Why?

[thug the bunny]

 

 

IT BURNS! IT BURNS! ACCCH!

[stevemcgee99]

Here's my apple story: I spent several years using home-built PCs with priated OS and other software, then switching to Linux for a short time. I was living in Tokyo, and moved 4 times, switching ISP each time and going through that IT night mare of getting configured with routers, etc. Nightmare every time.

 

I got a white plastic macbook on sale while in the States, was easy to start using except for stupid things like 'Choose', etc.

 

Then I stopped in Kauai on the way back to Japan. Went to the hotel room, and started to try to get online. SO FRUSTRATING! How the hell do you do that? Where's the stupid task bar / explorer to navigate? How do I enter in all the numbers and codes and everything? Why can't I figure this out???

 

Then I noticed a black icon of 4 arcs across the top of the screen. Looked like a wifi symbol.

 

Turns out I was online. I didn't even do anything, the mac just did it by itself.

 

 

I can still sometimes remember all the updating, downloading, configuring, install / uninstall, defragmenting, etc. I used to do.

[Wriggles]

As an accountant, I was forced to teach myself to use a computer somewhere around 1986. Automated G/Ls, tax programs, spreadsheets and W'Ps were my tools. Used a G/L program in DOS, until the old computer died. Then Windows based after that.

 

I've refused to live my life with a computer and a mobile phone up my ___. I have a simple Trac phone in my car, in case the car breaks down. Got one four years ago, when I found out the hard way, public phones had gone the way of the buffalo. Don't think I've made a personal call on the Trac since I got it.

 

I probably spend 90% of my computer time on Golfwrx, the rest is for very occasional online purchases that's impossible to get locally.

 

If we ever get into Orwellian society, all the bad guys will have to do is shut off the electricity.

[Fellaheen51]

Do admit to being rather beguiled with modern technology. From the laptop I'm typing this posting upon to a smartphone that allows me to communicate with others in a variety of ways, virtually anywhere. Including the old fashioned way of verbalization. It's rather amazing to me that all manner of information can be obtained virtually instantaneous, from a device that fits in my pocket is a incredible concept. Essentially the stored information of mankind at your fingertips, excessive hyperbole not intended. How one dissects, interprets and utilizes that information is of greater import and a topic for a different discussion.

 

With that said, I could still go back to communicating and ciphering with a pad of paper and pencil if that was my only option. I haven't forgotten how. Something that the modern world seems to have never learned. In a Orwellian society, of greater concern would be not having availability of books and libraries. The true depository of information and history. I can still read by candlelight. That's why I have a major concern with the concept being voiced by some in my community (and I'm sure in others as well)...... "Are Libraries still necessary? Should we still fund them?" Of course they are, maybe more relevant today than ever. Its much easier to modify the narrative, change facts and history, in the electronic medium compared to the printed one by those with agendas.

[oldschoolrocker]

Sitting here reading the responses I couldn't help but reach inside my desk for my tinfoil hat, put it on, draw the shades and let my mind wander down the rabbit hole that is the future of society.

 

Finally after 40 something years I can forget, if I choose, all the advances from the vacuum tube to fiber optics, sextant to GPS, sliderules to calculators, manual control to automatous vehicles.

 

I officially retired last week.

[Fellaheen51]

Congratulations Randy on your retirement. Forty years! Well earned. Take full advantage and enjoy, which I have the suspicion you will.

 

Amongst all the other, more important options that retirement brings forth, how you choose to deal with technology is one of them. On your own terms rather than those foisted on one externally.

[oldschoolrocker]

Thank you Doug,

And I understand about "dealing with technology." Since, I am pretty much only answering to myself these days I may go "Thoreau" for a bit after the house sells, or, put foot to path on a portion of The Application Trail, then plan my low key British golf walkabout.

If I do I'll keep some form of communication device to check on all of you glorious misfits.

[scomac2002]

Congratulations Randy and good luck on your adventures. May the force be with you!

[HoldenCornfield]

"The internet and the smart phone are the greatest thing that ever happened to mankind... The internet and the smart phone are the worst thing that ever happened to mankind."

[Nomad Golfer]

"The internet and the smart phone are the greatest thing that ever happened to mankind... The internet and the smart phone are the worst thing that ever happened to mankind."

Hello sig friend

[drewmosco]

Great rant