A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch
Sometimes I get really disappointed with technology and technological advances. For instance, twenty years ago when you purchased software, you would get software that worked from the time you installed it on your machine. Major bugs were seldom found. In this modern day, if you are lucky, you will get a product that actually does what you want without doing damage to your files. Consumers are often reluctant to install updates because they might make it worse. Since I’ve installed Windows 10 on all of my main production machines, I’ve developed a new habit. I never check for updates. I wait for Microsoft to force them on me. When they do, I keep my fingers crossed that all major bugs have been fixed.
I’m writing this article somewhere out in the ocean. The only option for internet access is from satellite. It is a little pricey, but I’ve sold myself on the idea that I can’t live without it. After all, I’ve got a newsletter to edit, articles to write for two computer clubs, websites to maintain, tech blogs to read, etc. I do this every year and expect it to be pretty slow. I’m sorry to report that it is not getting better. This is the fourth year I’ve done this and I believe that it is the worst one so far. I will be downloading a file or opening a website and it will be a fairly decent speed. Then suddenly, it will drop to zero. It is so slow that I haven’t been able to complete an on line speed test. It keeps timing out. This might be due to the ships’ WiFi configuration or lousy satellite service. Either way, it is disappointing.
For years, I’ve been disappointed with USB cables, power cords and various other connection methods. So many of these cables are compatible with only one device. This is usually because manufacturers will change one or two pins and void compatibility with other devices. I’ve even had phones made by the same company where the cable cannot be used. The only instance I know of where this is not true is RJ Ethernet cables. You can use the same cable on any computer with a jack. Why can’t the other cables be less disappointing?
Speaking of incompatibility, tech companies have always disappointed me with their inability to just get along. Web browsers interpret HTML a little differently and a picture might not display correctly. Word processors might change the formatting just enough so that your perfect document becomes an Ivory Soap one ‑ 99.9 percent pure. Just try reading an amazon book on a competitors e‑book reader. Next thing you know, if you have an iPhone, you’ll have a hard time getting texts from your friends with an Android phone.
I generally find that “Software as a Service” is usually disappointing. I guess I’m just to0 old and curmudgeonly to think that paying a monthly fee is a better deal than paying an up‑front total price. I would much rather pay full price and know what I’m getting than pay a lower price forever and know that I’ll end up usually spending much more than the value.
It’s disappointing how so many things we purchase want to access my home network. This is generally known as the Internet of Things (IOT). Does your toothbrush really need to connect to the internet so that a company can collect data on how often you brush? Will my life really be easier if the toilet lid automatically opens when I enter the bathroom. I can see where some IOT tech would be useful. For instance heat control, lighting, doorbells, etc. might save you some money on your utility bill. The problem is that they might cost you more if someone uses them to break into your home network.
Speaking of hardware, isn’t it disappointing how tech companies announce the greatest innovations, but never seem to deliver them. The folding phone is an excellent example. It seems like we’ve been going to get one for the last five years or so. I wonder what will be here first, a foldable phone or a roll‑up screen. Oh well, at least the smart toilet is available.
I’ve had enough disappointment for this month. Thanks for reading.