Silly computer tricks
Jan. 29th, 2007 08:53 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jhetleyOkay, we are now coming to you from the laptop. My 1998 Dell desktop machine has a busted power switch. As in, physically broken. This limits access...
If Elder Son wants a free lunch or other amenity, he can wander by and diagnose further or perform magical repairs at his leisure. A jump start that leaves the machine on 24/7 would be a temporary option.
And in _other_ silly computer tricks, I was browsing through internet sources for Apple Imac computers (Coincidence with the Dell failure? I think not...) and noted that the new models don't seem to contain telephone modems.* Hell of a note, that. Some of us do _not_ have broadband and home ethernet...
Grumblegrump.
*Editorial addition -- yes, I _am_ aware that USB modems can be purchased separately. This adds $50 to the cost of the machine, for something that would add maybe $5 or $10 to the cost of the unit if done internally. Plus another widget hanging around back there in the tangle of wires and dust. Don't draw Wife's attention to the dust...
If Elder Son wants a free lunch or other amenity, he can wander by and diagnose further or perform magical repairs at his leisure. A jump start that leaves the machine on 24/7 would be a temporary option.
And in _other_ silly computer tricks, I was browsing through internet sources for Apple Imac computers (Coincidence with the Dell failure? I think not...) and noted that the new models don't seem to contain telephone modems.* Hell of a note, that. Some of us do _not_ have broadband and home ethernet...
Grumblegrump.
*Editorial addition -- yes, I _am_ aware that USB modems can be purchased separately. This adds $50 to the cost of the machine, for something that would add maybe $5 or $10 to the cost of the unit if done internally. Plus another widget hanging around back there in the tangle of wires and dust. Don't draw Wife's attention to the dust...
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no subject
Date: 2007-01-29 05:00 pm (UTC)(The good thing about the new external modems is that they are *tiny*. And you're probably aware that you can dual boot into Windows, should nostalgia overtake you.)
no subject
Date: 2007-01-29 05:39 pm (UTC)(None of the other computers have wi-fi capability. Hell, the old desktop machine, cause of this muttering, doesn't even have Ethernet.)
no subject
Date: 2007-01-29 07:03 pm (UTC)Well, you could consider broadband satellite service. And it'd probably even be a valid deduction for an architect who has to schlep big old CAD files from point A to point B.
On the other hand, who am I to impede old codgers in mid-grumblegrump?
no subject
Date: 2007-01-29 07:46 pm (UTC)I accept the charge of codgerdom.
We have _access_ to broadband here, either cable or DSL, but don't choose to pay for it. Hear the cheap-cheap-cheap in the background?
The Nature Center, on the other hand, would like broadband but can't reach it. And that's about six miles from here, as the raven flies.