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