Magic: the operative word for anything relating to computers. I have seen IT personnel, in unguarded moments; wave their hands over the offending machine, and restart it. Sometimes, it works. Other times, they shoot a few hoops, and try again.
When everything works, I take my computer buddies for granted. But when they complain, I obsess like nobody’s business. Which is why I was not pleased when my reliable Multi-Functional Center (MFC) began talking to me.
MFC: “Drum End Soon.”
I, baffled: “What drum?”
Soon after, the machine mentioned, “Replace ink cartridge.”
“Yippee! I know how to do that.”
I trotted down to my local office supply store, plunked down a large chunk of change on four ink cartridges. Installed them. Congratulated myself. This proved to be a premature response.
MFC: “Drum end soon.”
“I just fed you.”
“Drum end soon.”
I pulled out the manual and discovered
1. A drum is not an ink cartridge. (Duh!)
2. Price check: A drum costs half as much as a new machine, or, a machine cost twice as much as a drum. I am a good consumer. I bought a new MFC.
Life Lesson 1 – Why I bought new machine:
My current machine is really old – 5 years at least — in technology terms, practically a dinosaur
I want to ‘air print’ from my iPad
I have a credit card
Life Lesson 2 — Having a new machine is not the same thing as installing it.
Life Lesson 3 — How many over-educated people does it take to change a wireless MFC and connect it to the wireless access point? I have no idea.
We read the manual, memorized the Quick Set-Up Guide, and downloaded every updated driver on the website. No luck. I waved my hands. Nothing. Nada. Zippity do dah.
We shot metaphoric hoops.
We called Tech Support. They only work Monday-Friday. Really? Seriously? Tech Support doesn’t work on the weekends?
Drank beer. Shot more hoops.
Monday, worst day to call anywhere. I’m up at 5:00 a.m. There are many wonderful things about living in Hawai`i, but getting up at Zero Dark Thirty to call the East Coast is not one of them. (grumble, grumble) I was not alone. I know this, because I was on hold half an hour. It was worth it. Once again, I am wirelessly wired.
MAGIC!
Sandra Wagner-Wright holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s and global history at the University of Hawai`i. Sandra travels for her research, most recently to Salem, Massachusetts, the setting of her new Salem Stories series. She also enjoys traveling for new experiences. Recent trips include Antarctica and a river cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel.
Sandra particularly likes writing about strong women who make a difference. She lives in Hilo, Hawai`i with her family and writes a blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life.
