If all goes well, this will be the last blog post I write – on my current office computer.
I’ve used this eMachines PC for more years than I care to remember; it’s been at least five, maybe closer to six. A new hard drive and a few other essential upgrades have kept her alive and kicking through hundreds of deadlines, dozens of Twitter chats and four blogathons.
Early in 2011 I started feeling like I was driving a horse and buggy after everyone else had moved on to a Model T. The old PC was slowing down (and yes, I know, that’s a sure sign of imminent hard drive failure). Some mornings I waited minutes – minutes! – for Outlook and Chrome to open. I resolved that before the year was over, I’d upgrade. Besides, I reasoned, how could I sample the software and apps I write about if my computer couldn’t handle them?
Then I got busy with deadlines or vacation or something I had to do for my kids and put it off.
Finally – finally – on Dec. 31, I made good on my promise. After some research, consulting with my in-house tech team (husband and son) and visiting several area computer stores, I bought a new computer and monitor. It’s shiny, super-fast set up I’ll say more about in another post.
Switching computers isn’t as easy as unplugging one machine and plugging in another, at least not for someone like me who hasn’t leaped entirely to using web-based software. Before I can use the new machine, I’ve got to upload Word and other programs I use regularly and transfer hundreds of megabytes worth of data files. But by this time tomorrow or Thursday, I should be all set.
Say what you want about New Year’s resolutions – it’s great to know that even though it took 365 days, I made my goal, and as a result, I’m starting off 2012 at a blistering pace.
Oh, and my resolution for 2012? Not to put things off to the last minute.
What are your resolutions for 2012?
Lovely post, Michelle.
I don’t know what you use to back up your computer but may I make a suggestion for future reference? Carbonite.
I went through the same ordeal – having to transfer files from the old computer to the new one. Thank God I have Carbonite. I went to their site, logged in, pressed a button and all of my files were downloaded by them. Sure, it took awhile, but I worked while the files downloaded.
I can’t say enough good things about Carbonite. I know, I sound like a commercial, but they are truly great.
Hope your new year is the best one yet!