Tech tips -
Windows 7 is due for release on Oct. 22. Just reading about this makes my mind wander back to the days when I got my first introduction to the world of computers, programming in basic, in high school.
Yep, I am one of those people who are just the right age to have witnessed first-hand the introduction and evolution of the personal computer. In the early 80s, you did the one and only computer class available because you could see this was the wave of the future, and a skill like this would make you more employable.
Have you added it up yet? It has been three decades of evolution to get to this point. People seem to think that this technology belongs to the emerging generation, however it does not.
This technology belongs to us, the old fogies, yet how many people still say to me that they "hate computers" or they "can't understand computers," can't get with all this "technology stuff."
Well, to them I say "how old were you 30 years ago?" It is time to let it go. Get up, go out and get yourself a computer. Call the phone company and get yourself on the internet. It is time!
Look around you. Everything is moving in that direction. Stop fighting it. It is convenient to pay your bills online. Look at the endless merchandise available everywhere in the world, get what you want when you want it. Government documents and forms, all online. Pay your vehicle registration, online. For Heaven's sake, apply for your moose license online.
Now look, your grandkids don't want to talk to you on the phone. They want to text you, they want you to use messenger, and they want to see you on a web cam via skype. They don't want to send you pictures, go look at them on facebook.
One more bit of advice, don't let your kids give you their old junk computers. They are giving these things away because they only half work. Get yourself a new machine with the new software. Trust me, it is much easier to use than the old stuff and it is designed to work with your webcam and cell phone. That old Windows 98 is not! If you can't afford a laptop, buy a netbook.
Scared of getting ripped off online? It is possible, but you can get ripped off through the phone or mail as well. Get over it.
Like I said, it has been decades. I am sure some people resisted the telephone when it was first invented, and maybe some even resisted electricity, but it's been 30 years, it is time to get yourself online.
toddmusseau@gmail.com
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