Tomorrow my computer expert is coming to help me install a new desk top computer. I am writing my blog one day early incase installation goes awry and I can't communicate with the world.
No, the old computer is not available to family and friends. It will become the center piece of our basement photoshop and be outfitted with an external hard drive to preserve all the pictures. I can't believe how much space pictures take up.
My first objective is to preserve all the important stuff on the existing computer especially things that should be reloaded on the new computer.
I have spent this week buying computer components at Best Buy. I spent so much time there that I became a fixture. New customers were approaching me for help.
I bought a new Dell desktop computer with 1 terrabyte of hard disk storage. The working disk or RAM has 8 gigabytes of capability. I guess those capabilities are a lot. Then I bought a big 24 inch Dell monitor (older people can't see and need larger presentations).
I wasn't done! I was told to get a "N" router and an appropriate receiver for the old computer so that I have wireless cable throughout the house.
I still wasn't done. I was told to get at least one external hard drive with 1 terrabyte of storage capability. My computer expert is going to have to settle for a cute unit with only 500 gigabytes of storage. I made the executive decision to lighten up on the capability of the external hard drive.
Oops! My personal private files are now kept on "floppy disk" which new computers don't provide compartments for. They tell me I'm old fashioned and I need to change. Bullsh--. I bought a portable floppy disk unit that plugs into my new computer and I can still use old floppy files. I know I could switch them all over to external hard drives. It seems to me I would driving a tack with a sledge hammer.
On the last day (when the money ran out), I stopped to buy a 7 outlet power bar to protect against variations in electrical input along which came a $100,000 insurance protection against lightning destroying my system. More bullsh--.
I had to pick up so special cords to handle the different components.
Oh yeah, a printer was part of the "package deal".
The lesson Grasshoppers is that computers become obsolete. It all sounds very expensive but for under $1000 you can equip youself to talk to the world. Who knows when I will have to do this again. Maybe Obama will provide some sort of "cash for clunker computer programs".
Wish me luck.
Love,
Dad