by Linda O. Johnston
Those of you who are reading this are most likely writers and readers. And some of you are also techies. You know what you’re doing when you sit down at the computer and write. Well, that part also works for me.
But not much else that’s technological.
I use two different desktop computers for different things, although one of these days I’ll retire the older one. Not sure when, though. My newer one is in a different room and has an array of windows behind it. Undraperied windows. Windows that therefore produce a glare on my computer.
No problem most of the time. But when I use Zoom, even though I use an assumed background, it’s really hard to see me on the Zoom screen at times of the day when the glare is worst. I’m gray and fuzzy!
I’m working on figuring out a way to deal with that, such as by adding an additional backing to head off the light. So far, though, I’m best on Zoom when I’m observing and listening to others but not participating much.
So how about you? I know some of you do quite well dealing not only with Zoom, but other technological things as well. But if you have a technological issue of any type, what do you do?
For some kinds of issues, I ask Geek Squad. You too? Or do you handle them well enough to figure them out on your own?
This week, my Facebook account was hacked, but I figured out how to change the password. A friend told me that she also received a message from me from Instagram, and I don’t have an Instagram account. Not only that, but when I tried to figure out even how to delete the false account, or let someone at Instagram know and have them delete it, you apparently had to have an Instagram account to make changes or communicate with them! I didn’t want to apply for one, so still don’t know how to get that false account deleted.
Okay, enough griping. But would you believe that, years ago, when I was a practicing attorney, I was one of the first in-house lawyers at my company to start using a computer on my own at my desk? Thanks to my writing, I knew how to create and edit contracts on a computer by myself so I didn’t need a secretary.
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
The Writers in Residence 
Linda, I can image you rushing from computer to computer as ideas tumble through your mind for the different stories you are writing. This techie stuff is a darned nuisance when all you want to do is a simple thing like deleting an online account. A 19th century short story writer, forget his name, had four typewriters set up in four different room and wrote stories on them. He said that each rom had a different atmosphere (we’d call i a vibe today) conducive to his writing. I take my laptop to my local Staples for repair, they are less expensive than Geek Squad, or to my library where they have techie interns always on hand in a special studio. As for Zoom, it is a wonderful break from writing but I prefer one-on-one or the telephone. A couple of our book club members use Zoom but it can cause over-talking and I find it irritating. Thanks, Linda, for admitting your techie faults, the kind most of us share!
jill
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I suppose we all find ways to handle our issues with writing, Jill, including the technological ones. I just wish that was easier! And Zoom is okay with me but I wish I could use it better.
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My first experience in the tech world was learning DOS. That was when computers were in the infant stage. I retired from the banking business before computers really took over, but I got one and taught myself enough to get a book or two written. I still think some of the older versions were far friendlier to learn, but I have slowly upgraded my computers. It would be nice if the people who designed them knew something more than just computers because other jobs require special knowledge. When the bank where I had worked put in computers the techs didn’t know what a spreadsheet really did and they couldn’t make it work. We got another bunch of computer guys to give us what we needed. Perhaps a little cross-training from all parties would help.
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I agree that older versions seemed easier to learn, Gayle, since the newer ones seem to contain things that might be more helpful if you know how to use them, but learning what I need to know, if I can figure it out, is time-consuming! Yes, it helped me to be around others who knew computers and could teach me. Now, my two sons are wonderful resources, but they’re seldom easily accessible.
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My issue was switching between Macs and PCs when I worked, with one at home and one in the office.
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Yikes, that does sound like a challenge!
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Terrible about your account being hacked! I’m old, one of the first in my “work” and friend circles to get a computer (8K I think!), now know nothing, use dated software, dated desk top and laptop, and can’t zoom because phone and wifi systems not robust enough out here in the desert. Great post, made me think about a lot of interesting things–a funny one being, how people who drove/rode in horse carriages, the model-t must have been gobsmacking!
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Yes, technology of all kinds is always changing and people, whenever they are or were, have to learn what’s necessary for them. And in addition to the hacking, I just learned that some of the social media sites are going to be making changes soon–including Facebook, which I use a lot. I hope they make it easy–and that the changes don’t ruin the current fun of using it.
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Haha. What a picture of yourself, Madeline. It’s great that we all love you despite your horse-drawn carriage technology.
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I find that googling my problems and questions gives me a solution most of the time. I’ve used the Geek Squad when we had a service plan with them. If needed, I’ll try Staples or check my neighborhood networking site. It’s all very frustrating, especially when it comes to the hacking epidemic. Best wishes, Linda, for success in dealing with those problems.
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I’m always googling too, and it often helps, but not always with technology, and it didn’t help with my hacking issues. Thanks for your good wishes!
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Maggie and Linda, that reminds me, that just recently I had to Google the support code on my printer because it refused to make more than 1/4 of a copy I wanted. (I copy checks on the bottom or backside Lynn’s statements to prove the person has paid. Occasionally I copy cash if that is what is paid.)
Well, anyway, the 2700 support code number said I could NOT copy cash. Huh! (Done it before on my previous printer.) It was not like I was “printing” money, just copying a payment. But my new Canon printer says, “No, no.”
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Another frustrating technological inconsistency. Ugh! It’s not like you could easily use a photocopy as actual money!
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Oh Linda – you’re singing my song! I still use my old Toshiba with Windows 7 for writing, as it is the most reliable (!) and easiest for me to use – although very slow… But I, too, bought a MAC that I’m still learning to use. So glad I’m not alone in the techie world! Great post!
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I admire your working on learning a new tech system, Rosie! Best of luck with it. I wound up having to upgrade my Word system because some of my editors said that I was harming their computer system when they attempted to make changes in my manuscripts!
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My goodness! I shall be a bit more careful and watch out for that!
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I have been inserting long emailed comments that people have sent me to be included in the memoir I just finished and I think one or two of those may have corrupted my laptop as weird things began happening such as text jumping around and lines of text squishing together. Back to Staples….
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Oh, dear. I hope you and Staples figure it out fast!
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If there is an issue, an user manual is best source of advise. You can read documentation, file a bug report or suggest new features.
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Thanks! I tried reading what they had online but didn’t try to find a user manual.
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