The Vista View

I'm in the midst of "new computer" woes. We just got a new laptop, which means migrating data from the old desktop (Windows XP) to the Vista laptop. I had debated for months about whether to stick with XP on the new model or bite the bullet and go with all the bells, whistles, and contingent problems of Vista. It has not been a smooth transition. Initial problems have involved getting used to the new way Outlook handles e-mail, particularly the display of html messages. Many times the body of the message comes up completely blank and I have to select "open in browser" before I can read the contents. An extra step, but at least it's a workaround.

Next, I've been attempting to install a wireless printer. The sales rep told me I'd love this--being able to print from anywhere in the house I happened to be working on my laptop. So far, the computer isn't recognizing the printer unless it's hooked up via USB. And my brain is too fried already to think what to try next.

Another issue is that the sales rep sold me the wrong docking station. It has no connections for keyboard and external monitor, which makes it utterly useless for my purposes. Yesterday I chatted with a tech support guy and found out which docking station I really need, so I had to order that one and now have to arrange to return the other one. Always something.

So . . . if you were expecting a romance tidbit or two as this week begins, all I can say is, my "romance" with my new computer is taking every bit of time and brain power. I do have a delightful guest blogger lined up for Dating With the (Literary) Stars this Friday. I'll post clues to the author's identity tomorrow. Remember, if you guess correctly, you win an additional entry in this month's Randomly Romantic contest.

In the meantime, all you Vista users out there, any words of wisdom (other than chunk Windows and buy a Mac)?

Comments

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Sorry, Myra. I go with the last line. Chuck Windows (sounds like a character for a novel) and buy a Mac. I just got a new iMac on Friday. I plugged in my peripherals and they all work, and I didn't have to do anything but a click to get on my wireless network. Moving files and installing 3rd party software is what took the most time. This weekend, I'll be installing the new operating system, Leopard.

Robin

[Cara]

Myra, I was wondering if you have ever entered the NaNoWriMo novel-writing contest? You basically have to write 50,000 words over the course of the month of November. Everyone who succeeds in this is listed as winning NaNoWriMo. Check out the site if you're interested (you've probably already heard about it, but just in case): www.nanowrimo.org I forget how many participants they had last year, but I think it was something like 80,000+ or so. And by the way, hello from Washington, D.C.!

[Carla]

Sorry to hear about your computer woes. Knowing you, you'll have it figured out in no time, and you'll have the luxury of writing wherever the spirit leads with your laptop. Let me know how it goes.