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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Sorting electronic stuff out



Computers annoy me. Sure, they are great labor saving devices, except for when they are not. Today was one of those days. This is the day I finally got fed up dealing with Windows, wiped the computer clean and installed Ubuntu, a version of Linux.

Of course everything had to be backed up before doing major computer brain surgery. While I can't say the installation was trouble free, it went pretty darn good. I like dealing with an operating system that doesn't constantly need updated virus protection. It will take a little while to get the bookmarks and passwords all sorted out, but it's worth it.

My cheapo tracfone died in the salt water, as did my Kindle Fire tablet, and a hand held marine gps. Those three things are now replaced with one device: a Motorola 3G smart phone from Republic Wireless.

The cheap plan allows full function with wifi, unlimited talk and text, but minimal data. The phone is optimized to run with wifi. One bonus is that it's possible to use my cell phone for talk and text at home where there is no cell tower connection but good wifi. The kindle app replaces the Kindle reader. A chart app replaces the marine gps. A bonus is that the chart app also works with Active Captain, giving more information than charts alone can do. The phone is also rated to withstand being under 3 feet of water for 30 minutes -and that's not counting the protective case.

My lovely wife and I have decided to let the service on her StraightTalk phone lapse. This might freak some people out, but we can function just fine sharing one cell phone. The phone itself has seen better days and has started to act wonky -not all the time, but it will choke when you try to rely on it.

Electronics are nice and all, but I also got a new notebook. No, not a notebook computer, a real notebook. It's a nice one with quality paper and leather bound. That's where all the really interesting stuff is kept.

-Sixbears

16 comments:

  1. At least you still know how to write. Young folks are losing the ability.

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    Replies
    1. Sad but true. They don't even know how to READ cursive.

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  2. still good for 911 calls if your wife has a cheap phone in her purse.
    we have windows 7 on new computer.
    daughter has installed linux on one older one and is studying programming at home.

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    1. Good point about the 911 calls.

      Good for her -and free tech support for you. :)

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  3. I had a AT&T phone beginning to get spotty service too. The AT&T store tech told me that the service towers below 3G were serviced much less often because so few of us still had them. So I upgraded to 3G and so far, had trouble free service. Still same pay as you go plan - $25 for 90 days, so $100 a year.

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    Replies
    1. Not a bad deal. I assume that's basic phone service?

      How much longer before we all need 4G?

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  4. I have a core 2 laptop I would love to give you. Nice big 17 screen. I don't use it anymore and I hate trying to sell it. Consider it a payback for all the enjoyment I have had reading your blog. Let me know if interested.

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    Replies
    1. I am interested. Thank you.

      e-mail me at sixbears@hotmail.com

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. Got it. Expect it next week. I will email you the tracking number.

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    4. Thank you very much. Looking forward to it.

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  5. What ever would we do without all our electronic stuff. Hey, maybe we could all learn to talk to each other. . .

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  6. As is writing for most, Dizzy. Good on you, Sixbears - great new low-tech lifestyle ~

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