It’s been a strange Sunday. Julia’s laptop has been playing up and refusing to connect to the internet so we went to the computer shop where they told us it would cost £60 to have it sent away, after which they would tell us how much it would cost before we could get it back. Forgive my cynicism but that seems to me to be a good description of how kidnappers operate.
That’s how I ended up looking round Curry’s/PC World looking at new laptops.
It’s also how I ended up sitting in the car whimpering. It’s been an expensive couple of weeks, and the process of spending money
I’m sure it must be possible, bearing in mind the advance of technology and the economics of mass production, to build an acceptable laptop for around £150. We don’t need a terrabyte of memory or the ability to use huge amounts of graphics. We just want to write emails. surf the net and brighten up a few photos.
That’s before I even start on the evils of the new way of selling Microsoft Office. If you own a copy and haven’t replaced your computer in the last few years you’re in for a surprise. You don’t own it now, you just rent it for a year at a time. When your subscription expires you don’t have access to Office.
That’s like buying a car and only renting the ignition key.
After that I had to go to the park and photograph birds.
It does run well on older hardware, is not hard to install, and a used computer you can format and reinstall from a Linux distro disk (you can download for free from Ubuntu) might work well for you. I use Libre Office which isn’t as good but it is free.
Thanks, it’s sounding like the way to go.
Yes, it seems like it.
We are fortunate in having a very good computer shop in Bungay run by a man who does all his own repairs and sells reconditioned laptops.
You’re fortunate living in Bungay, with or without the computer shop. 🙂
Yes, it seems like it. Thanks – when my Office runs out I will do that.
🙂
Yes, Open Office/Libre Office is on the list as a replacement, as is finding a reliable local shop.
Yes, I’ve thought of Linux, but my lack of computer know-how keeps me going for the safe option.
Yes, always that fear of the unknown. That’s how they make their money.
It wasn’t all bad – a wren sat still long enough for you to photograph it. That doesn’t happen often surely?
No, that was a definite high point. 🙂
This Microsoft scam is news to me. Fortunately, I don’t use it as my husband decided some time ago that it cost too much. I use Libre Office which isn’t as good but it is free.
We are fortunate in having a very good computer shop in Bungay run by a man who does all his own repairs and sells reconditioned laptops. He is quick, reliable and reasonably priced.
I love the Mallard wing shot – beautiful!
Yes, Open Office/Libre Office is on the list as a replacement, as is finding a reliable local shop.
Download ‘Open Office’. It’s free and works wonderfully well. I haven’t used Microsoft Office for years.
Thanks – when my Office runs out I will do that. Looking at the list of people who use it I’ll be in good company. 🙂
That’s a beautiful Mallard wing shot, and I enjoyed your collection of photos.
The computer adventures aren’t fun. You might want to consider running Linux. It does run well on older hardware, is not hard to install, and a used computer you can format and reinstall from a Linux distro disk (you can download for free from Ubuntu) might work well for you.
Thank you.
Yes, I’ve thought of Linux, but my lack of computer know-how keeps me going for the safe option. 🙂
I commiserate with you about the cost of keeping up with technology. It’s such a scam, but we are so dependent on these devices and the software keeps “improving” until the hardware can’t function anymore…sigh. I’ve been going through this too and it’s not just the money but the time wasted “updating”!! Having said that photographing birds is still the remedy if not the direct cause of all the frustration. Lovely shots.
Thank you. Yes, we now “need” all this technology and build our lives around it.
My husband hates Microsoft with a passion, so you’re in good company 😉 That duck’s wing is indeed beautiful.
Thank you. A man who likes you and hates Microsoft seems to have his priorities right! 🙂
I know about the frustration with Microsoft. I just bought a new laptop and was also surprised about the change. It’s a easy cash grab. Shame on them.
Sorry to hear they got you too. Yes, we are easy targets.
That Office scam stinks; and they keep reminding me that I haven’t got the latest. Great pics. I wish I’d taken the marvellous, almost abstract, header.
High praise! Thank you. I’ve tried feather patterns a few rimes but they are often out of focus. This time it went right.
So, does Microsoft Office just disappear from the computer if you don’t pay another year’s ‘rental’?
Yes, I thought I’d see what happened if I didn’t renew and couldn’t access anything. I’m seriously thinking of reactivating the dusty desktop with its old but everlasting copy of Office.
Seems Microsoft have got people over a barrel!!!
Yes, it seems like it.
I don’t know why there aren’t more corner shops for computers, one man businesses doing cheap fixes and selling second hand goods that have been reconditioned. That happens for cars…..
Yes, I know there are a few about – there’s one on Carlton Hill we’re going to try.
Ugh, a day of frustration and money worries. Double ugh. I do like that patch of blue you caught on the mallard wing! and the photos you calmed yourself with are quite lovely. I do have to say that yes, I was ticked off at learning I had to pay for the blasted software every year. Grrr.
Glad it’s not just me. Thanks for your comments – I don’t feel so bad after sharing. 🙂