Computer Talk

I may have been Luddite in a former life. Well, maybe not, but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to embrace technology.

This afternoon my friend’s teenage son stopped by my house to work on my computer.  I’d say he came to help me, but that would be a lie. I took a seat next to him, yet I held no notion that I would be able to offer assistance.

I think the only help I could truly provide is the “scalpel, scalpel” type, but there was no need. I could offer feedback, “That’s what I thought, I hear you, looks good to me.”  However, that didn’t come up either. I was relegated to, “Are you sure you don’t want something to eat or drink?”  Hey, I can still be a good host!

Anyway, I wish I could help. I wish I could understand computer speak, but it goes in one ear and out the other. I have to concentrate really hard when someone starts talking computers (some other topics as well but I don’t want to admit to any more at the moment) or it will turn into a Charlie Brown episode, and they will sound like the parents.  I am competent at navigating Word and some other programs and that is fine, thank you.

I had also asked my friend’s son to help me shop for a computer.  I could look at the advertisements, visit websites that discuss pluses and minuses of each computer, and compare prices.  That’s simple enough.  But for me, the whole thing seemed like a chore.

Can’t I just take out the trash, vacuum, or go food shopping? This computer geek (I think he would take pride in being called that), on the other hand, seemed to look at computer shopping as fun. He asked me about the specs.  Um, “Well I want it to be fast and durable, and I have a budget of $500.”  He waited for more specs. I had nothing, “That’s all I care about. I keep it pretty simple.”  He asked me more questions hungry for a challenge. Uhh, I don’t know.  Today, he came prepared with a full explanation prepared as to why I should buy the one he suggested. I did my listening bit, looked at the reviews, and then said, “Okay, let’s do it. No, I don’t need to read the article in PC Magazine. ”

So, what happened here this afternoon? My laptop computer has been fixed, and I will be getting a new desktop computer.  However, despite the young techie’s best intentions, I did not learn much. That’s okay – learning wasn’t ever in the plan. Maybe, someday I’ll learn what all the fuss is about and reject my Luddite forbearers.

One thought on “Computer Talk

  1. Age mate. The long slow slide into middle-age. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
    Hello from Sweden Larry. Thanks for the ‘heads-up’ re your blog. I’ll be looking in regularly, entertaining stuff keep it up.
    Stay well!
    John

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