Dear Difficult Computer
I saw a TV show the other day and the main character, who was supposed to be an MD, said that all of us will get Alzheimer's Disease. All of us? If you heard that, how would you feel? I was very annoyed that someone would be so cavalier with dialog that they'd put a line like that in a script. What would it do if not make many of us feel stressed?
Well, he's wrong and I won't go into the particulars because I have something that I know is sure to protect me from Alzheimer's-my computer. How is it going to do it? My computer is a constant source of irritation for me, but that's a good thing. It causes me to learn how to undo all the little blips that that demon living in the hard drive cooks up.
Today, it refused to recognize that I had a CD drive, so I had to go on the internet to find a solution and, sure enough, there was a kind soul who had the same problem and his solution fixed my computer. Then, it refused to recognize one of the hard drives in my computer. Yes, this particular computer has three of them because it's used for my new love; short, short films. I had to go to the manufacturer's site and download new drivers because new software I had loaded on my computer had corrupted the drivers for this drive.
Is it fixed? No, because I have to carefully follow the instructions for the diagnostic that has to be run so I can let it tell me that there's really one of their drives on my computer. Next, the graphics card's drivers acted up and it just kept getting more complicated.
I used my usual approach to things like this. I get what I need, put it all together and leave it there while I go off and read a wonderful book, watch a DVD or go for a walk. I won't let it get me upset. Sooner or later, I'll get it figured out and we'll go on until the next time my computer/demon acts up and I'll find a solution then, too. If I know one thing from this computer it's that it will always challenge me and in that challenge will be the exercise that my brain needs to help me fight off Alzheimer's. So, this is a good kind of stress because I choose to see it that way.
All of this wrangling with computers has led to something else. I am now the computer maven where I consult and I have to teach the MDs how to solve their computer problems. Not only that, but I have two monitors on my computer there because I've been designated the "test" case to help them figure out how it will work when everyone has two monitors on their computers.
So, computers are both a joy and a health benefit, but they sure can be stressful if you let them.
Related Topics: Avoid Desktop Stress, You and Your Computer: Fight Fear Together, Boost Your Memory
Well, he's wrong and I won't go into the particulars because I have something that I know is sure to protect me from Alzheimer's-my computer. How is it going to do it? My computer is a constant source of irritation for me, but that's a good thing. It causes me to learn how to undo all the little blips that that demon living in the hard drive cooks up.
Today, it refused to recognize that I had a CD drive, so I had to go on the internet to find a solution and, sure enough, there was a kind soul who had the same problem and his solution fixed my computer. Then, it refused to recognize one of the hard drives in my computer. Yes, this particular computer has three of them because it's used for my new love; short, short films. I had to go to the manufacturer's site and download new drivers because new software I had loaded on my computer had corrupted the drivers for this drive.
Is it fixed? No, because I have to carefully follow the instructions for the diagnostic that has to be run so I can let it tell me that there's really one of their drives on my computer. Next, the graphics card's drivers acted up and it just kept getting more complicated.
I used my usual approach to things like this. I get what I need, put it all together and leave it there while I go off and read a wonderful book, watch a DVD or go for a walk. I won't let it get me upset. Sooner or later, I'll get it figured out and we'll go on until the next time my computer/demon acts up and I'll find a solution then, too. If I know one thing from this computer it's that it will always challenge me and in that challenge will be the exercise that my brain needs to help me fight off Alzheimer's. So, this is a good kind of stress because I choose to see it that way.
All of this wrangling with computers has led to something else. I am now the computer maven where I consult and I have to teach the MDs how to solve their computer problems. Not only that, but I have two monitors on my computer there because I've been designated the "test" case to help them figure out how it will work when everyone has two monitors on their computers.
So, computers are both a joy and a health benefit, but they sure can be stressful if you let them.
Related Topics: Avoid Desktop Stress, You and Your Computer: Fight Fear Together, Boost Your Memory
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1 Comments:
Dr Farrell,
Thank goodness that was a TV doctor! But such misinformation!
I like how you view your computer's irritations as a challenge that will keep you mentally fit!
Years ago I needed a plumber. When I called a company for one I found out that they charged $35 for every quarter hour and they worked 9-5 and before/after hours the charge was time and a half! (I had to think that if it was a woman's profession the rate probably would not be half that...) Anyway, that began my own challenge. Solving plumbing problems is like solving computer problems in that one thing can lead to another and another... In the end, several years and a few projects later I was the proud owner of a brand new toilet which I installed myself! It was truly my throne!
Lifelong learning, no matter what it is about, keeps us curious and searching and reaching out.
I'd rather it not be computer problems that keep Alzheimer's Disease away from me, or plumbing problems either for that matter, but whatever it is I hope I am still ready for the challenge it tosses my way!
thanks for a great article!
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