Hard Drive Crash - Not If But When

Posted on March 30, 2006
Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment

Usually, it’s going to come at the most inopportune time. Of course, if you work online, I can’t really think of a time it would be convenient. So there you are blasting along all day, getting loads of things done, and now it’s late, you’re tired, and it’s decision time. Really should do a backup, but heck, I’m sure it’s fine, I’ll just do one tomorrow.

Then the next morning what happens when booting up? Oh gee, it’s a friendly message saying the boot sector can’t be found. And so it starts. Forget whatever you had planned for the day and probably the next several, because it’s time to troubleshoot, repair and reload. Don’t you just love technology? continue reading….

Quality vs Cheaper & Disposable

Posted on March 27, 2006
Filed Under A to Z, Economy | Leave a Comment

Things don’t last like they used to. What seems odd is that we’re fairly relaxed about it, so much so, we no longer have very high expectations. It’s sort of like, “oh well, it’s broke, go get another one”. Annoyance is the height of our discomfort.

From lawn equipment to electronics and everything in-between, it’s all become mostly disposable. In the past, when something broke, we’d usually get it fixed, but not so much now, because it’s just not worth it.

Lack of time is a large factor. We can’t be bothered going to the effort to get something repaired. It’s a lot easier to throw money at the problem to make it go away. Then again, the repair cost is often more than half the cost of replacement – that is if you can even find some place offering the service needed. continue reading….

Dell Computer Support - Less Than Should Be

Posted on March 20, 2006
Filed Under Economy, Technology | Leave a Comment

Dell makes a big deal of their support offering, both the initial warranty and the fee-based extended support. From an outside look, it appears to be a sound and well implemented model. However, having recently again tried making use of it, they are still lacking in overall execution.

Since Dell apparently monitors the blogosphere for references to themselves, this critique should eventually get to the right people. Yes, I know about the feedback surveys, but have yet to see much change as a result of submitting them.

The first gripe is the length of time required to reach a human. Even if that ordeal is necessary to make initial contact with the right department, subsequent calls should not require the same approach. At least allow immediate voice or dial responses without having to wait to the end of each dialogue. Even my airline gate check system can do that. Also, routing all direct extensions to group voicemail boxes is sort of useless. continue reading….

Simpler Living - Ditch the House

Posted on March 6, 2006
Filed Under Lifestyle, Retirement | Leave a Comment

Sound drastic? Maybe so, and admittedly it’s not for everyone. But for those who may be at the place where they’re open to considering a lifestyle change or ways to free up time to pursue other interests, read on. Most of us get to this point due to various life changes, but for others, being tied to a house & property is already beginning to provide less feeling of security and seems more of an anchor. Even if that’s the case but the time for an alternative isn’t right, use this information in planning for the future. continue reading….

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