Category Archives: Computers

Computers Fix Everything

Posted in Christian values, Computers, Uncategorized by

Many moons ago, more than I care to admit, I used to subscribe to PC Magazine. It had interesting and useful articles. Additionally, I enjoyed the letters to the editor. I was reading through them one day when the letter writer included a picture from an ad in the previous edition. Unfortunately, I cannot recall the witty body of the letter, but the picture was of a person removing their new computer from a box. The unusual part was that the monitor displayed the standard Windows screen.

It is the sort of thing most of us wouldn’t even notice. As I looked up a while ago, I noticed another unlikely picture. The proverbial computer expert pressed the keyboard twice. Instantly, the screen started showing all sorts of pertinent information.

I spent decades in the computer industry. I have personally known dozens of people who could do some truly amazing things with computers.

Sorry, folks. It does not work that way. Most experts these days use a mouse or touch screen for the most part. Keyboards are still used extensively, but the idea of doing everything by pressing two keys is still a long way in the future. I suspect we are closer to new computers working while still in the box.

I understand. Television shows often have time restrictions that lead to representations rather than reality. For example, when a character knocks on a door in a TV show, it takes only two seconds for the door to open. In reality, it takes me longer than that just to get out of my chair. I hope that if the police ever come knocking on my door, they will wait more than the two seconds typically depicted on television.

The point is, computers are still a far cry from the omniscient, all-powerful overlords we’ve been led to believe. Let’s not get too carried away and start bowing down to our silicon-based overlords just yet. Even the most tech-savvy among us are still limited to the constraints of their creations, try as they might to convince us otherwise.

Computers

Posted in Computers, Entertainment, experience by

The small business owner was asked over and over why he didn’t computerize his business. He kept replying that he already made mistakes fast enough. He didn’t need the help of a computer to only make them faster.

There is some truth to story, even though someone likely made it up. Computers are fast. If you don’t do things right when you set up a computer, most likely, you will make the man’s words come true. And, I have seen it happen a number of times.

At one time, computers were big and expensive. Worse, they were slow. Well, they were fast but not nearly as fast as the computers today. So, even the big businesses had one computer and it was put in the hands of a few people.

The hitch is that the owners of the companies knew a lot about business, but little or nothing about computers. The salesman came along telling the owner of the business that the computer will solve all his problems, even some he doesn’t know about. Of course, no one mentioned that the computer salesman knew only slightly more than the owner of the business owner.

Worse yet, the salesman didn’t actually know what the owner of the business could use the computer for. With those three things being true, it amazed me that anyone got anything right. What I write, I have seen firsthand. However, more than that, I have read many articles in computer magazines that have said the same thing. Therefore, I think I can say with a reasonable amount of proof that I was not the only one to notice it.

So it is, that many computers were purchased to do things the computer was not intended for and those who knew how to use the computers couldn’t.

Then, in come the programmers, those who know how to make computers do what they do. Naturally, they got busy writing programs that served little or no purpose. Let’s face it, they have no idea what the users need the computer for so they make programs that they think will be useful.

Then the owners of the companies discovered something about computers that they liked. They served the purpose of “big brother.” They permitted the boss to look over the shoulders of those on the line doing the real job. Granted, it did help the company run a little more efficiently, but it would have run 3 times better if the computer would be used for their proper purpose.

I saw it all happen and it really rubbed me the wrong way. When I was in the Marines, they had computers keeping track of all I did. I also worked for two civilian companies that did the same. In the Marines I spent almost as much time looking up codes as I did doing the work.

Ask the doctors. They spend 10 minutes with a patient and he pays a secretary for 20 minutes work to make sure it gets documented right. Then, if it not documented right, Medicare or the insurance company kicks it back and the doc doesn’t get paid until it is documented right. And you wonder why it is that medical costs keep sky rocketing.

One of the biggest advantages of the PC is that it brought control of the computers to the folks who can really use them and they know what to use them for.

Well, that’s not totally true. If the owner turns his back for a minute, his employees get busy surfing the web or playing games. I heard of one company that had to send out a message for every one to stop watching the Super Bowl on the computers as it was slowing down internet response.

I only heard of the one instance, but I am sure it still happens a lot. Only now they use their phone instead of the businesses internet. Well, at least they can get their work done in between touchdowns.

Screen Time?

Posted in A Little About me, Computers, Coronavirus by

Daily Prmpt,

how I manage my screen time

Are we talking computer time, phone time, or TV time? I’ll answer all three.

