When I returned from the Raleigh BOUCHERCON, my DELL computer had “issues.” GOOGLE CHROME wouldn’t work. None of the programs like WORD and EXCEL in MICROSOFT OFFICE worked, either. Clearly, something happened while I was gone. I tried various “fixes”–which didn’t solve the problem. Finally, I decided to try SYSTEM RESTORE. It allows you to restore your computer to a previous state (like when it worked). SYSTEM RESTORE took about 20 minutes to reset WINDOWS. But now my computer is working, I can use MICROSOFT OFFICE, and I can print stuff out again. GOOGLE CHROME still doesn’t work and I can’t uninstall it or reinstall it. Patrick will have to fix it when he comes home for Thanksgiving. Until then, I’m using Mozilla Firefox. Have you had any recent computer problems?
Had “issues” a couple months ago and ended up having to get a new/refurbished computer. While the old one was down I had al the symptoms of Withdrawal: insomnia, night sweats, vomiting, watching cable tv….
Dan, sorry to hear about your computer problems. I’m thinking of asking Santa for a new computer after this incident.
Perhaps a better question would be, when was the last time you didn’t have computer problems? Viruses, malware, programs requiring huge amounts of memory, conflicts (some, I believe, intentionally created–or, at least, not addressed–by various software companies) between programs, programs always “running in the background.” It’s like the Wild West in Computerland! The miracle is that the darn things work at all!
Deb, well said! Computers were much more simple (and reliable) before the Internet. Now, it’s like the Wild West with viruses, malware, and all the digital predator programs out there. Patrick is a huge fan of APPLE products and software. My next computer might be an APPLE.
It’s always something, though lately (fingers crossed) it hasn’t been anything major here. I did use the “system restore” on the previous computer and it did work…for a while. Definitely have Patrick check it out next month. You’re too valuable to lose!
Jeff, thanks for the kind words! I don’t want to “go dark” with a non-functioning computer. I have a couple “backup” computers but they’re old (WINDOWS 7!) and slow. Patrick keeps hyping APPLE computers for their reliability. I might have to give them a try.
I’ve never used SYSTEM RESTORE, but I’m glad it’s there, just in case. I have a Windows desktop, and my backup computer is a Mac Airbook. I like the Mac, but I’m a Windows guy.
Bill, Patrick says the new APPLE MAC will run WINDOWS 10. That tempts me.
Whenever we go away, we return to some issue with either the computers, the TV, the Internet. IT DOES NOT LIKE YOU TO LEAVE IT ALONE!
Patti, I know that feeling! We had some Time-Warner cable problems when we installed the new DRV. And, my return from Raleigh was met with one computer issue after another. I’m hoping SYSTEM RESTORE keeps my DELL stable until I can get a new computer from Santa.
Jackie was going to get me a new laptop but I don’t really need one. We only really use it much when we go to Florida, and with the tablets and smart phones don’t have a lot of need otherwise. Instead she’s going to stimulate the economy more with a bigger smart TV so she can stream Netflix easily. She’s already bought me a new coat and got a new electric broom and several other things (mostly from Amazon) since we got back from Raleigh, and will be buying a new air conditioner for the living/dining room too.
Jeff, I admire Jackie’s stimulus. By the way, the Market is up over 275 points today because of all of Jackie’s purchases! I may have to stimulate the economy by buying a new APPLE computer when Patrick comes home (he can set it up for me). I need a new printer, too.
George, if you buy an Apple, sign up for a couple of ONE ON ONE sessions at your local Apple store (even if you bought it elsewhere). They can get you up and going with the shortcuts and basic commands that are different from Windows. Well worth the time!
Rick, I’ll definitely take the ONE ON ONE sessions if I enter the APPLE world. Thanks for the tip!
Few things are more aggravating than computer problems – especially if you’re not technologically inclined.
I’m fearless with my work computer because I know that, no matter how bad I screw it up, someone will fix it fairly promptly if they want me to continue working. I’m much more careful with my own.
My company’s tech kid is now my tech kid. I now have a little team icon on my desktop so he can access it from wherever and make the world right again. Good thing I trust him.
Beth, Patrick is my IT specialist. Like you, I look to a younger, tech-savvy person to keep my computers running. As soon as computers started getting connected to networks, they lost me. You’re right about the aggravation when your computer has “issues.” Few things are more frustrating!
George, George, George. Get a Mac. Set up Time Machine. done. Apple computers are MUCH less vulnerable to malware and such, once learned they are more user-friendly, everything is protected by the back-up program. If something BAD happens, you can wipe the drive and reload everything from the backup, choosing a date when it was all happy, and your back in business.
I used Windows software for years, because I had it at work, but went to Apple and have never looked back. Patrick knows of what he speaks.
Rick, I’m thinking that there’s an APPLE computer in my future. I’ve had good luck with the last three DELL computers I’ve used. But this latest incident is worrisome. I’m teaching four online classes and I need a reliable computer to do my job. And, there’s this blog…
I put my computer on sleep when I went out this morning. When I came back, I couldn’t get connected to the Internet or email and keep getting “funny” stuff flitting about on my screen. Tried to turn it off and at first nothing happened, but eventually it did turn off. I restarted and now it seems OK. I couldn’t even get the option to try system restore to come up. Usually when I have problems that is one choice I get. Never had to try it. When I first installed Google Chrome I had problems so on advice I got somewhere I deleted it. Now Firefox is my first choice. I have an iPad Mini, but prefer to work at my desk and use my HP desktop for writing and other work. I tried a laptop at one point, but didn’t like the ball mouse.
Kent, I have yet to find a laptop keyboard that I like. They’re all too cramped for me. I’ve used Firefox on and off for years. I like GOOGLE CHROME but it’s not working right now and I don’t have the time to fuss with it. It won’t let me uninstall it or reinstall it so I’m just ignoring GOOGLE CHROME right now. I try not to leave my computer in SLEEP MODE for the very reason you encountered.
Mine freezes up regularly, otherwise it works as directed. One hint: Don’t go to porn sites, they love corrupting your computer as well as your morals.
Bob, I have about a dozen “safe” sites (like your blog) that I visit regularly. Other than those, I stay away from troublesome web sites.