Friday, May 31, 2024

New Computer

 This is the first blog I'm writing from my new laptop.  So far it is the easiest thing I have done on it so far.,  I actually bought it in January, on sale, but put off dealing with it until now.  It's always a hassle setting up a new computer and didn't want to deal with it while I was trying to finish a manuscript.

I had hoped that setting it up would turn out to be easier than I expected.  It wasn't.  It began with me being locked out of the computer because it claimed I was putting in the wrong password.  But if you can't get into it, you can change your password,. I ended up with Apple Support and the guy was patient and able to help me.  I just wish I could remember all the steps..

The nice thing about an Apple MacBook is that it comes loaded with programs.  There is a word processing program, but  I wanted to have Word.  The last time I bought Word for my PC desktop, it was a hassle to install.  No more disks, now it's all downloads.  I didn't buy it from Microsoft and when it took forever to download it and a lot of help with the support person, I blamed it on not getting it from Microsoft.,

So, this time I went right to the source, thinking it would be easy.  No way.  It took tow hours and two different support people to get it in my computer.  It turned out that the computer had come with an App for Word, but the subscription thing of it which I did not want.  The app blocked the download and it took one of the support people to get the app into the trash can.

When I tried to add the wireless mouse from my old MacBook, I discovered that it has a USBC connection instead of a USBB connection and it wouldn't fit.  Then came ordering an adapter and a bluetooth mouse.   Can't they ever leave stuff alone.

At last, I think I have it all together just in time for my trip. I will say there does seem to be an improvement with the touch pad on this one.  My old one used to start scrolling when my wrist touched it and this one doesn't, but it does other weird stuff like when I want to click on something if it hovers over a word, it goes to dictionary instead of whatever I'm trying to click on.

But still when I think of how great it is to take with, all the hassles seem worth it.  I remember when I got my very first computer back in the 80s.  My brother was a computer expert and helped me with the whole thing.  I remember asking why I needed to get it for writing and he said it was the difference between doing the dog paddle and flying.  Many computers later, I definitely agree.

6 comments:

Patty Jenkins said...

Good morning -- Sounds like you've had a fun time getting the new computer set up. I got a new Mac a couple years ago -- my son did everything for me. I don't do a lot with it -- check credit card accounts, bank statements, email, ask Google a question -- occasionally write a letter. And, of course, read your Friday posts and look at crochet patterns!!

I sent the granny square throw to my daughter and she said it is perfect -- she has a patchwork quilt she made years ago and wanted me to use the colors from it plus the turquoise of new curtains. She asked for a 36" square -- my kitchen island is 36" wide so I use it to measure -- works well!! When I want something a bit bigger, I just eyeball a few more inches. The blankets I make usually don't have to be a precise size.

Temp is predicted to be 105 today -- that is definitely air conditioner weather. I'll water patio plants this morning and that will be my outside time.

Enjoy your coming trip -- murder and mayhem!!

Betty Hechtman said...

Patty, the throw you sent your daughter sounds lovely. 105 is definitely air conditioning weather. It is beginning to warm up here but nothing like that.

Nice that you had your son to set up your computer. The good thing about Macs is that they last a long time. My old one is probably 12 years old. It still works for a lot of stuff.

I am looking forward to the trip. Next blog will be from the road.

Patty Jenkins said...

Good Saturday morning -- Your going to Wisconsin reminded me of two trips we've taken there -- one was an organized tour and the second was on our own because we loved the beauty of the state. Have you been to the House on the Rock? It's just west of Madison and a great place to visit. If the winters weren't so darn cold, Wisconsin would be a beautiful place to live.

I'm almost done with the cross stitch blanket-- about 10 rows to go. I found a book of crochet techniques, tucked under some others on a closet shelf, and it has good instructions for several things I've not done before, including the magic ring for starting the middle of a granny square. For some reason, I've never been able to do that easily -- the chain 5, join into a ring, works for me!!

Enjoy your weekend --

chkntza said...

Congratulations on your new computer. I love apple support. They are always patient and willing to spend time helping me since I am not a computer expert. Have a great time on your trip.

Sally Morrison said...

Getting a new computer is like moving into a new house. It takes forever to unpack and you can't find anything. Hope it goes well for you.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Wow, I admire your attitude about the new computer, Betty. I've been having issues with my now aging one and find it really frustrating. Have fun with the new one!