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More Articles
Sept. 1998 - "Now is the Time"
Oct. 1998 - "What is the Internet?"
Nov. 1998 - "It's an Email World"
Jan. 1999 - "Little Help from a ..."
Jan. 1999 - "Is the Internet Safe?"
Mar. 1999 - "Desktop Clutter"
Apr. 1999 - "Searching the Net"
May 1999 - "What's in Domain Name?"
June 1999 - "Inernet Chaperones"
July 1999 - "Mind Your Online Manners"
Aug 1999 - " Chasing the Porsche"
Sept. 1999 - "Buying Hardware"
Oct. 1999 - "Buying Software" |
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(This article was originally published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune)
There is a great temptation to chase new technology when you own
a computer. The hype hovers everywhere, taunting you to go faster,
see more, get to the next level. It can be a frustrating, pricey,
and oftentimes unnecessary proposition.
I am not a car aficionado, but I see many parallels between autos
and computers. I love to drive, yet know little about how cars
work. I feel a kindred spirit with people intimidated by their
computers; I spend many a night praying my car doesn't break because
I can't fix it. I then say one for my computer.
It reminds me of a friend who wanted a Porsche in the worst way.
He spent days off test driving Porsches. One day he finally bought
his dream. It took everything he had to get it and he was barely
able to scrape together the $300 monthly payments.
He loved that Porsche. However, he soon realized how often Porsches
must be tuned, was quickly overwhelmed by the cost of each tuneup,
and because they are precision machines only trusted to qualified
mechanics named Wilhelm, the hourly rate was, well, enormous.
A couple speeding tickets followed. He reasoned that since he
spent so much keeping the Porsche in prime shape, he must drive
the sports car like a sports car is designed to be driven.
The car almost bankrupted him. Stressed and bewildered how his
dream could turn so sour, he sold the Porsche and bought a Toyota.
He is a better and happier man for it.
The comfort level you have with your computer is the most important
element. Comfort will translate into getting more done in a shorter
time and with the least amount of effort. Isn't
that the whole point? To be more productive is the primary reason
we operate computers.
The old auto adage is don’t buy a new model until the second year
when the “bugs are worked out.” Use identical reasoning when dealing
with computers ; stay away from the new version when it first
arrives on the scene. This includes operating systems and programs.
Remember that every time a new program is loaded onto your computer,
you run the risk of incompatibilities. Incompatible software ranges
from mildly irritating to shutting down entire systems. Then,
like me and my ten thumbs, you take your sick computer to an expert.
Like auto mechanics, they charge $40 an hour and up.
Warning: Games can sabotage your computer faster than anything.
Programmers strive to duplicate the quality of video arcade games,
and in so doing, the games have become very complicated. They
are prime to conflict with programs and operating systems that
worked perfectly until you loaded the game.
Because of the speed the computer industry is evolving, first
users are the “test” market. That is why programs are often brought
out in Beta version, and many times for free. The company receives
feedback, makes some adjustments, and then saturates the marketplace.
More often than not, in their rush to get new program on the shelves
(and into your computer), many “bugs” remain. That is why so many
“fixes” and “plug-ins” adorn software web sites. The norm in the
industry is get the product to market, then fix the problems.
Well, you can guess how that works.
Remember that if you always search out the newest versions you
will be propelled on an endless chase that doesn’t accomplish
much except cause undo frustration. Since change is so rapid,
you can’t even be sure what you purchased will survive. Stick
with name brand software and beware the $9.99 Three Dimensional
House Plans package at K-Mart.
Of course, there are people whose profession mandates they be
at the cutting edge of technology. I’m not speaking to them, but
to the average user whose computer is another "household" tool
used to accomplish specific tasks; surf the net, email family
and friends, keep a checkbook balanced, write letters, that sort
of thing.
Computers are merely a tool to make life easier and more enjoyable.
A dependable and comfortable Ford will get you where you want
as surely as any Porsche, and probably with a lot less difficulties
and fewer expenses.
Rick Langford is founder of Tahoe Mall, The Tahoe Net and Cache-World
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