Sunday 22 May 2011

Three Weeks in the Life of a New Computer

Three weeks in the life of a new computer is just the beginning!



At last I am using my new equipment
I certainly don't need to do Crosswords to keep my mind active - this has been quite a learning curve and I still have a long way to go

I am using the latest H*P Env*y 17" wide screen laptop
I have never had a laptop before so I know it will be fun
For general use I have it linked to a
23" wide screen HD Monitor with a wireless keyboard

The wireless All-in-one printer has just been unpacked and I hope to get that in operation soon
More complicated than my last one as I can use it on the net and receive E-mailed photos without even using a computer

Add into the equation Windows 7, Windows Live mail instead of Outlook Express, Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer, new Photo software, Office 2010, Skype and a host of other new computer experiences yet to be discovered on this new equipment I think I am doing pretty well for a self taught amateur.

At one point I wondered if I would ever get everything transferred from my old computer and my old external hard drive but I did.

Then it felt like disaster struck!
When purchasing I was pressured into taking out a £450 warranty. When reflecting at home I felt very uneasy about this and eventually realised that I could cancel it within 45 days. Phew!
This I did and 15 minutes later had a complete crash.
Explorer 9 update came onto my screen and I clicked on the download, momentarily forgetting that I was not using this search engine any more. After the download computer completely locked up and I could not even turn it off.

When the retailer said I would lose all my data if I wanted it restored I just could not believe it.
He then said they would charge me a minimum of £80 to retrieve data if I wished before restoring it.
I was not convinced that this was the right way to go
so contacted a friend who is very experienced in computer trouble shooting
  Within 10 minutes of taking my laptop to her home, all was well again. In the end I even benefited from the experience as she found a way to get my 250+ E-mail addresses transferred via. the net and a quicker way than I was using of transferring 270 bookmarks.

May be I will get my life back now!!!!!
Life has still been going on of course but mentally I have felt pre-occupied.


The fun will begin soon in sorting out my old computer as Alan is going to have it. Simple things like finding out how to get rid of my E-mail account so that my E-mails continue to come to me!


I am going to have a GIVEAWAY on my next post
then I will be back to sharing more on London

16 comments:

Tina said...

Hi dear Barbara,
It is so funny how the shops find a way to get some money out of us when some trouble like that happens, isn't it?
Once with my old laptop I had a problem quite similar and I thank god that Hubby works with IT and he sorted thing out for me.
I am glad that your friend helped you. :)
xx

Lori Zehr said...

Congratulations on the wonderful new equipment. I wish I knew as much about computers as you do!

Lori Zehr said...

Congratulations on the wonderful new equipment. I wish I knew as much about computers as you do!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Very pretty! It appears that you are very well equipped now for whatever you might want to do. I'll be interested to see how you like the laptop. I've never had one either.

Trisha said...

Barbara you are a brave soldier to tackle all the new computer software. That makes me proud, and gives me inspiration to try new software, myself. Have a Blessed day.

Jan at Love It said...

Good for you! Yay for Windows 7, Google and Skype!

Vee said...

So much to learn! I am no good with learning so much so fast. My cap is doffed to you, my dear. And yay for wonderful and talented and computer savvy friends!

Deanna said...

Barbara,
The best to you as you learn this new computer.

I am happy for you!
d

Laura Bloomsbury said...

An interesting resumee of life with your technology upgrade. I dread even buying a new printer which is needed at the mo so will be interested to know how well yours prints.
Pleased to have found your London garden and have given you a shout on my blog
Laura

Balisha said...

I think that you're doing quite well...with this computer "thing." It's so nice to have them, but when there's a problem it can be so frustrating. Keep up the good work. Balisha

Pomona said...

A very smart new set of equipment - thank you for joining in my giveaway, too!

Pomona x

La Petite Gallery said...

You are my Idol, I want a lap top, but after reading all this I am scared, I can't even download yet.
You should be so proud of yourself.
That is some job. Best of luck
with the new lap top.

yvonne

Anonymous said...

It sounds like your having fun :-)

I've been using Google Chrome for all my blog related activities for a while and i must say that I really like it. I also use Firefox. I stopped using IE about 5 years ago and don't miss it at all.

I've been using the same computer for the past 11 years and have only had a couple of minor problems. It came loaded with Windows XP. I would probably have a tough time getting used to a new program but I'm sure that day will arrive someday :-(

Joyce said...

So glad you were able to get your new computer items set up. They look lovely. I tried to comment above but I don't think blogger is allowing me to do so......hummm. So if that is the case. I will ask you here to "include me" in your giveaway. We will see if the comment pop up later at some point.
Be blessed, Joyce

a woman who is said...

I am so proud of you! I am still sulking about my mac and won't spend enough time to really learn all the cool stuff. I do miss outlook, and my photo program...oh and word. Yikes, but I love the lap top and using it anywhere anytime with wireless is really great. Especially fun out in the garden. And...I love Google Chrome, it practically thinks for you. Your are doing a great job and love that your friend stepped in for a big rescue.

diane b said...

You certainly are keeping your brain active with this enterprise.