Something Old & New

These are the familiar first and second lines of a traditional rhyme detailing what a bride should wear at her wedding for good luck. The entire rhyme mentions five items:

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.

It dates to the late 1800s during the Victorian Era and comes from an English rhyme. The objects were considered necessary to include on a wedding day with the belief they would ward off the evil eye and lead to happy marriages, a superstition still popular today in the UK and US.

Something old is a family keepsake carried or worn by the bride to symbolize continuing her past life in her marriage. Something new offers optimism for the future. Something borrowed is believed to transfer luck from one marriage to another. Something blue is a sign of purity and fidelity represented in something blue worn by the bride. A sixpence is a silver British coin, about the size of a penny, no longer in use. It's meant to symbolize a life of wealth and prosperity. Traditionally, the bride's father would place the sixpence in her shoe for good fortune. The custom derives from a time when the bride would gift silver coins from her dowry to the groom.

But, as usual, I've digressed and here's why. When thinking about a post title, this rhyme came to mind, so off I went to learn more and, of course, opted to share here. However, this post is not about any upcoming wedding and, no, we didn't include any of these traditions at our own nearly 25 years ago and it's lasted regardless.

That said, there is something old and something new to post about, a bit of an extravagant and overdue holiday and birthday gift from myself to myself. Do you ever treat yourself? 

Older iMac desktop

The old is a nearly 10-year old, 21-inch desktop iMac computer purchased shortly after we'd relocated to NH. This was my first Apple computer, aside from an iPad and iPhone. Before buying the Mac, I'd always used HP computers based on Windows (Microsoft) operating system, switching to Apple meant learning to do things differently. I admit to still learning, overall it continues to have been a good decision to switch. 

The desktop is still working, but like most things, equipment tends to get slower with age, and with mine it was taking longer to open mail, documents and multiple tabs. All of these are not unexpected, as some issues associated with aging computers include:

Less reliability which can mean unplanned down time if they malfunction.

Expired warranty which can lead to unexpected expenses.

Slower running with more waiting for applications to load.

Older computers often become incompatible with some software.

Internet source

How long do computers last?

That's what I wondered as well. According to many experts, desktop computers generally have a healthy lifespan of five years, some longer, especially if well maintained. Laptops are estimated to have a lifespan to three or four years. 

The good news is that according to experts, Mac computers have a reputation for lasting longer. Apple offers a strong maintenance and support system. There's an added cost, but AppleCare is an available option that extends the warranty for an additional 2 years. Speaking from experience it has always been worth the added cost to buy the extra protection.

My computers are well past these estimates, not only is my desktop older than its expected lifespan, but so is a 2017 MacBook Air notebook computer, which is not being replaced now. It's mainly taken on road trips and still functioning quite well enough for that purpose. Perhaps, its replacement will come in a couple years.

In an earlier post, when I noted that plans were in the works for a new computer gift to myself and invited comments from fellow bloggers. Several responded they preferred a notebook. That's exactly what I was considering based on the limited size of my desk. The iMac consumed much of the available desk space.

New MacBook Pro

This MacBook Pro notebook is new with so much more memory, faster processor and other features, too many to list. True, its 16-inch screen is smaller than the 21-inch desktop, but having more desk space is a good thing for me. And, hopefully, it will last as long as its predecessor.

What happens to the old computer?

This week, files were migrated from the desktop to the notebook using Apple's built-in file migration system and Patrick's help. As soon as I'm sure the notebook is working with no issues, the desktop will be recycled at the Apple store in Nashua, NH. 

Last week, we went there not only for me to check out the available models and purchase a new computer, but to recycle Patrick's even older-iMac desktop. It had been replaced it with an Apple notebook over the holidays because it was also time for an upgrade.

What about donating older PCs?

Yes, we did consider the possibility of donating both desktops to a local organization in need (after first removing all personal data). However, that's easier said than done it seems. After calling a number of volunteer organizations and not finding any takers, we decided recycling was the best alternative. Some reasons given when declining the offer were that the organization did not use non-Windows computers, there was no need and, of course, the age of the computer even though it remains functional, just a bit slower.