No need to manage phone time. I spend very little time on the phone. Also, I used to spend quite a bit of time writing and editing of my books. Since getting sick, I do very little besides sleep and eat. Well, I do listen to the radio but frequently fall asleep while doing that.

I’m no longer sick but, being old, it is taking a long time to recover my strength. No wonder I got rid of cable. I wouldn’t use it if it were free.

Really? Bronze Age?

Posted in Cancel Culture, Climate Change, Computers, Going Green by
Daily writing prompt
Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
View all responses

For what reason would we even want to go back to the typewriter age. Computers have become very important tools for almost all of us. Of course there are some, such as the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Company that still haven’t gotten the knack of it yet.

Still, I hate the idea of pounding out a post on an old typewriter. Moreover, even when done, without the computer, there is no way to publish it.

I don’t like the typewriter age much more than the bronze age. Running water is so much nicer than having to go out to the well and haul the stuff in by bucket. I don’t know but maybe the going green folks would like it. I mean, computers do use a lot more electricity than the old manual typewriters. AND, with the phones we have nowadays, we all use a lot of electricity just to talk to each other, or to play games.

Over-engineering

Posted in 2008 Chev sunrofs., CEO Princeple, Computers, Customer complaints by

I needed a battery charger so I bought one a few weeks ago; or at least I thought I did. It was a little expensive but it was a Die Hard name brand so I bought it. This afternoon I got it out to use it and realized it was more than I wanted and less.

Without asking it to, it analyzed my battery and said it was faulty and stopped. Now isn’t that neat. I don’t even get the option of charging the battery anyway. It just stopped. After several more attempts, it just kept saying the battery was bad and stopped. Sure am glad the car was a backup, otherwise I would have had to call a tow truck right then and there. I mean, if I can’t get the battery charged, I can’t drive the car up to the shop and get it replaced.

It might be a really slick battery charger, but in this case, I really did need a battery charger, not an analyzer. Whose idea was that, anyway? At least, now I know why the thing was so expensive. Now, of course I need a real battery charger so I can get my car to a place where I can get the battery replaced. Either that or I will need to call a tow truck. I sit here in front of my computer wondering just which will cost me more.

At any rate, I figured maybe others can profit from my mistake. If you need to buy a battery charger, you just might check before you buy it and get more than you want. Or is it less than you want. Well. actually, if you need an analyzer as well as a charger, it just might be what you’re looking for.

I guess I’ll keep it. Maybe one of these days, I’ll actually need a charger that is an analyzer or an analyzer that is also a charger.

Now! One might ask, why do I need to take the car to the shop to get the battery changed. Well, those that have read my posts for a long time know that I bought a Chevy that I am not so pleased with. One of the really neat things about it is that I can’t change the battery. I have to take it to a shop. That’s right, they really buried it. Some more over-engineering. I have changed over half a dozen batteries in my life. When they built this one, they wanted me to have to come back to the shop. Same for the $50 headlights. The total on that one is $100. 50 for the light and 50 to put it in.

That is another reason I will never buy another Chevy. Worse, they don’t like listening to my complaints. I have searched for hours trying to find a complaint department on the net. Back then it didn’t exist. Maybe they do now. If so, it’s too late. I already bought a Nissan.

Regardless, I suspect they’d not listen to me anyway. Otherwise, why did they make sure not to listen to me before. Those folks building GM autos might want to start making backup plans. If GM refuses to listen to their customers, I suspect their sales will fall, quickly.

And! by the way. It is just another reason to make me hesitate in buying another. It is what I call the CEO effect. If GM CEOs drove their own cars, I don’t think we, the regular customers would need to complain. The CEOs would make sure the problems were fixed.

As a side note to the side note, I bought a FOB over the internet. It’s been working now for about a year. Couldn’t get any of the others to work more than three months. Apparently, others have been having problems with them too. It’s sort of why so many have been selling on the internet.

Now, let me see. I wonder if the Die Hard CEO ever had to charge a battery with this battery charger. I wonder if it told him he had a bad battery.

Somebody’s Watching!

Posted in Advertising, Christian values, Computers by

A few days ago, I was surfing the web, looking at electric riding mowers. They really, really want a lot for those things. When I first went into the Marines, I could have bought a nice car for what they want for those things.

Well, at least the mower would cut grass as well as providing a ride.

