the new laptop
So the replacement laptop comes. And it’s not the same as my current one. (Did I mention I’m not good with change?) So I call Dell and talk with them, and the supervisor’s like, oh man, they gave you an upgrade because they couldn’t find yours.
Well, I’m not that easy. Because a) it’s still a reconditioned computer and b) it’s bigger than what I have now. It’s basically a portable desktop, and while I know it’s a good machine (it’s the one I almost bought but decided against it because of its weight and size) it kind of takes away from the whole lap in laptop. But it does have a gig of memory, which is double what I’ve got now, plus all kinds of other upgrades. The screen is over 17″. And it does feel sturdier to me. And it is all silver and pretty… (okay, maybe I am a sucker.)
And really, at this point, if I send it back and wait for another one…well, let’s just say the impatience gene is kicked into high gear. Plus, the migraine’s still here and I just don’t feel like having to worry that the current machine’s going to crash and burn any second.
So now I’ve got to transfer some files over - just word docs and music files, because the rest of it I’m leaving behind. Since something was corrupted there from the start, I’m not too keen on dragging it all over with me. But I impressed myself because I actually knew how to change the dpi and switch to clear type so the fonts weren’t all blurred in IE. And I figured out how to import my favorites from the current laptop. If I were home, I’d be on my network and file sharing would be easy, but I can’t figure out how to file share and set up a network between the old and the new laptop (did I mention I know what dpi is?)
I’m thinking that this is where an external hard drive would make life really, really easy. So a trip to Staples might be in order. I’ve got about ten days before I have to send the old computer back to get everything set up and moved.
Now I’m just going to have to bother Bekke at some point about BlogAmp and I might be good to go. Because it’s really nice to have a computer that actually works and doesn’t freeze. Although I’m still not working on it yet - I’ve got to build a little trust with it this weekend first.
Steph T.
October 8th, 2005 at 11:24 am
Steph, when our older PC crashed and burned (due to a lightning strike, we think), we were able to salvage the hard drive and convert it into an external back-up drive. My hubby pulled it out of the CPU and put it into a case-thingy (yeah, I’m not a techie) he got at CompUSA that allows us to use USB hookups. We pulled everything we wanted to keep - pix, files, etc. - on to my laptop, then he reformatted the old HD. Now it sits on our desk and every once in a while I dock it into my laptop and back up all of my music files, WIPs, pix. etc.
Is this possible to do with your old laptop’s HD? Could you remove it, slip it into a case, then reformat it to get rid of any crap that might infect your new laptop? Then use it as an external backup.
October 8th, 2005 at 12:24 pm
Can you just connect them with a USB cable? Not sure if that would work or not. I’m still half asleep and the brain needs more caffeine….
October 8th, 2005 at 1:52 pm
Getting used to a new computer is hard enough, but not being at home would make it even harder.
Good luck, and hope that migraine goes away soon!
October 8th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
Ooooooooo I like Lynn’s idea. and I’ve considered getting a portable hard drive. I have this hard drive sitting with all this stuff on it that I can’t get to.
anywayyyyy I think I finally figured out why I hate my second novella. it’s 2/3 that in theory will all go in one book. Therefore, it only makes sense that the reason I’m so unhappy with the second novella is becase IT’S THE MIDDLE OF THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!
*sigh* such a relief!
October 9th, 2005 at 11:25 am
Lynn - I’m going to have to check that out, but the problem is I have to give back the old laptop, since Dell’s doing the switch. And they think the hardrive in the old computer is corrupted, so I don’t know if stuff sitting on a corrupted hard drive is corrupted as well. But I’m going to ask on my Staples trip.
Tori - someone else mentioned that, about the USB connection…it’s on my list of questions.
Emma - it’s driving me nuts, because at home I know I’ve got a backup of everything right on the desktop and everything’s all networked. Here, we’re networked, but my mom’s main computer’s a little bit sick and needs and overhaul, and doesn’t like to let the laptop’s play with each other.
Cece - At least you know the stuff’s there, just waiting for you. And LMAO at your second novella conclusion…that makes PERFECT sense to me. (not sure if that should scare you or make you feel better:razz:)
October 9th, 2005 at 11:39 am
okay, how about getting one of those big thumb drives…don’t they make them at about a gig now? Pull off old laptop to the thumb drive, and transfer to the new one. Takes awhile, but works…ask me how I know…
October 9th, 2005 at 5:09 pm
Having a computer that works is sooooo important for the writer! And I’m impressed with your knowledge, too!
October 9th, 2005 at 7:26 pm
Good luck transferring all the files. That’s the downside of a new computer. But hope you like the laptop…upgrades are good!
October 10th, 2005 at 10:28 am
Have fun transferring those files. There might be software out there that helps to do that. I’m not entirely sure, but I seem to remember my dh talking about it.
I guess I’m the opposite of you…I love new stuff. Especially new toys.
October 10th, 2005 at 10:46 am
Oops! Forgot to mention I tagged you. Details on my blog.
October 11th, 2005 at 10:14 am
Kacey - That’s pretty much what I spent the weekend doing with my Word docs. Because I’m so paranoid about accidentally losing any of them.
Thanks, Olga - I just hated feelig helpless when it came to computer sutff. I feel better that I can do a lot more, computer-wise than I used to be able to.
Michelle - it’s heavier, but I do like it. I think it’s a keeper.
Lynn - I like the idea of new - it’s just the work involved *g* And I saw your tag (someone else got me too) It’s coming…