Thursday evening the lap top I use for the blog mostly died.
Our first date Wanda and I saw "The Princess Bride." If you haven't seen it, do so. If you have seen it I'll bet you recall Miracle Max played by Billy Crystal. Max was able to revive Wesley (or the Dread Pirate Robert) because Wesley was not 'all dead' but only 'mostly dead.'
Thursday evening the lap top was 'mostly dead.'
It was alive but would not mate with the wireless router.
I suppose I could have tried to connect through an Ethernet cable? I'm not sure what that means. I remember reading something about it and it does sound good.
We have an old but still functioning desk top computer. We also have a small 10" computer (I'm using it now) and we have a Samsung Android Tablet.
We have four devices (when they all work) that connect to the Internet. So, one doesn't function, no need to panic.
The first thing I did was text Younger Daughter Rebecca. "Can Tim help me figure out what's wrong with the lap top?" Poor guy, he just moved from southern California to Oregon and started a new job. Until they move into their new apartment he is commuting three hours a day. Taking some of his off time with computer questions didn't seem right. I decided to figure the problem out myself.
Everything connected with the wireless router except the lap top. By process of elimination I came to the conclusion the wireless card died. While the computer was 'mostly dead', the wireless card was 'all dead.'
Using the 10" computer I found instructions and removed the dead wireless card. After calling a few places for a new part I gave up and called Dell.
I'm sorry if this isn't politically correct: I really dislike talking to 'customer service' representatives who work in INDIA. It's hard enough trying to hear and understand Wanda. I have been using movie subtitles for a few years. I can't understand English speaking people on the phone. Now I am the one apologizing because THEY have an accent and I have 63 year old ears.
"I'm so sorry, can you please repeat that? What is that? Oh you want the serial number on the computer not what I had for breakfast."
Before calling Dell (I wonder if they are located in New Delhi) I removed the lap top battery. I removed the cover plate and the wireless card. I didn't need to do any of that. The person from Dell, who was hard to understand, told me (I THINK) all I need is a new wireless 'device' to plug in a USB port.
Through the broken English I think it's just like the Dongle I used in the back of the television. The LG TV can stream Netflix through our wireless router. I'm hoping the part is what I need. For all I know, we could be getting an elephant.
For now I am using the little, teeny, tiny computer. Rather than hit one incorrect key when I'm trying to type I hit three. What comes up on the screen looks something like ygio or thwat, whih should be this or that.
The desk top is worse. The keyboard is old and the monitor looks like it's fifty yards away. I can't get the proper distance for my bifocals so I'm constantly tilting my heard up and down. I hope the new part solves the problem. If not I see a new lap top in our future.
Wanda went to a coworkers wedding on Saturday. This is her second, she has three kids, 6, 12, and 15. It's his first. The dental office is closed today since the newlyweds are away on a long week end.
Wanda is home so I'm cutting this short.
We're now in full countdown to Alaska mode.
And a closing thought. The insurance adjuster finally got something right. On Thursday August 16 my medication was approved, however, it was a one week supply. Thursday August 23 I saw the new doc and dropped off a prescription for a two week supply. As of now, I'm still waiting for that one.
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