Computers, monitors and other peripheral devices often contain toxic materials, such as lead and mercury that don't belong in a landfill. Just like Apple, many manufacturer and retailer-sponsored programs (like best Buy) will take drop-offs and then dismantle the computers for materials recycling. While Apple offers a credit toward purchase of another device or gift card, both our computers were too old and so no credit would be offered toward another purchase, so they would be recycled at no cost to us, win-win.

If and when you’re also ready to retire your old equipment through donation or recycling, make sure to completely erase the hard drive first. Then, donate or recycle the hardware whichever works best for you. 

Sunset over the Nashua River earlier this week

Bye, Bye to Picasa

Yes, I'm rather very late in ditching the Picasa photo editing software from my desktop PC. But, when my desktop MAC was updated to the latest OS (operating system) it was way past time to part ways. This is a long post on free photo editing alternatives that offer more user features and as mentioned are also FREE.

My excuse for delaying was familiarity breeds reluctance despite the fact that Google ended support for Picasa in mid-March 2016 adding that there would be no further developments or updates (there were none). However, Picasa would continue to function on desktops where it was already installed as it did on mine.  Google let former Picasa users view their Picasa web albums online at Google Photos. After a recent check, my photos are there. I've never used Google Photos. Many should be deleted and most likely will be soon.

That said, I continued using Picasa even after purchasing Adobe® Photoshop Elements. Two years ago it was at version 15, now at 19. I've used it sparingly, and shamefully never learned its capabilities. True, it was much simpler then learning Adobe Photoshop®. which was used years ago in a college course. Picasa was super easy for quick photo edits and collages posted on this blog.

Forward to late 2019, when my Mac desktop sent notices that 32-bit apps would no longer be supported with Apple's upgraded Catalina OS (operating system) update; only 64-bit applications would run under it. My desktop was running the previous Mojave OS, which allowed 32 and 64-bit applications to work — Picasa and other 32-bit apps still worked. But, once the OS was updated, they wouldn't, even if still on the hard drive. (Many experts recommended deleting 32-bit apps then updating. Others suggested holding off until the kinks were "smoothed out." That was my out — I'd hold off until 2020.

And I did, even when 32-bit warnings were replaced by daily pop-ups that updates are ready to install. Another choice was remind me in a day, so I choose that one. 

At the start of March, months into 2020, it was time to Just Do It. Especially after an Apple Support Rep cautioned that the update eventually could just happen. I knew it was time to delete the 32-bit apps and move on, done while humming Bye Bye, Picasa to the tune of American Pie (my singing is worse).

But WAIT there's good news. A search on the Mac App store with a two-fold goal for 64-bit and FREE photo editing programs, came up with gold (before leprechauns find it later this month). My goal was 64-bit photo editors to work with the newest Mac OS and at no cost (Free works for me). Another reason to download from the Mac App store is compatibility that's included in the software app description. You can download from the SW websites too. The download method is your preference.

Not only were there several numerous photo editors available, but many had more features than Picasa. True, most contain in-app offers to upgrade to Paid or Pro versions. But, as mentioned, FREE was a goal and, despite these offers, the programs will work.

OK that was a long-winded farewell, as most can be. Now, here's a brief rundown on two photo editors recently downloaded to my desktop. Thankfully, there's several YouTube tutorials on these programs and similar ones available in the App store. Be forewarned that some You Tube videos are better or worse than others.

PhotoScape X is billed as an all-in-one photo editing software with features like editor,

photo viewer, cut out, collage, GIF maker, photo merge, frames, batch functions, tools

and brushes. It has a RAW conversion feature and several batch editing tools to let you resize and rename multiple images. Its website includes video tutorials. A paid version has more features and tools. This one with its multitude of photo capabilities is Free. This program also offers one-click enhancement features with many filters, frames, brushes, shape crops, color pickers and clone stamps. 

Fotor Photo Editor has been called the "lite Photoshop" and is also a FREE download. Like Photoscape X there's also a paid version with even more features. It has a list of basic tools and features ranging from simple edits (brightness, saturation) to wrinkle remover, teeth whitening. There's also a number of effects, frames, stickers and text options geared to social media sharing. Fotor includes collage and design sections and templates. 

