Buffalo Gal

The better it gets, the worse it gets.
I was so delighted with myself last week for figuring out how to boost digital voice files from which I was scrambling to extract nuggets for a project. There was a program shipped with the lap top which I opened for the first time in two years... and there I was Phil Spector (without the gun).
I was on a roll. The log-in screens and password ID made no sense to go through every time the computer paused out as I am the only owner and operator of the machine. I went to the control panel and removed them. It was a simple process, clicking on a series of simple instructive screens.
Not really.
The next day I turned the computer on and a new login screen appeared. I tried the old password.. then every old password I'd ever used. The new sentry was unimpressed.
I called Microsoft who told me they could do nothing because XP was installed by the manufacturer. Their website did the same.
So I went to Sony world, where the telephone computer voice eventually told me it would cost $19.95 to ask a question. It referred me to the online help.
After four email answers that started with "At the Start menu go to" ... which I answered by reminding them I couldn't get to the Start Menu. I tried starting in the Safe mode and still got this mysterious password box (but the graphics weren't nearly as sharp).
The fifth email told me my only option was to reinstall in sytem. I broke down and called Sony back, gave them my credit card for the $19.95 so they too could tell me the only thing that could be dome was to reinstall the system.
In a lucid moment (and they were few at this point) I will admit that the project locked behind this all (which I was trying to finish for Wednesday delivery )would not have been done anyway. Some could argue that I was spending too much time trying to beat that deadline and that sleep, nourishment and social interaction are sometimes considered good things.
But the computer deprived me of the option of failing on my own. The only local computer shop opens in 35 minutes and the laptop is packed and ready to go.
I'm praying they know a secret other than reinstall. Either way, I'll pay far too much for the privilege of finding out.
We may hit the key, but computers have Control.

Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs

Buffalo Gal Judi Griggs I'm a communications professional, writer, cynic, mother, wife and royal pain. The order depends on the day. I returned to my hometown in November 2004 after a couple of decades of heat and hurricanes. I can polish pristine copy, but not here. This is my morning exercise -- 20-minute takes without a net or spellcheck. It's easier than sit ups for me. No guarantee what it will be for you. Clicking on the subscribe link will send you an email notice when each new entry is posted.
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Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (0) Share on Facebook		2004-07-12 7:36 AM The power(less feeling) of the computer The better it gets, the worse it gets. I was so delighted with myself last week for figuring out how to boost digital voice files from which I was scrambling to extract nuggets for a project. There was a program shipped with the lap top which I opened for the first time in two years... and there I was Phil Spector (without the gun). I was on a roll. The log-in screens and password ID made no sense to go through every time the computer paused out as I am the only owner and operator of the machine. I went to the control panel and removed them. It was a simple process, clicking on a series of simple instructive screens. Not really. The next day I turned the computer on and a new login screen appeared. I tried the old password.. then every old password I'd ever used. The new sentry was unimpressed. I called Microsoft who told me they could do nothing because XP was installed by the manufacturer. Their website did the same. So I went to Sony world, where the telephone computer voice eventually told me it would cost $19.95 to ask a question. It referred me to the online help. After four email answers that started with "At the Start menu go to" ... which I answered by reminding them I couldn't get to the Start Menu. I tried starting in the Safe mode and still got this mysterious password box (but the graphics weren't nearly as sharp). The fifth email told me my only option was to reinstall in sytem. I broke down and called Sony back, gave them my credit card for the $19.95 so they too could tell me the only thing that could be dome was to reinstall the system. In a lucid moment (and they were few at this point) I will admit that the project locked behind this all (which I was trying to finish for Wednesday delivery )would not have been done anyway. Some could argue that I was spending too much time trying to beat that deadline and that sleep, nourishment and social interaction are sometimes considered good things. But the computer deprived me of the option of failing on my own. The only local computer shop opens in 35 minutes and the laptop is packed and ready to go. I'm praying they know a secret other than reinstall. Either way, I'll pay far too much for the privilege of finding out. We may hit the key, but computers have Control. Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs Read/Post Comments (0) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top