The point is, yesterday, I received a message in my email from a company selling mowers. Now I wonder. Just how did they know I was looking at mowers? More importantly, how did they know my email address?

Actually, I was only curious. I had no interest in buying one, at least for another year or two.

More importantly, if you was the one watching, I’d now not buy a tricycle from you. Don’t like folks who like spying on me. For all those others looking over my shoulder wishing to do business with me, you just might want to remember that.

Times Past

Posted in Abuse of Power, Computers, Elections, Lawyers and Representation by

The wife and I went to a Baskin and Robins ice cream place a while ago. Across the street was a sizable post office. Compared to the one it replaced, it’s huge. The one replaced only had about a dozen or so parking places and the building was only a little larger than the parking lot. The replacement opened ten or twelve years ago. I don’t quite remember when. I don’t know for sure, but I’d guess it has close to a hundred places to park.

As I looked at the reasonably new building, the question came to mind. Just when last was it that I put a stamp on something and dropped it in the mail. In the old days, I made car and house payments by mail. I suppose I still can. However, most of my payments are made my internet. Communications with friends and family is generally by phone, voice or text. Occasionally I send an email, but not often.

It’s sort of odd. The post office is the one department that I know of that is specifically established by The Constitution. Could it be that it just might fade away. Will we reach a time when it will no longer be practical to open the doors of the post offices. 20 or 30 years ago, who would have figured that?

It does show, however what happens when something is run by the government. This was not something that came on us suddenly. If someone in the hierarchy saw what was happening, plans and methods could have been made. When things started to be sent by computer, the postal service did have the option of getting in on the ground floor. Indeed they had the advantage of having the infrastructure in place. Documents could have been sent electronically just as securely and much faster. This was especially true for commercial users of the mail system.

Federal Express popped up to fill the void left by the post office. There were those who needed documents and such things sent other places overnight. Indeed Federal Express invented the new verb, “overnight,” as in “Please overnight that contract to the Chicago office.”

Nowadays, many things such as contracts are sent at the speed of computer. They can be sent either by internet or phone. For all practical purposes, it is instantaneous.

So. What happens to the USPS? I certainly don’t know. I suppose it could just fade away. On the other hand, one day someone might decide to do away with it. In either case, how will I ever be able to survive without all those circulars.

On the other hand, some really forward thinking individual just might figure out a way to modernize the mail service. I’m not sure what a modern post office system would look like, but in the hands of the government, it would likely be worse than today. If turned over to some private company(s), it just might surprise a bunch of dems. Who knows? It might even start turning a profit.

As an aside. We just might could have secure elections all in one day. Don’t think the dems would like that. First they don’t like elections in one day and they certainly don’t like them to be secure.

Face-to-face…NOT

Posted in Awkward Situation, CEO Princeple, Computers, Crazy Nuts, Customer No-Service, experience, Phones & Cell Phones by

At one time, I really thought that the phone was a wonderful thing.  When the cell phone came out, even better.  But it would seem that, as with all wonderful inventions, they can be good or bad.  A hammer, when used to drive a nail, is a wonderful thing.  When used for murder, not so much.

Okay, I agree.  I overdid it, not a little but a lot.  However, sometimes the extreme is a good thing when illustrating a point.

I have heard that Alexander Bell, the inventor of the phone, would never answer his phone during dinner.  As I think it over, maybe that was a good idea, whether he did or not.  The old door to door sales man has been replaced by the telemarketer.  No one seems immune.  During a recent visit to my doctor, he got two robo-calls.

I’m sure they are much more of a bother to him than to me.  Yet, he must answer.  It just might be an important call.  We have all somewhat become a slave to the wonderful invention.

It is quite common for me to receive phone calls from Memphis offering to buy my house.  I don’t live in Memphis.  Don’t want to sell my house.  I must have something to keep the rain off me.  Maybe roofs aren’t so important in the desert of Arizona, but here in the Mid-South; they are something of a necessity.

I think the worst thing about phones is that they have virtually destroyed the face-to-face relationships, both socially as well with business relationships.

The other day, I went to answer my cell phone and when I touched the thing in the wrong way, it displayed the internet screen.  I rarely use the phone for internet, only when I can’t get to a computer.  The screen is too small for my 73 year-old-eyes.  It is common with my not-so-smart phone.

So as the phone continued to ring, I continued to fumble.  I easily got rid of the of the internet screen, but there were no buttons to answer the phone.  So.  I missed the call.  Just as well.  It was a telemarketer.  But what if it was that guy that wanted to give me a million dollars?  I think I would have been very angry with that phone company and the character that designed that stupid phone, the one they call a smart phone.