I've read several reviews labeling Fotor as more an image enhancer than a photo editor. PhotoScape X received higher ratings for its photo editing features. )This isn't an endorsement for one or the other, as I've downloaded both.) I've spent hours watching YouTube videos on both (some good, some not). Elaine Giles has several on-line videos on Fotor features. Jamie Keet, Teacher's Tech, has a lengthy one featuring Photoscape X. FYI, neither program works with layers, if anyone is interested in that capability.

But, these photo editors are not the only free photo editing software currently available. There's many more; some are platform specific (Windows or Mac); others are only for use on a cell phone or tablet:

• Adobe Photoshop Express (web and mobile - iOS, Android, Windows)
• GIMP (desktop Mac & Windows)
• Paint.NET (desktop Windows only)
• Pixlr (online and mobile - iOS, Android)
• Pixlr X (online on desktop)
• PhotoScape X (desktop only - Mac & Windows; Pro - Windows only)
• Fotor (online Mac & Windows; mobile iOS, Android)
• Photos Pos Pro (desktop Windows only)
• BeFunky (web Mac & Windows; mobile iOS, Android)

Also, several of these are available for use online without the need to download to your PC, tablet, or phone. If anyone has used any of these and has a recommendation please feel free to experiences in comments below. Thanks in advance.

To date, I've been creating collages in Fotor and PhotoScape X just to get the feel of each program. Each has unique capabilities, although those in Fotor are more limiting. 

Fotor is more standardized and offers templates for up to 9 collage styles. There's limited choices for photo editing within the cell of each collage; photos can only be enlarged, rotated, deleted. Changes can be made for border, corner, shadow, width of the collage frames. There's also a freestyle collage option.

By comparison, PhotoScape X offers templates for up to 10 collage styles and many more choices. It lets users change the look and effect of each individual photo within the collage and apply different effects to each one. It also allows changing the background, spacing, borders, background, opacity of the collage itself. Also, template shapes are quite unique and cell borders can be moved.

Update: Problem Resolved

Last week I wrote about a computer issue between my Apple desktop PC and an external CD/DVD drive (also an Apple product). I appreciated blogger feedback that a possible solution would be found after Apple reviewed files uploaded for analysis.

The very good news is that this week, there has been a determination of what caused the problem —The PC would go into restart mode when a certain CD was inserted into the drive, but not when the CD/DVD unit was connected without a disk.

A callback from Apple support this week determined that the issue was caused by a Universal Disk Format (UDF). Rather than try and explain it, there's info here. Thankfully, the external drive and the PC are both OK. This was verified when a music CD was inserted and the tracks were recognized and read. (So all is good with both devices.)

As it was explained to me, the computer was trying to access information on the inserted disk, then came to a bad area and went into shutdown mode. The term used referred to a "panic kernel." (Yes, it does sound ominous.) As alarming as the term sounds, Apple support explained that it's a self-protection mode for the computer. 

Images on the CD had been backed up on a Windows desktop PC and that was presented as a "possible" reason for the conflict. Thankfully, the bulk of the CDs in this project have already been transferred onto several external hard drives.

Ironically, the same CD could be read on other Apple computers in our household: Grenville's desktop and a notebook PC. That being the case, I was advised to use an alternate computer to read the "problem" CD. Hopefully, this will work; however, if the CD (or others) don't read on another computer, the (unwelcome) advice was to discard it. Disappointing to learn as there's more CDs to go through to complete this project.  

The good news is that copying CD images onto external hard drives is much "safer" in terms of failures, corruption and long-term storage. That said, I'm working on this project the next month or so until completion, then CDs are destroyed and trashed.

There's much speculation on how long CDs/DVDs "last." Several years ago, National Public Radio (NPR) aired this program on All Things Considered. It was interesting to read that there's "no average life span...as there's no average CD."

How do you store digital images — computer, CD/DVD media, external hard drive(s)?

Who Ya Gonna Call?

