Tuesday, December 27, 2005

The Best Present I Got......

was actually given to my husband. He got a computer for Christmas, which is wonderful for me, because sharing one is horrible! I am trying to blog - he is trying to work on geneaology - it makes for tense days and nights around here. Now we will both be able to work on the computer whenever we want. My daughter fears we will never see each other again!

There is a small problem, though. He is used to our older computer, and his new one has a lot of new and different software. You know how some people don't deal well with change? Uh-oh, I said, fearing I will have to beat a path down the hallway to his computer on a bi-hourly basis, since he is not familiar with it and can't seem to get acquainted easily. Neither of us has ever had a class in computers, so it is all "hunt and peck" - or "click" anyway. It's either that or trying to remember what our children tell us to do, which is increasingly harder as the years roll by.

The main problem seems to be that the new computer has different software for the mail program than we are used to (Outlook Express). The new program is Microsoft Office Outlook, which is completely different. Now I have to drum up someone to help me find Outlook Express for his computer; otherwise, he will have to use Road Runner Web Mail. He recoiled from the computer when he saw it, because horror of all horrors, it will require him to type in the screen name and password EVERY time he wants to read email! He cannot imagine having to do that, comparing it to real drudgery (would you believe?)
Anyway, I hope that Santa brought you everything you wanted and some good stuff you didn't know about!

16 comments:

Arethusa said...

Getting used to a new computer can be a pain, and I admit I'm one of those lazies where with some programmes I simply shouldn't have to type in the username and password all the time!

All of my presents were pretty nice, so Santa did his job right. ;) Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

tools, program, drop down, select, outlook express... had the same problem with my new computer...
also have done lots and lots of genealogy.
A new computer really is a lot of work, but worth it. Hang in hubby.

Suburban Turmoil said...

I know the feeling of having a new computer and not quite knowing what to do with it!! It's a shame you can't just call someone to come over and show you how everything works for a reasonable price... Every computer technician I've found charges more than I really think they should.

I think Outlook has way too many security issues and glitches. I use Yahoo e-mail only- have for years and it's never given me any problems. It's only gotten better as the years have gone by. And you can have the computer remember you so that you don't have to sign in all the time...

TLP said...

Really, this can be fixed! You just need a teenager to come over for an hour. I used to have Outlook Express. Didn't like it as much as what I have now.

But ALL of the e-mails can be fixed so that you don't have to enter your name and password each time. RIGHT NOW college kids are home from school. Hire one for just one hour.

Unknown said...

You can download Outlook Express from Microsoft, but I wouldn't. It's terrible buggy and it is the worst piece of software you can have on your computer because it's got so many ways to infiltrate it. Try using gmail or yahoo, both of which protect you from downloading a virus.

Michele sent me.

Raehan said...

How have you been such great commenter while sharing a computer? You are good. Congratulations on your hubby's present.

brendalove@gmail.com said...

Judy, you guys really ought to try gmail, its the best! Let me know if you want an invite.

Peter said...

Hi Judy, new toys can be a problem!! I think Lucy got it right, but if you choose to perservere margalit is right too, I prefer Mozilla (free download) but to each their own.

Mamacita (The REAL one) said...

I am NOT an Outlook fan. Tell him to get a gmail account and download the notifier; he'll never have to log in again, and it will tell him whenever he gets a new email. I love it.

Lisa said...

New computers can be overwhelming, but also very exciting!! Hooray for you an hubby!

Anonymous said...

kim komando.com ~ most of what I know I learned through her web site.
Hope you found - at the top of your screen - file edit view favorites TOOLS help. click on tools, scroll down to Internet Options, click on internet options.
click on PROGRAMS, under e-mail click on outlook express, and it becomes your default.
As long as your have a good security program, like Norton, you should be OK. Add something like SpySweep for added protection.
Knock on wood, I wander all over on this computer and have been fine.

kenju said...

Bless all of you who have given answers and alternatives. Would you believe that Outlook Express just magically appeared in mr. kenju's start menu this a.m? We have to configure it, of course. I tried to get him to get a new email address - but he wants to stay with what he knows - even if it isn't the best.

We do have Norton Security, and Road Runner is pretty good about nuking spyware, etc., so we should be fine. (Praying....praying!)

utenzi said...

I have so many "parents" stories having to do with computers. I think mine are the same age as you and your husband, Judy, so you know what they're going through. Mom loves Email but just wishes the computer didn't come with the deal.

Chrixean said...

Oh wow! A new computer! That's so great! I had to migrate all my files from a PC to a Mac when I got a new one. I think that's triple the headache he's been experiencing with his email program. Nevertheless, a gift is a gift, and I'm sure he appreciates it a lot...:-)

Here from Michele's!

Anonymous said...

Matching computers! What a perfect gift!

Why didn't *I* think of that!?!?

Anonymous said...

You seem pretty savy... Maybe YOU should get the new computer and he should keep the old one? ;-)
Michele sent me.