So.  Today I went down to the store where I bought the phone.  I told the sales person there I wanted to drop the line.  I have a good flip phone that works much better for my purposes.  He said that he couldn’t do it.  I had to call customer service, on the phone.

So much for face-to-face service.  Of course, if I wanted another phone, they would have had me all set up in roughly twenty minutes.  I would have walked out of the store with a new working phone, a smart phone that would really be dumb.  They don’t carry the flip phones.  They have to be ordered.  Takes 7 to 10 days to get it.

Soon after getting home, I called customer service.  I explained that I wanted to drop the line and why.  The lady I was speaking to hadn’t an idea what I was saying.  She immediately started trying to say she might be able to reduce the price of my service.

I explained I wanted the line deleted, like right now.  “Sorry.  Can’t do that.”  Better to talk face-to-face.  They obviously did not want to lose the line.  After I reminded her that there are many other cell phone services, she stopped that ploy.

Still, in about a year, when I no longer have to pay penalties, I just might go to another service.  I am currently paying 200 a month.  I think I just might be able to find somewhere that will provide pretty good service for 50 or less.  Still.  Push-come-to-shove.  I am going to have to admit to it.  The days of talking to a person, face-to-face are gone.  In essence, the corporations have decided to use the hammer for something other than a nail.

Possible Solution for Robocalls or Telemarketers

Posted in Computers, experience, Fantasy, Important things, Lawyers and Representation, Respect by
  1. Check caller ID. If not recognized, don’t answer.
  2. When phone stops ringing, call back. If busy, it is likely robocaller or telemarketer attempting there next call. If they answer, if it is a business they will likely answer with 1. A recording 2. A business reply identifying their business 3. Some poor college kid might reply with no idea what to do. They generally are not trained to receive calls. Your choice as to what to do, most probably tell them to stop calling. Alternatively, you can simply hang up.
  3. Of course it could be Mom on a borrowed phone wanting some help. Apologize and tell her you’re on the way.
  4. If it is a telemarketer, refuse to do any business with them. It is the ultimate solution. If telemarketing doesn’t work, they will stop doing it. My guess is the phone companies will be the losers. They know when these guys set these things up & they know they are going to make a bundle on it. As. Long as the phone companies permit it, it will not stop, especially from foreign shores.

Just What We Will Know

Posted in Abuse of Power, Christian values, Collusion, Computers by

Beware, artificial intelligence is coming.

In one of my books, a woman is doing battle with the authorities.  She is convinced of something the police tell her is impossible.  Actually, I guess it is not a new plot.  However, as artificial intelligence becomes more intelligent, it also becomes more and more plausible, possible and likely.

Today, there are computers that can imitate our voices to the point we cannot recognize them from our own.  Images, even videos can be done very convincingly, to the point we will doubt our own memories.  We will be convinced that we were in places we’ve never been.

One day, you may receive a phone call that you will be convinced came from your son or daughter that is completely generated from 1s and 0s.  It is a good reason to tell your child to remember a word or two that can be used that only the two of you know.  Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but you might.

The computers will be able to convince us that people have done things they didn’t, uttered things that were never said, signed things we never signed.  We are entering a brave new world in which we must doubt that which we hear or see.  Unless we can hear or see that person who physically stands in front of us, the image just might be a lie, a deception, or a sham.

Indeed, you just might be put in the place of the woman in my book where you will know something, and no one will believe you.

Naturally, those most susceptible will be those with deep pockets.  The purpose of the ruse will be to deceive the rich out of their riches.  However, it will not stop there.  It will be used to make politicians appear to say or do things they never said or did.  It will make people holding positions in solid companies appear to flip their lids.  It might even be used to convince folks they were in places they weren’t and all will believe because they will see the evidence on the video.

Of course, that can also work the other way.  A murderer can use it to establish an alibi.  A congressman can use it to pretend a visit he never makes.  A horrible event never occurred.

I guess, to some degree, we are already there.  I mean how many know of the burning and looting a short season ago.  How many remember 9/11.  Go ahead.  Ask someone who was behind the destruction of the trade towers and the death of about 5,000 people whose only guilt was that they went to work that day.  Already, the media has done what they can to rewrite that history.

Given a little artificial intelligence and they will be able to convince anyone that anyone did anything.