For me this week, it wasn't the scientist trio in the popular hit film, Ghostbusters, from which this post title was taken borrowed. Instead it was Apple support and speaking with several support reps is how my day was spent.

Grenville and myself are unabashed Apple users and we each have our own devices as we don't share well. Our 2-person household contains: two desktop PCs, notebooks, iPhones and tablets. At the very least, we're “standardized" in our product line. We even invested in the company's stock (on a very, very limited basis).

Whenever either of us have bought a new and/or refurbished Apple product, we've always added AppleCare Protection which extends the standard 1-year product warranty to 3 years with 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone. Of course, it's more costly  to do so, but it's proven useful for us. It covers hardware issues with unlimited phone-in support for software issues/questions, which have been the focus of most calls. 

For myself, the expense has been worth it. This week, I experienced an issue when a 2-year old iMac desktop PC (with AppleCare) and an external Apple DVD drive no longer "played together." Short story is that the DVD caused the PC to "crash" when a CD was inserted. This DVD drive was working when used about 2 weeks ago and to verify that it was still working, we tested it on Grenville's PC and a notebook PC, where it worked as expected. 

Over 6 hours, I spoke with support reps in NC, TX and FL on this issue. The reason for so many calls was there were procedures the PC needed time to complete and Apple support sets a callback time — and always called back. AppleCare support centers are nationwide in the U.S. and the case number and detailed information was available to each rep. Unfortunately, the issue is unresolved and on the last call was escalated to a senior support analyst who guided me through running PC diagnostics and uploading files for analysis by Apple. After it's reviewed, the analyst will call back (no doubts about this). 

I'm hopeful optimistic this issue will be resolved to allow completion of my VERY large project of transferring images from (too many) CDs to several portable hard drives. It's a tedious and time-consuming project. I've mentally set a  mid-2019 completion timeframe.

As for buying extended warranties for major appliances, we're now apartment dwellers so if something breaks down, we notify the management office for a repair. As former homeowners, we never bought extended warranties and never had an issue even during what would have been the "lifetime" of an extended warranty. However, with delicate electronics that can be costly to repair, we get extra coverage to ensure that nothing "bad" happens, sort of like buying auto and house insurance — you dislike the expense and pray you don't have to use the coverage

No, I'm wondering curious about your views on extended protection coverages.
Have you ever purchased a support plan for a product — electronics or not?
If so, did you ever use it and was your issue(s) revolved?

Got Gmail?

More correctly, Where Did My Mail Go?

We're wondering if any fellow bloggers been having issues specifically with Google mail, better known as Gmail. Although lately Grenville and I have been thinking of other names to call it.

WHY?
Mail coming into several of our Gmail accounts has actually been disappearing and depositing itself into Trash before we've read it.

Not something you would expect to happen on its own.

We noticed this Gmail problem happening on both our iPads a week or so ago, yet not on the MacBooks. Then, the problem seemed to resolve itself and Gmail was working OK without any action on our part.

Until today, when the same thing started happening AGAIN. And, this time it was also affecting mail on the MacBooks too.

In doing an online search, I found this information under Google/Gmail Support under the topic My messages have gone missing. The article lists a series of steps, clicking on the + next to a step will result in a drop-down box with additional steps.

We'll be checking our settings as detailed. Hopefully, this will resolve our problems and anyone else's. But, then again, it may also resolve itself (as earlier).

THANKS to all for the birthday wishes, yesterday. All were much appreciated !

PC Support Scammers

Ever receive a call that goes something like this?

This is Microsoft Technical Support calling. Your Windows computer has been found to be infected with viruses that could jeopardize your personal information (or something similar). We can help you.

It happened to me (again) last week when I received a call from a woman with a heavy (Indian?) accent who claimed to be from Microsoft Technical Support. Coincidentally, there was a lot of background noise, similar to what might be overheard in a busy call center. I was told that my Windows computer was sending ominous messages indicating it had a virus. After Grenville got on the phone and asked for a manager, a similarly accented male speaker give us the same bogus message.

