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Technology

Are computers getting more complicated?

(58 Posts)
Smurf52 Sat 26-Aug-17 13:55:26

I was working with computers in the 1980s when they first appeared. I considered myself quite computer savvy. At home I had a desktop PC with Windows XP. If I drafted a letter on Word and then saved it, I knew exactly where the document was.

Now with Windows 10 I am totally flummoxed. I create a letter, save it and it disappears into this so called Cloud business or whatever never to be found again. Bring back XP!!

Does anyone else have this problem or is my brain too old for modern technology....?

IngeJones Mon 28-Aug-17 10:45:22

Smurf, it's not you. I am good with technology, in fact I am a programmer as a hobby, but Windows cloud features DO that sometimes. I therefore use Google Drive as my cloud service and it seems more reliable.

maryhoffman37 Mon 28-Aug-17 10:59:30

I am a Mac girl through and through ever since my first computer in 1989, so I can't help you.

Terrystred Mon 28-Aug-17 11:09:47

I have found that when I don't know how to do or find something on my Mac, I just google the problem in normal words and many sites come up offering step by step instructions. I love storing data in the cloud as it means I can access all my photos, music, documents etc from any device anywhere in the world. I pay 79p per month to Apple for 50 GB storage. If that's not good value for money, I don't know what is!

amy2shoes Mon 28-Aug-17 11:23:13

Agree wholeheartedly about modern technology feel completely out of it plus trying to make sense of it takes up far too much precious time

lovebeigecardigans1955 Mon 28-Aug-17 11:27:03

Yes, indeed. I dread the day when this old computer packs up as I'll have to learn how to use a new one. No doubt even the simplest things will look different and it'll be a case of getting used to it. One of my dear nephews works with and loves computers so thankfully he helps out when problems occur.
I'm often told I should get a new phone - but why should I when the old one works perfectly well? Again I'd have to get used to the damn thing and I don't see the point.
Everything's more complicated than need be - even the washing machine and the microwave have functions which I ignore because I don't need them and I always choose the simplest model available.

keffie Mon 28-Aug-17 11:33:06

I always say "God couldn't be everywhere so now we have technology he gave us Google: smile

Anything I want an answer for including this type of stuff I Google. It will tell you what to do and how to use. That's how I stay computer savvy.

Oh best mention 2 sons who work in the industry too. One is a software developer, the other a software engineer and another son who prefers/works hands on but also pc savvy. They bought me up with the internet age kicking and screaming. I am so glad they did too smile

HMarie Mon 28-Aug-17 11:34:27

Another Mac-user here (addicted since 1990). I hate iCloud and keep it switched off. I use Dropbox instead, which at least I feel I have control over. But that's probably old hat by now? I'm also still on the Mavericks OS but am frightened to upgrade in case I lose loads of important Quark 10 files.

I also have problems with my iPad refusing to do anything unless I key in an Apple ID for a long-defunct email address, or insisting on things being done via iTunes (what??!!). Consequently iPad sits unused except when GDs are here in the summer.

chickenlegs Mon 28-Aug-17 11:34:33

I pay 79p per month for icloud storage but I don't know how to put things on it or get them back. And I wouldn't know how to let family etc. see any of it but not all of it.

Hm999 Mon 28-Aug-17 11:43:51

I'm ok with technology I use regularly, but when I'm shown something and don't have to use it again for ages, I'm rubbish.

sarahellenwhitney Mon 28-Aug-17 12:20:21

The 'jargon' is my problem.
As the old song says 'bewitched, bothered and bewildered'.That's me

grandMattie Mon 28-Aug-17 12:49:53

I've solved the data storage stuff neatly. I don't trust the Cloud, whoever runs it as I think it is as leaky as a sieve. When I got my new computer, after a catastrophic and terminal crash and I lost mountains of photos and other stuff, my computer man got me a separate hard drive which only saves Word and photos - but you can choose what you want. Unless you store millions of Gb of data, it is perfectly useful for the average person, like me, and easily portable in case of a fire or other disaster.

