January 25, 2008
"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them,"-- Isaac Asimov U.S. science fiction novelist and scholar, 1920-1992.
When one's home computer is down, communication halts and frustration mounts. The entire experience is grief-like as we go through the stages of shock, denial, anger, and resignation.
When my computer died, I gave up and cleaned the house.
So I am compelled to share with you this philosophical question I read recently. Does a clean house indicate there is broken computer in it?
It took a broken computer to get my house clean. Perhaps, the garage will be my next project, and then, and most unbelievably, putting photos in scrapbooks.
Does anyone really do that?
But I digress, at first when this catastrophic event happened, that is the computer's untimely demise, I ran around in a tizzy trying to get it fixed. Eventually after much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, I realized that the ditch was the best place for the contraption.
I like what Jeff Martin, cartoonist for Porterfield, said about computers, "The most overlooked advantage to owning a computer is that if they foul up there's no law against whacking them around a bit."
Generally speaking, we are far better off to buy a new computer and start all over rather than punch the old one. However, a new computer means we will need a new printer and new software so that all components are compatible.
I know you have seen this movie, and it is always expensive.
So with the computer temporarily out of commission, I rediscovered my neighbors and finished my Christmas thank you notes. Soon, I plan to tackle spring housecleaning, wash windows, and work on taxes.
Someone please come and save me, not from the neighbors you understand, just the window washing and the taxes!
All this productive activity was becoming a dangerous situation indeed, so there was nothing left to do but take a computer class. For you fellow computer junkies, well what can I say but it is pure heaven.
Now, all I need besides the basics of a new computer, service plan, and more lessons, is more memory. For we baby boomers, more memory might be first on our list.
There is only one other thing I should mention about computers and our love for them.
When your significant other is a computer, you might be a tad over the top.
Or, maybe not.