The intended goal was to give remote access to "troubleshoot and remove the offending virus(es)." Here's the irony, my HP Windows computer was NOT turned on AND I had run a full scan the night before, after we returned home from PA. It had also been turned off during that time and the power supply shut down as we always do when leaving to travel.

What did we do?
Hung up, then turned on the computer and ran another full scan with no negative results.

In doing an online search, I learned that Microsoft has warnings about this type of scam. Also, Microsoft is in the business of making money from tech support and does not give away free customer support. Microsoft will never call a user unsolicited.

According to the Microsoft security site, once scammers have access to a PC, they can install malicious software, steal personal information, take remote control of a PC or direct consumers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card information. Microsoft Safety & Security Center has published guidelines here.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also aware of these fraudulent calls. You can read about Tech Support Scams - how they work and what actions you can take.


As frightening as a call like this can be to the uninformed PC user, best action is do nothing AND hang up. You won't risk having your computer's privacy invaded.

This tech support scam has exploded nationwide and people are falling prey to it every day, based on fear and lack of advance knowledge.

If you get a call claiming it's from Microsoft, HANG UP, and DO NOT turn on your PC and never allow remote access under any circumstances.

While tech-savvy folks, like many of you, are unlikely to fall for this scam, you may have relatives and friends who lack the necessary dose of skepticism and PC wisdom. Spread the word and help keep these scammers from harming others.

“Shoulda” Known Better and a Plug

Than to believe that the low gas prices in June would stick around. They were climbing up in July  and YIKES again in August.

Here’s a sampling from stations as of yesterday, Aug 8.  NO, we don’t have this many stations on the VA eastern shore. These drive-by images were taken traveling home from a road trip to Scranton, PA (more on that later). Stations were in states along our return route in PA, DE, MD, and VA — lowest $3.52 to highest $3.69.

And from what the news reports stated today – gas prices are UP on average over 20 cents across the nation – it’s going around AGAIN just when we were doing our happy dance too.

NOW the PLUG — but it’s a “good” thing”

This post was created and edited using Microsoft’s Windows Live Writer, part of the Windows Essentials suite (collage was done in Google’s FREE photo editor Picasa) .
This (non-shameless) plug for Microsoft is included because LW is hands-down, the best dedicated FREE blogging editor software and again it’s FREE.  (Sadly, there is no equivalent for Mac users, as I well know).  There has been online talk of the “possible” demise of Live Writer with the forthcoming release of the new Windows operating system, so I am helping get the word out. According to some bloggers, MLW has never been extensively pushed by MS and many bloggers may be unaware of its existence and capabilities. The best part (for me) is that you can create blogs off-line.

Fellow bloggers Ludwig and Technogran have written extensively on PC-based blogging tools. For a GREAT tutorial series on Live Writer, check out recent posts on Technogran’s Tittle Tattle blog, complete with screen captures. This blogger really knows her stuff and shares her know-how with fellow bloggers — THANKS TG.

Shiny & New and Under 3 Lbs.

YUP, that’s what my new Mac is, not exactly brand new, but looks just like new at less cost with a standard 1-year warranty when bought directly from Apple under Refurbished.

Sure, it’s still a “big ticket” item which I did not purchase quickly. Just ask Grenville, he’ll tell you how I went on (and on) trying to justify its purchase – to myself.

Here’s the new refurbished MacBook Air (13.3 in.) that arrived via FedEx last night – definitely night – since delivery was 8:15 p.m.

BEFORE getting this, I made a deal with myself – ever do that too? – couldn’t get a new PC, since we are downsizing for a move north to NH, without first selling my Windows notebook PC, 2005 Toshiba Satellite and related accessories: carrying case, notebook mouse, portable hard drive, external DVD drive (leftover from a netbook sold earlier).
EBay was the only viable selling venue, so last month, the sell-off started, very S-L-O-W-L-Y. After 1 week, items has a few “watchers” but NO bidders at auctions ended. There are no listing/relisting fees, but EBay’s “cut” is 8-10% when sold; then PayPal exacts a (smaller) fee. Costly, yes, but easier getting payment this way and transferring $ to my bank.

