Computer update = meltdown

Post Reply New Topic

^

It is Windows 10. I don't usually have that much of a problem with it, but one update did make Photoshop non-functional (accompanied by the requisite meltdown) and I had to restore it back to before the update. Why that didn't happen again when it updated later, I have no idea.

In this case, the computer didn't force me to update...at least not in the traditional sense. The notification telling me to update popped up on the screen and then disappeared, so I thought I'd get away with putting it off. Then the computer got slower and slower until finally I couldn't do anything at all. I had to restart it with the power button and then the update began.

It isn't just the updates. The lightbulbs in the light fixture over my workspace kept burning out, so I bought "13 year"-lasting lightbulbs. Then my wireless mouse broke, so I bought the only mouse the store had in stock, a Bluetooth mouse. Then one day, that refused to connect to the laptop, so I ordered a corded mouse. (Meanwhile, the other mouse started working again. ???????.) Then came last week's update and this week's update. I can do my traditional artwork, which requires no modern technology...and then when I want to scan it, it takes me at least a half-hour to get the wireless scanner to connect. (I will never buy a Canon scanner/printer again as long as I live.)

I get into a completely different state of mind when things like this happen. When they start, I'm calm, but they seem to last just exactly long enough for me to gradually get more and more nervous until I'm overwhelmed. I was down all day yesterday, even after it started working. I was also very tired. I have Thalassemia Minor anemia and it makes everything worse if I'm tired or hungry.

Meanwhile, yesterday was so bad, I actually didn't mind being at my "soul-crushing job" today, so there's that .

Simple solution = Don't use Windows. There are alternatives, including Mac, and Linux.

Started with Windows, had it for a number of years, along with all it's problems, and was eventually switched to Linux Ubuntu by a tech savvy relative, and I hated it. A few years later my tech savvy relative switched me to a later version of Windows again for a few years, then he switched me back to a later version of Linux, and I hated that one too. Finally he switched me to Mac Mojave, which I've had for a couple of years now. Now he wants to upgrade me to a newer version of Mac. Wish he'd just let me stay with one OS for a long time, but when he upgrades my system, he takes the old computer home, and makes some improvements, and then either uses it himself, or gives or sells it to others. Apparently, I've become part of his computer hobby process. I haven't even learned all I should know about my current OS yet. I have manuals for several different operating systems I no longer have, as well as for my current one, and now I'm going to have to buy a new one when my relative upgrades me again. At least it will still be a Mac system, as that's what I've been using lately.

I realize that there are a lot of people out there who like to use Linux. From what I've read about it, Linux is a great OS, in all it's permutations, for computer geeks. However, it's not easy for non geeks, like myself to use, and I've had experience with two versions of Linux Ubuntu, so I am entitled to hate it.

Windows was easier for me to use, but often crashed. Microsoft is also always trying to get access to your private info, and to control your system, so Windows has it's problems too.

My Mac hasn't had a lot of crashing issues, but isn't quite as easy for me to use. However, it's a lot better for me, than Linux. I think my biggest problem with Mac is that the fonts of the built in screen elements are locked into a flea sized font, and you can't configure the size of the screen element fonts. You can do this in Windows. I have old eyes, with gradually worsening vision, so I need bigger fonts, but the only way to get them bigger in Mac is to get a bigger screen, which I wll be doing after I upgrade to a newer version of Mac. I think my current monitor is about 20 or 21 inches, and the next one will be either 24 or 27 inches. There is no room on my office desk for a monitor bigger than 27 inches. My relative is talking about my getting a computer compatible TV instead of a monitor, but he's not done checking them out for me.

Anyway, if you have a lot of problems with your OS, the solution is to either upgrade to a later one, or to switch to a different OS "family."

If I was skilled, I'd have my computer set up to emulate DOS and run my favourite word processors. I too hate having to re-learn computers from time to time. I'd always wanted a Mac, and finally got one just after they had stopped using Motorola CPUs. (I'd been without news for two months, and also didn't know that the program I most wanted it for was gone too.) Before the "Apple Care" was over, I had boycotted the company and it has stuck. Their tech managed to wipe out all my music organization, and couldn't help with other major issues, like needing a re-boot to switch keyboard layouts. The hardware was over-priced junk, and very hard to work on. It was my worst-ever major purchase.
I had no tech issues at all with Linux, just a few things to learn. It even recognizes and runs an HP printer/scanner without aggravation. My version is obsolete now, though. I'm planning to try MX Linux next.

Better to use an operating system where you are deciding what happens. E.g. boot from a Knoppix DVD and have a look whether you like that Linux. It comes with a nice surface and a big bunch of preinstalled free software, e.g. Libre Office, Blender, free games aso.

_________________
I am as I am. Life has to be an adventure!

^

Yes, you're correct, it was more to vent. When it comes to fixing any sort of problem, I often seem to go with the "devil you know beats the devil you don't" approach. When my operating system works right, which is most of the time, I like it. In the OP I described the updates as "constant," but that was more out of my frustration that two happened so close to each other.

What I really want is this: when my desire to draw has built up to that desperate level, I'd like to simply be able to get on the computer and do so uninterrupted for a decent length of time. I don't know how to bring this about though. Sometimes I picture that there's a "Truman Show"-style control room where somebody is waiting for the exact moment I get on there and then they push a button that causes something to interrupt me, whether it be the computer or a person or whatever. I know that's not really what's happening, but it feels that way sometimes.

^
Yes it can seem that way. I don't much mind occasional alerts, as long as they just pop up in a corner and go away if I ignore them, but I hate the ones that try to take centre stage and stop me working just for some arbitrary reason. It seems ironic that they love to waste half the system resources analysing everything I do, trying to "profile" me and second-guess my thoughts and behaviour, but they can't figure out that I'm busy.