Grrr . . . tech challenged, AGAIN!
If you're a child of the computer age (or took courses to make yourself such), you have no idea how frustrating it is for an ignoramus like me to repeatedly face the daily challenges posed by evolving technology and whatever mystifying "guides" are available online.
So here's my latest source of hair loss. I finally, finally gave in and bought a laptop. Never used one before now; never really needed one. I don't travel, and there aren't any tres cool, wifi coffee shops around here for me to hang out at. Gradually, though, I got sick of being tethered to my desktop. I wanted to write in bed, or sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table, or at the patio table on our rear deck. I found myself craving mobility, just for the sake of physical comfort or a change of scene.
Okay, so I got a laptop. First roadblock: Internet access. My machine demanded a "network security key" for wifi service. Huh? I couldn't find one anywhere in my drifts of computer-related paperwork. So I called my ISP, a local nickel-and-dime operation that's an offshoot of our phone company. They connected me to their tech support, which is located -- shit, I don't know, but at least it's someplace where English is the native language.
Truly wonderful people man this operation, I must say. They're unfailingly courteous and dogged in their determination to help befuddled customers. The patient man to whom I spoke tried his damnedest to ferret out my network security key. He couldn't. Another, local techie had to call me back -- the same guy, I think, who configured our system for wifi -- and he had the answer. (Now, why oh why couldn't my ISP's local office have given me that info?)
Good to go, right? Um, no. I downloaded Google Chrome, the same browser I have on my desktop. But guess what? I still couldn't access the Internet. My Gmail addy wasn't good enough; my Google password wasn't good enough. Hellfuck no! Google wants some super-seekrit "passphrase" that will allow me to utilize something called "sync." I can't get into my Gmail account or my Favorites list on my laptop unless my laptop is in "sync" with my desktop account. But here's the damned icing on this WTF cake: I can't browse AT FUCKING ALL until I'm in "sync." Jesus, people, all I want to do is get online! So screw the Gmail and Favorites list. Just let me connect!
I don't understand this "sync" shit and don't know what to do. Google has neither a simple explanation for this nonsense or step-by-step instructions on how to deal with it. In fact, I've become so maddened and desperate, I'm thinking of uninstalling Chrome and installing IE (blech!) or Firefox, just so I can access the Internet.
I'll tell ya, this old dog is damned sick of continually being forced to learn new tricks. :(
So here's my latest source of hair loss. I finally, finally gave in and bought a laptop. Never used one before now; never really needed one. I don't travel, and there aren't any tres cool, wifi coffee shops around here for me to hang out at. Gradually, though, I got sick of being tethered to my desktop. I wanted to write in bed, or sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table, or at the patio table on our rear deck. I found myself craving mobility, just for the sake of physical comfort or a change of scene.
Okay, so I got a laptop. First roadblock: Internet access. My machine demanded a "network security key" for wifi service. Huh? I couldn't find one anywhere in my drifts of computer-related paperwork. So I called my ISP, a local nickel-and-dime operation that's an offshoot of our phone company. They connected me to their tech support, which is located -- shit, I don't know, but at least it's someplace where English is the native language.Truly wonderful people man this operation, I must say. They're unfailingly courteous and dogged in their determination to help befuddled customers. The patient man to whom I spoke tried his damnedest to ferret out my network security key. He couldn't. Another, local techie had to call me back -- the same guy, I think, who configured our system for wifi -- and he had the answer. (Now, why oh why couldn't my ISP's local office have given me that info?)
Good to go, right? Um, no. I downloaded Google Chrome, the same browser I have on my desktop. But guess what? I still couldn't access the Internet. My Gmail addy wasn't good enough; my Google password wasn't good enough. Hellfuck no! Google wants some super-seekrit "passphrase" that will allow me to utilize something called "sync." I can't get into my Gmail account or my Favorites list on my laptop unless my laptop is in "sync" with my desktop account. But here's the damned icing on this WTF cake: I can't browse AT FUCKING ALL until I'm in "sync." Jesus, people, all I want to do is get online! So screw the Gmail and Favorites list. Just let me connect!
I don't understand this "sync" shit and don't know what to do. Google has neither a simple explanation for this nonsense or step-by-step instructions on how to deal with it. In fact, I've become so maddened and desperate, I'm thinking of uninstalling Chrome and installing IE (blech!) or Firefox, just so I can access the Internet.
I'll tell ya, this old dog is damned sick of continually being forced to learn new tricks. :(
No comments have been added yet.