FINALLY, everything was sold and off to near AND far states of California, Colorado, Indiana, and New Jersey.

WHY was my choice a MB Air when similar Windows PCs are  FAR less costly and some even more feature-laden?

Personal preference for something different which meant a CHANGE from Microsoft /Windows based notebook PCs. My first 2 notebook PCs were by Toshiba and served me well – but hefty as well; the last one was over 6 lbs. Here’s how the MB Air compares:

Height: 0.11-0.68 in. (0.3-1.7 cm)
Width: 12.8 in. (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.94 in. (22.7 cm)
Weight: 2.96 lbs. (1.35 kg)
Sure, there are trade-offs going from a  standard notebook PC to the MB Air – its 4GB RAM can’t be expanded, it has no hard drive or CD/DVD drive. It DOES have a 128 GB solid state drive (SSD) less susceptible to fail from physical shock and quieter.

WHY? SSDs don’t use moving mechanical components, which distinguishes them from traditional magnetic disks, hard disk drives (HDDs) or floppy disks. Those electromechanical devices have spinning  disks and movable read/write heads. .
And then there’s that oh-so-slim and attractive aluminum housing.
And I won’t even mention the ever-so-quiet plus backlit keyboard. (WHOOPS, I just did.)

YES, this was definitely a good battle to have won with myself !
Besides, when if I miss using a  Windows/Microsoft PCs, I can turn on my HP desktop.

“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” *

*(Rick Blaine to Captain Louis Renault – Casablanca (1942)

Hey Mac!!!!!! I'm in a quandary!!!!!

Well the big change over to a Mac Book from a life (well since 1983) of PC's has been a real adventure. For the most part I'm really liking my MacBook. Just some little irritations.... LIKE no blog editor like 'MS Live Writer' for MAC. I thought i had found one but it doesn't play nice with Lion osX. And there isn't much else out there. DO any of you Mac users have any suggestions???? I did buy Office for Mac which has Word, Excel, and Power Point, but none of them seems to be what i'm looking for. So for the time being i'm composing in Word and pasting into Blogger.

Any help would be great.... come on .... i know someone out there is a closet Mac user..... fess up!!!!!

I'm Waiting...

Grenville

Kudos and Razzberries

Last Wednesday, I posted that my older HP desktop was being very uncooperative and the infamous BSoD or, worse yet, clicking off without advance notice (how inconsiderate). The post also included photos of the new HP desktop and printer ordered via quick ship  which is an HP term for “no customizations” such as more RAM, a larger HD, etc. Many quick ship choices cost $ less than those under Outlet.

The 2 “biggies” I crave are loads of memory so I will NOT add more and a large enough HD to keep me going for years. My old HP desktop had 2GB RAM and a 320 HD both of which worked well for the past many years. Anything above that would be heaven – the new PC has 6GB RAM and a 720GB hard drive – EUREKA !

HP offered free shipping (5-7 business day delivery) from TN. The F&P is is in VA and it came via Fed-EX in 3 days – ordered Tues; up and running by Sat. No problems clearing off unneeded programs – thankfully only a couple – and installing my own.
 

KUDOS to HP FOR fast service

Here’s a side-by-side of old and new PCs. The bamboo motif is really sharp (makes me want to redo the rest of the room…NOT).
Parts of the old PC will “live on” in the new one. We’re cannibalizing the DVD writer since the new PC has only get a single DVD unit. Remember when you used to get multiple drives?
Overdue Kudos also go to Canon – maker of cameras, printers and more. Several months ago, the display screen on Grenville’s Canon PowerShot A75showed electronic streak in playback mode. Since this is only a 4-megapixel (as in much older) digital camera, we considered listing  “as is” on ebay and then buy a new low-end model.  While web-surfing, I found a link stating that Canon had a recall on PowerShot units for a defective CCD sensor with a link to Canon USA support. The support site gave an 800 number, which I called to explain the problem. A support rep told me that Canon would email a prepaid UPS mailing label and on receipt just remove the memory card, batteries, camera strap, package securely and return to Canon. Within 2 weeks, the now-repaired camera was sent back – NO CHARGE.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when MY Canon PowerShot A85 developed a similar problem. This time, I knew what to do and again called Canon support. Same procedure ensued and camera was returned -- FIXED. No fuss and now we had two digital cameras fixed and working again.

