Do you ever experience computer problems and find yourself asking, " do I really need this thing in my life?"
That was this morning, I came in turned on my computer and my little icon that tells me if my computer is protected was red. When I went to bed last night right before I turned my computer off it was green. I tried to get my virus scan to start. I tried every kind of computer voodoo I knew. But it wouldn't turn on. Which means that a virus has got in and changed the settings. I always panic. Like sick to my stomach panic.
I even went to the help screen, which might have been in Arabic as much sense as it made to me. I finally had to tell Ron that something was wrong. I hate doing that. Especially when he is getting ready for work. Does he yell or anything like I would do? Nope, He calmly comes in sits down clicks a few buttons. Gets in the secret parts of a screen I have never seen checks to see if anything has been added or removed.Then he says, very calmly, " Did you already restart your computer?" As I am sweating and wringing my hands and jumping up and down because I can't sit still." I say, " Yes, I did all of that and it didn't fix it."
He says " Okay lets shut it down and unplug it." I looked at him like he was so bonkers but I have already went down that path in my mind that there is some virus in there stealing my identity and copying my passwords and all the things that have happened to me before.
He stands up unplugs the computer from the power source and plugs it back in and goes to finish getting ready for work. I am so scared that I went in and started sorting laundry like a woman possessed. Got the washing machine started and walked in and my light for my security is green again. I clicked on it and did a scan and it ran like it was supposed too. I went in and asked him why and he said it is just simple troubleshooting steps. Unplug it from the wall. Did you know that? I didn't. He told me that even if your computer is shut down, it really is never off. Sometimes in memory you get for lack of a better word build up of old programs in there and the only way to clean it out is to unplug it.
I still feel a bit shaky. I am a bit OCD when it comes to security on my computer. If you have ever got those phone calls from the bank that say, " Did you buy 10 computers at 2:00 A.M. and have them sent to Kuwait." You know what I am talking about.
I am so very thankful that I am married to a computer expert who doesn't panic. I hope your week is a lovely week.
~Kim~
17 comments:
unplug it? did not know that!
Good morning! this could have been written by me! I DEFINITELY panic when I can't get on, something is wrong, etc, etc. And somehow hubby ALWAYS calmly fixes it. Thank God for those smart, helpful, calm guys huh? Oh, and yes, I did know about the unplugging thing...as he fixed it once doing that. However, I have a laptop now so it doesn't apply. I am always soo terrified my computer will crash and all my pictures will be gone. I don't print anymore...but hubby CALMLY backs it up for me, haha. Glad yours turned out ok. Enjoy your day!
I think this a good reminder to all of us... I'm going to unplug today for sure!
Oh my goodness I would have been doing the same thing... With my lap top my son says take the battery out if your trouble shooting like a desk top... Since my debit card number was stolen I have been a nervous nelly about everything.... The other day my mouse was acting funny and I panicked that someone got a hold of my mouse...YES when my son was living here he somehow took control over everyone's mouse and he did it to be funny... It was not funny to us.... My son is a computer techy and drove us batty when he lived here... But we always call him to help us out when we are having computer issues....
Glad it is all fixed and now you can look at the day with sunshine...
Lisa
ohdear...not a great start to your week, but sure happy that your honey got it all fixed for you. As I am typing this, I am noticing how many y's there are...cuz my 'y' key is sticking. ~sigh~ ohwell. Things could be worse. Hope your day is all good now. xo
Hi Kim, I knew about the unplugging part but I worry about viruses even on an Apple. When my husband computer act unresponsive, that's what I tell him to do and it happened the other night. I'm not techy at all but he's even worst than me.
I remember better than him what to do if someone show me once. what to do.
I'm glad it was not a virus, just a computer with a headache.
Have a great new week.
Hugs,
JB
I do wish I didn't need to rely on the computer for so many things. My UMW activities depend on the computer for receiving and sending important information. It is no longer sent via regular mail. So glad your husband was able to clear up your problems. Last week I had to do all sorts of updates, and it took FOREVER! Using up our metered service, too! Oh, well. We just move on.:-)
xo Nellie
Got those phone calls before ... luckily our credit card company knew that it was suspicious and didn't approve the purchases, but it was still a pain to get the accounts changed, etc. I'm SO glad that it was nothing serious ... and no, I didn't know about the unplugging ... I knew about shutting off and then waiting before restarting. I'll have to file that away for the next time my computer decides to act up. Hope you have a peaceful, stressfree rest of your Monday.
Yikes! I'm glad Ron knew what to do!
I like the golden background!
Oh, I did watch Anne of Avonlea yesterday. So nice.
Off to lunch, but I'll check in with you later today.
I hope your Monday is turning out well! (big hug!)
Oh, Kim,
I can relate! But my way of stressing out is to just get very depressed, thinking of the loss of time and usually money. You are SO blessed to have a your very own computer guy!
I would have been panicking too! I never would have thought to unplug it. At least it was that simple and you didn't actually have a virus that was sending your information all over the place.
Unfortunately I think the computer is here to stay but I am like you...when my computer starts acting up, my palms get sweaty, my stomach turns and I get in a panic...I also have a husband who is cool as a cucumber...when in comes to that stuff and always seems to fix it. (I did not know you had to unplug them occasionally) Hope you have a stress free enjoyable week.
Kim
It does make you panic. I especially worry about my pictures-I'd hate to lose them. My hubby tells me to put them on a disc, but I procrastinate.
Thanks for the tip. I'm unplugging mine tonight!
There is definite advantage being married to the computer guy. Computers are a love/hate relationship. I use a Mac and not a PC and it has been very good to me over the years.
Glad your computer is up and running.
Velva
Lucky you - married to a computer Guy !
I know the feelings you are writing about.
Computers are wonderful, until, *dread* something is wrong.
Glad all is well and up and running. ;)
Rose
Oh, boy! Do I ever know that feeling! The "help" screen is a misnomer. It absolutely doesn't help. Blah! I have a computer daughter who saves me more often than I'd like to admit.I had my identity stolen last summer. It had nothing to do with my computer- more likely using a debit card locally. It was such a big hassle and left me more paranoid about security. I learned a few years ago to keep all my photos on a disc or a stick. Every few months I transfer everything and ditch the ones I wouldn't keep anyway. I have about six of those sticks with large capacity and they are getting full. So many pictures of the farm and silly old Wendell!
I have noticed that I get upset when anything doesn't work. I guess I take a lot for granted. When my dishwasher goes up- which it does about every six months- I go into melt down! Have a good week. May your computer behave. :)
Yes, I know that feeling well, and oh how I wish I were married to a computer guy! It's been a long time since I've had any problems- I use two free programs and they seem to catch it all. Now, the internet modem has to be unplugged and restarted every now and then..it's got issues. Have a great day!
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