in a timely way!  YEAH!

Jigging the Printer

Okay, my printer/scanner/copier is getting old. I do not recall when I bought it, but I it may have been as long ago as 2001, or much later. I just do not know.

What I do know, is that every time I have to load a new color cartridge in the printer, I have to "jig" the printer. Although I now buy HP brand name cartridges (I have actually bought off brand cartridges, and that is when the trouble started), I have to go through all kinds of machinations to get the printer to work.  I have to shut down the printer, unplug it, replug it, turn it back on, take the cartridge out, put it back in, take it out, shut off the printer, turn it back on, etc, etc, etc until finally, the printer decides I do not have a bad cartridge, and it will do the self test and alignment.  I spent 45 minutes doing that today. 

But success at last!

Power Source

If you use a laptop computer, and your power cord seems to have gone out, try this:  unplug the cord from your laptop, and also from the electric socket.  Let it be unplugged for 2-3 hours minimum, and for sure, until the transformer is room temperature.

I have done that several times with the power cord for my laptop...

Changes

I hate changes.  I really want the status quo to prevail.

However, changes happen. 

Especially electronic changes.

At work, we have an electronic medical record.  For the past several months, preparations have been made to update the software of this application... I was honored to be invited to be a point person to help with this:   each unit was asked to designate a representative to spearhead the change, coordinate and disseminate information, and be available to help hands one, when the changed occurred.

When I was asked to do this, I was told that the sole responsibility did not rest on me:  the training coordinator would disseminate training information and track it, as that is his job.  The administrative coordinator would do administrative paperwork and tracking.  The department heads would disseminate department information, and develop departmental strategies to deal with this...

It happened that way, with a few glitches (minor) along the way... I was gratified that the administrator, and my immediate supervisor agreed with me that proactive (extensive, expensive and time consuming) measures needed to be taken in case the transition was not as short termed and smooth as we all hoped.  I have been ongoingly gratified that everyone has done their job, pitched in and made things happen the way they were supposed to.

This has required some time from me, from a couple of hours a week to many hours a week. But I have enjoyed it: I have enjoyed knowing what is going on, I have enjoyed helping people prepare for the process.

As the transition approached, anxious staff have had many questions. I have enjoyed spending time telling them what to expect and assuring them that I was available for help.  Today, a coworker thanked me for that, and said (quite correctly) sometimes help is not available.

The change happens next Sunday and Monday, if all goes well... I hope it does.  We are prepared if it does not.. 

Delete Items

I am really bad about permanently deleting items from my computer mailbox.  I frequently send things to the delete box, but rarely clear out the ultimate delete box.

Last night, I was looking at both boxes: I manage two email accounts, my personal one, and the one I use for sending out emails for the local NASW branch...

My personal delete box had over 8000 emails, and the NASW one had over 3000.  That is appalling!  I set about deleting emails. My personal box has been cleaned out until October 1, 2010.  I still have over a 1000 emails in the box.  I send maybe 5-10 a day. So, I think I am getting too many emails.

The Danger of Ebilling

I recently experienced an outage of  internet service for my computer  from Suddenlink http://www.suddenlink.com/.  It was a simple fix: Suddenlink had updated their services, and my 8 year old modem could not accomodate their new signals. (I was not happy about this, but I understand.)

When I called in about my problem, Suddenlink "graciously" scheduled a visit by a technician (the first available appointment was 4 days in the future, but not compatible with my schedule, so I waited 5 days.) The technician walked in and saw the codes on my modem and diagnosed the problem:  I bought a new modem that night and was in business.

In a customer satisfaction survey, I explained my complaint that the phone technician could have told me the same information about my modem as the in home technician did, as all he did was look at the modem numbers...Suddenlink actually acknowledged this as something they could offer customers, and did agree to credit my bill the $6 I paid for service I did not get.

Well, in the process, I was without internet service for 6 days, on my secure network.. I did go to some public wifi sites and access things, but did not want to do bill pay, etc on non-secure lines.  So, what if I needed to bill pay or whatever while I did not have secure service?  

I am so much more sure that I want paper financial documents vs. all einteraction. 

Working Off Line

My computer network went out October 14, 2010. I am having to await until there is a time the technician and I can be in the same place in the same time, which turned out to be about 5 days later. On the 17th, I went to the public library to use the WiFi to clean out my email messages, and to take care a few pieces of online business. I did think to let my family know that I did not have computer access at home.



I had been on the computer a couple of times, to add some addresses, to play solitaire, but that was it.

I have thought about writing for the blog, but I did not have a topic.



I am not amazed to realize though, that I have thought about using the computer as synonymous as being on line.



However, there is nothing wrong with my writing blogs off line, and then loading them later…or doing other business off line.

New Technology

I was looking at the new phone Sprint has advanced:  the EVO4G http://now.sprint.com/firsts/?id9=SEM:Google:C:Sprint:HTC and am amazed at how many functions it offers.

Technology is amazing, and this is just one example of it. 

I am seriously thinking about upgrading to the EVO4G.

But I Want to Sit in the Living Room

It was another beautiful sit outside evening, and I did, for a fore-shortened time.  I had some computer obligations to keep:  mailing lists.  This required not just the laptop but the printer, and I do not have a remote wireless set up.  Besides it is too bright to see the screen easily outside that early... So, after a while, I moved inside and worked on my computer tasks. 

Much to my dismay, not one, but both cats wanted me to move into the living room.  That is no problem, just to read on the computer.  But not for printing.

So, I disappointed both girls... Now, I am finishing a brief entry and will move into the living room.  Hope they will be consoled.

I hate Technology

I really do not hate technology, but find it frustrating and confusing.  Having said that, I have programed remote controls before, set up my wireless net work, and tonight, have started the process to have a digital converter box for my TV.  I waited until after the 12 inning Red Sox game, so got a late start.  I activated the converter box, and it says it may take up to 2 hours for it to be activated, so I may attempt it tonight, with the expectation that I will have to attempt to finish the set up tomorrow, early enough in the evening so I can call (live) tech support, if need be...Just thinking about this makes me want to cry.  Yet, everyone I know who has digital converter boxes tells me programming and using is very easy... I hope.

Other technical mysteries:  Some months ago, I could not spell check in English on my email.  I do not know why, it just would not happen.  I would set the default language to spell English, but all I got was French... After being frustrated at not having English spell check, I stopped trying to use it.. A few days ago, I tried it, and the English spell check had returned...

On February 7, 2010, I decided to start posting regularly.  Yet, I was frustrated, because I could not find the spell check.  I knew there should be a spell check button on the editing bar above the blogging area, but there was not.  I have been SO frustrated at the lack of spell check,  I tried changing all kinds of settings, but to no avail... I just did not have spell check.

Well, tonight, I opened up the blogging area to submit this blog about how I hate technology, and lo and behold, there is the spell check button....I wonder if I edit some older posts, it will show.. I will experiment, before I publish this, and let you know.

Ah yes, I only went back a few posts, but the spell check was there.  Project:  to go back to February 7, 2010, and spell check every post.  If I do two or three a night, it will not be bad.  I will let you know when I am done.

Keyboard Keys

Sometimes the keypads on my laptop keyboard come loose.  I don't know why, but they do.  It takes some finagling, but pushing and pushing generally gets them to working again.  I am not sure why the keyboard demons and imps do this, but they do...

I remember typewriters, and sometimes, the typewriter keys would stick.  Sometimes the bars holding the keys would mysteriously get bent.  I never understood that. Now, I do not understand how my keypads get loose... Weird.