26 April, 2014

What's New?

I bought a new laptop, this one has Windows 8.1; my old XP operating system was no longer supported, it was time. Nothing feels automatic or intuitive today. I feel like I'm in a new house and I don't know where any of my belongings are! I keep opening "doors" and "drawers" as I search and I am managing to find a few things, albeit slowly. I set up my now-ancient laptop right beside my new one and searched from old faithful for ways to download, change and customize settings... that has helped, some; I can't say that I feel the summit of this learning curve is anywhere near in sight yet, but I will persevere; it's good for me!  Everyday brings a new challenge of some sort, maybe they're not all huge... like learning my way around a new operating system... but there's always something new to learn, some challenge to tackle. I can share what works for me: keep your eyes on the goal, hang on tight and move yourself forward; one step at a time! Have faith through the struggle and know that you can do it! So, what's new with you? What challenges are you facing? Remember these six words of Jesus, from Matthew:16, "with God all things are possible."  This old brain is living proof .

Life is Good!


14 comments:

not so zen -quilts in Paris said...

Same thing here : windows 8.1 since 2 weeks , and i'm blonde , don't worry , you will be used to it very quickly and wonder how you did before ... From Paris , have a lovely weekend , your blog is sweet.

Janet O. said...

I think I am getting an iphone in a month or two. Not my choice--my dumb phone is all I want, but I bought it for a daughter and she can't get service where she lives with the carriers in that area. So it will soon be mine. That will really challenge my brain, I am sure!

AnnieO said...

I'm afraid we're headed for an upgrade too--our XP operating system is getting very old and slow. Hope your curve smooths out fairly quickly--those heights can be dizzying :)

stitchinpenny said...

I have had windows 8 since the beginning and even though I can use it it still has flaws that hang my machine up, non-intuitive sequences, and annoying ways to do things that were once simple. You probably have 8.1 or higher, so you at least have the "start-up" menu which allows access to the control panel and the ability to shut don the machine without all the swiping. It is getting better, but it like all Microsoft products is tested on the users, not by the developers.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Hang in there . . . you are NOT the only one climbing that curve!!!

Nane said...

Maybe Greggory can help if you get stuck. Seriously I know my step mom had a lot of trouble converting and now I think they check their email more often on their Ipad rather than fire up the computer But you will prevail, I have faith

Edith said...

My laptop died about a month ago so Jim gave me his old laptop with Windows 8 on it. I have learned and can live with it now. You will be just fine too.

Ancestor Collector said...

I had the same problem with my laptop and XP, so I've just gotten a new MAC desktop. The kids talked me into it so it sync's up with my iPad and iPhone. My iPad has really replaced my laptop for portability. It's taken some getting used to but I'm getting there and I really do love it. Jim moved all my files over for me, but now whenever I want some old file (think years of Worship and Music files!!), it's buried about 6-7 layers down and it's a lot of steps to go retrieve it. And there are two places for photos: iPhoto and Pictures....haven't quite got the hang of why yet. I could also tell you it has a track-pad.....but I hooked up my nice little mouse. One thing at a time. ;-)

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

It was Windows 8 that drove me to MacBook Air.

Beth said...

I bought a Windows Surface Pro (tablet with add on keyboard) as I anticipate traveling more this next year. BUT..the Windows 8 has been a bit of a challenge! I made myself use it every day, even if just to turn it on and check my mail. That has helped. Now I have some software loaded and I didn't have to lug my laptop on the plane. I even figured out how to add a small DVD player for uploading some software and watching a movie. I patted myself on the back! lol Hang in there!

Unknown said...

Good luck!

cityquilter grace said...

when i got my new computer earlier this year i opted for windows 7 as i had some software and games that wouldn't run on 8.....so you have fun now!

Gail said...

I too am learning Windows 8.1 Your post matches the one I wrote a few weeks ago when I brought home the new laptop w/Win 8.1.

I do feel like I'm in an unfamiliar room but now that I've moved in and started putting "my" things in this room, it is starting feel more like home, albeit a new one. :)

Unknown said...

Awww! Don't worry, you'll get used to your new laptop soon enough. To be honest, a lot of people that I know are having a tough time adjusting to Windows 8 as well. Its interface is completely different from its predecessors, so it can really be confusing. It will all come together in time. Just keep on tinkering with its features until you get the hang of it. Good luck! :)

Cordia Remsen @ RBSMN