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Me And Modern Technology Do Not Get Along

By Geoff Cummings

I'm coming to the conclusion that me and modern technology don't get along. Over the years either through choice, or being forced to, I've upgraded, updated, call it what you will, but usually the later the product, the more trouble I seem to have.

When I first bought a computer I had a modem. From what I recall, that was the only choice I had. I was on dial up at that time. And during the time I had that set-up everything seemed to work fine (apart from getting the right Internet Provider, but that's another story). Anyway, after some time I decided to go in for Broadband, and from what I can remember I continued to use a modem, though it might have been a later version I think.

So, everything is going along nicely, then when I moved to this house I changed my Internet Provider, and they sent me a router, the latest at that time. Now, since I've been using this router I've had a lot of problems with the phone line connection which obviously disrupts my broadband. This latest time it happened they actually sent an engineer to my home. He did number of checks, including one on the phone line, and came to the conclusion I have a faulty router. Apparently, their routers have been upgraded several times and mine is now 'old fashioned' despite being only a couple of years old.

So, I'm now waiting for a 'hub' to be sent by them to me, to replace the router. I'm just hoping that works better than my router did, but I'm not holding my breath.

The other piece of equipment I've had problems with is my DVD player. At one time, like probably most of us, I had a good old VHS video recorder. I had it for about 12 years or so, without any problems whatsoever. I used it most days, mainly for recording and playback, and sometimes when hiring films.

Anyway, one day it packed up, by which time it was virtually impossible to get hold of video recorders any longer. They'd been replaced by the more technically advanced DVD player. Necessity meant I then had to change to something I didn't particularly want, as I was perfectly happy with a video recorder, and of course I had a stockpile of videos too. So, I went and bought a new TV (which had also packed up), and a DVD recorder. The DVD recorder arrived, but despite my best efforts I just couldn't tune it to my new TV. Eventually I gave up, phoned the supplier, and asked to change to a different make and I paid the small difference in price.

The new one arrived, got it tuned in ok, no problems. It worked fine for the first year whilst it was still under warranty, then, I started having problems with it. Not recording properly, skipping on playback and other things, and I discovered it would cost more to repair than it would to buy a new one. I was speaking to a friend one day, who told me he had a DVD recorder he'd hardly used, and it was stored away, and he kindly gave it to me. So, I fitted it all up, it worked fine, though it was always noisy. Then after a while it started skipping on playback, and I would have to wait for several minutes just to open the drawer to put a DVD in, or take one out. Eventually it too packed up.

I then went out and bought a new DVD recorder. Great at first, but now on occasions when I come to set it up on pre-record it won't accept the DVD that's in, so I have to change the DVD. It isn't as though I only use one set of DVDs, I do buy new ones from time to time and get rid of old ones, though in theory they are supposed to last 'forever' according to the adverts. And I know I can get it seen to as it's still under warranty. I also know that the playback quality of DVDs is far superior to that of Videos. It would be foolish of me not to acknowledge there are other plus points for DVD recorders over video recorders.

But, when I look back over the years and think about how little trouble I had with my old modem, and my trusty video recorder, I've come to the conclusion that me and modern technology just don't get along very well.

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I have come to the conclusion that if it has more than an 'on/off' switch it will cause me grief.

My grandchildren never have problems with modern technology except to complain that mine isn't 'modern' - it's 'last years' stuff'!

Yep, that's me too. I'm sure manufacturers go out of their way to confuse the likes of us. Anyway, my new BT 'hub' arrived earlier, and I actually managed to set it up in less than 4 hours (took me 5 minutes actually), and so far so good. Eureka!

The way I see it, modern technology is still in its infancy, and therefore, problems arise. I'm old enough to remember when the automobile was young. I remember my dad's cars, even new cars, breaking down regularly and being stranded on the highway while he tried to figure out what went wrong. Nowadays, its rare for autos to break down provided you have looked after basic maintenance and remembered to fill the gas tank. I expect digital technologies will be the same as time passes.

Yes, I agree about the cars, though if and when they do go wrong whereas at one time we were able to do some minor repairs ourselves, now we have to take them in to the garage to get them repaired. Usually they hook it up to a computer and hope they find a solution to the problem that way.

I thought that it was just me, Geoff. I still can't program to watch a show on TV, get my TV remote to turn the TV on properly, retrieve messages from the cell phone or reset all of the digital clocks in the house, when the power goes off. Thank God for my WIFE.
Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes.
Frederick

Take heart, Frederick, you aren't alone. We probably aren't fully fledged technophobes, but just can't quickly come to grips with new technology. When we were kids and went to school we never learned about, or used computers. Different story now of course, computers, mobile phones ipods etc are all second nature to youngsters. I never went to college to learn about computers, I simply went out one day, bought one, and am self-taught.

Older people are seldom interested in technology, but the basics of technology, without all the extras, can come in very handy for older people. The elderly of today didn’t grow up in a time where technology was as essential as it is today. They are scared to experiment and use technological devices such as computers and cell phones. That said, there are many elderly people who are quite competent in using their cell phones and computers but they are in the minority.

While many of these devices might be unaffordable to a lot of elderly people, a basic computer and cell phone is within reach of many elderly people’s budget.

A cell phone is a wonderful device that allows older people to stay in contact. There are cell phones on the market with bigger buttons and screens that make it easier to use. Sending text messages is a daily occurrence in almost everybody’s life. Staying in contact with loved ones and family or friends is very important in older people’s lives. Receiving a message from a loved one can brighten up a lonely person’s day.

Elderly people can be in control of their own finances by using the internet banking services. For someone who finds it difficult to walk or stand in queues, internet banking is a wonderful tool. The elderly person won’t have to rely on others to get to the bank. It won’t only have an impact on the elderly person’s life, but also on those responsible for driving them around and assisting them in these tasks. Many online shops provide an online grocery ordering and delivery facility as well.

Independence is the one aspect in the life of the elderly that should be nurtured and technology can do that.

Yes, it's opened up a lot of new ways to learn, communicate, and carry out certain functions like online banking, which I think is wonderful for older ones especially. There's a site here for 'silver surfers' explaining the benefits of computing, though I'm not sure everyone in their 50's would like the title 'silver surfer'.

http://www.silversurfersguide.com/#2

This is a 5* intel!
The products of modern technology can be either a blessing or a curse - the choice depends on us. Few people, though, would prefer to go back to the comparatively crude products of yesteryear. I do have a DVD player though, that I believe hates me.

" I do have a DVD player though, that I believe hates me." ha ha, you and me both, Laraine. I do admit I'd hate to be without my computer now.

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