Babette Mon 28-Aug-17 13:03:25

To SMUF52. Windows 10 is rubbish. We were warned and I never updated or downloaded it.
Microsoft is a money making machine.

Babette Mon 28-Aug-17 13:06:51

@ grandmattie. Well done. Same here. Never used the cloud as I am suspicious here it is stored. India? Like all emails, even the deleted ones.

willa45 Mon 28-Aug-17 13:33:51

I heard a joke recently about a couple having a marital spat. The husband was a 'techie', a computer 'nerd' or however it is people like to call them. The arguing continued on and off for several days and then the girl had to give in. Why? He threatened to put Windows 10 in her computer. smile

Dianic Mon 28-Aug-17 13:52:53

We bought a Cloud of our own - external storage - as I'm a bit paranoid about protecting pics of our DGS... and it has 1TB of storage which is adequate for our needs. They come in all sizes too. Got ours at Currys/PC World when we bought new laptops last year.
If you "lose" something on Windows 10, just use the search box at the bottom left hand side of your task bar!
IMHO, Windows has always been clever at storing your data and then bloody hiding it...

Jaycee5 Mon 28-Aug-17 14:15:35

I agree. I wish I hadn't upgraded to Windows10 but I couldn't reverse it because I had to upgrade twice and apparently that means you are stuck with it. It also loses the free DVD but they don't tell you that until after it has happened.

Direne3 Mon 28-Aug-17 14:26:39

Atqui , try hitting Ctrl then 0 which should return you to 100% (assuming that's your problem). Wish Windows wouldn't keep doing their dodgy updates which really mucks up my system until they reset (often after several days).

RosemarySuperager Mon 28-Aug-17 16:25:02

I find the cloud business very irritating. It's very easy to exceed the amounts of storage that are given for free and then you have to pay for evermore to keep your own things.

I try to keep everything on my own computer, but I take too many photos!

Please don't say you're too old! We're Never Too Old to do something new - and it's good for your brain to wrestle with the difficulties. It helps keep it in good working order for a great old age.

Rosina Mon 28-Aug-17 16:33:34

I loved Windows XP ; when our old PC died two years ago we bought a new model with Windows 8 and a promise of a free upgrade to Windows 10 in a few months when it was launched; evidently 8 wasn't considered to be worth keeping. I really do dislike Windows 10 - even its appearance isn't as good as XP, and the upgrades happen without warning. Last time it launched into an upgrade we then couldn't use it properly and had to get the system sorted out by an expert. If I could revert to Widows XP I would do it in a flash, but the problem is that Microsoft withdraw any support after a period of time.

Rosina Mon 28-Aug-17 16:35:02

Windows! Oh dear I really must check my comments and remember that I type 'fast and badly '.

Skweek1 Mon 28-Aug-17 16:35:26

I learnt how to program in several languages, was very tech-savvy, but now I see myself as an "end-user". Pretend to be less competent than I am, so can get my family to sort things out for me, but positively loathe my smartphone, which is a lot smarter than me! I want to make phone calls, send the occasional text and take occasional photos. Use my laptop for everything else. And don't like the "cloud".

maddy629 Mon 28-Aug-17 17:48:23

I use a computer with Windows 10 and I cope perfectly well, even at the advanced age of 72. My husband worked for Clive Sinclair back in the day and I started using a computer a long time ago. You are never too old to learn new things and it keeps your brain working properly.

Bambam Mon 28-Aug-17 19:16:52

Thank goodness for icloud. My DS saved my iPhone to it for me and what a relief that was when I got my phone wet and it just died. All my photos, numbers and everything popped back into my new phone from cloud. Yay!!

NanKate Mon 28-Aug-17 20:03:42

Primrose65 I am a visual learner and your description of the Cloud was perfect. flowers Many thanks.

Bicigran Mon 28-Aug-17 20:26:55

I dont like windows 10 and wish I had not upgraded my windows 7. My next laptop will be Apple. Since the last update, which is automatic, a month agoish I can no longer delete my memory cards to add new books from RNIB. I will go mad without a book to listen to. I googled the problem but still cant do it. Now it pains me that I will have to pay someone to sort it.