KUDOS to CANON FOR GREAT service

Finally, TRUCKLOADS of RAZZBERRIES go to Adobe Systems for not being gracious enough to offer existing customers a substantially lower cost solution when older versions of their top software –  Photoshop CS (Creative Suite) won’t work with current systems.
The CS version I own worked on the old PC with its 32-bit OS (operating system) but the new PC is a 64-bit OS. And, Adobe’s solution when I called support?  A 25% discount on software costing a couple hundred dollars. It’s just not good enough.
IF Microsoft can make some of their products downward compatible WHY couldn’t Adobe follow suit or at  least offer a compromise that (1) doesn’t cost several hundreds of $$ even with a discount, and (2) recognize that a satisfied customer IS a happy customer who WILL talk about the company’s response.  This is how brand loyalty starts and is maintained – HELLO, anyone home at Adobe?
Clearly, HP and Canon know about customer loyalty and do their best to foster it; sadly Adobe is (in my opinion) clueless and most likely doesn’t even care. And neither do I care about Adobe. Today I ordered photo editing software – PaintShop Photo™ ProX3 – that not only is much less costly than Adobe, but works on 32 and 64-bit OS.

 

MANY RAZZBERIES to ADOBE FOR NOTHING

In a Blue Mood or Does Not Compute

Sadly, that’s been the case recently with my “old” (8+ years) HP Pavilion® desktop. It’s not that it doesn’t  run. I’m composing this blog post on it. Rather, it’s become erratic and slightly unreliable …make that REALLY unreliable. 

Lately (more often) it’s been going to a BSoD – called the “blue screen of death” (or doom) depending on how gloomy your mood.  Even worse and really annoying is the computer shutting down without displaying the BSoD – like taking a shortcut? Some days, it could run for hours with no dire messages. Other times, it would click off, despite the power button still being lit and would not run. Solution? Count to a high number, cross fingers and toes, turn it on  and hope for the best. Usually this worked, but then the problem would return.

A BSoD is actually a Windows STOP message.” The PC flashes a blue screen message and then shuts down without warning to prevent damage to the PC. Sorry, folks there are no announcements for the “blue light”, or in this case, blue screen special. And it gets WORSE because you will lose any unsaved information, so save and save often – sort of like you should do with money. As dire as the BSoD sounds, it doesn’t come with any in capital  or flashing letters. The first line reads:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

Unlike this more appropriate, but untrue, warning message:

WARNING -- Because of something you did, Windows is highly unstable. You can try to restore Windows, although that probably won’t correct your stupid computer.

Choose from the following:

• Press any key and get another blue screen – probably saying that the system is critical
• Offer the computer an apology since it has to do all your work
• Sacrifice something to Bill Gates and hope he takes pity on you
• Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to restart your computer. It won’t make any difference, you’ll end up crashing it again anyway

After doing online research, I learned that while incredibly frustrating, the BSoD is sort of a good thing and can prevent a PC from being damaged beyond repair. Sometimes, problems are the result of a kernel error, essentially a small program in your system that runs or “drives” the hardware. Other causes can be a power supply malfunctioning, a component over heating or memory going bad. Hmmm this last one sounds almost “human.”

SOLUTION: At over 8 years old, any system or hardware malfunction that involved money for new parts or service, seemed not the best choice. It was time to shop online, and under the HP Quick Ship choices I “found” this new PC which arrives on Friday. And with 6GB memory and a 750GB hard drive it should keep me going for at least another 8 years, maybe longer, if the BSoD doesn’t come flashing.

And along with this decision came another one to replace two older printers with a single new HP Photosmart all-in-one wireless. The old (still working) printers are going to a good cause – the local Hospice thrift store.

And the old PC? its DVD drive will be added as a second DVD drive on the new one. Other parts may be salvageable too.

PS, I really like the bamboo leaf motif on the new PC and it came FREE.