Keeping up with Technology is not easy these days | Eastern North Carolina Now

    I recently upgraded my mobile phone to the new iPhone 6S+. It's not that I needed a new phone but I grew bored with my other phone and the new iPhone has a much better camera for my endless selfies. I have always tried to keep up with the new technology because I did not want to be the old guy that everybody laughs at. I must admit that it never really bothered me when people laugh with me or at me, but keeping up with technology has been a lifelong pursuit. I have always been curious about how things work. This fascination with all working things came naturally, since I spent many hours in the basement shop watching my dad building things. His craftsmanship ranged from welding, using a lathe, woodwork, fabrication, and just about anything he set his mind to. He was the 'goto' man in our neighborhood. When any kid had a broken bike, wagon, tricycle or flexi-sled they would show up at our house and ask Captain Red to fix it. I don't think it was because their dad could not fix the broken toys but because it was common knowledge that my dad had a soft spot for kids (sometimes including my brother and I). He was always building something in our back yard from scooters, go-karts, horse trailers, and once restored a horse surrey which we rode all over Atlanta.

    Since I inherited the tinkerer gene from him, I took up where he left off. I have probably owned almost every generation of computers from the Timex Sinclair, Tandy 100, Osborne1 and who knows how desktop computers and laptops. At one time, I was the field evaluator for various laptops for our company when they decided to issue each field sales engineer a laptop. Computer companies would give the company laptops for evaluation and I must have tested over fifty different models for ease of use or durability.

    Since I retired, I have tried to keep up with the changing technology in both my industry as well as the computer field. It is nice to know that I do not have to be an expert to enjoy the changing environment of technology. I used to think that my Dad lived in one of the most interesting times. His life (1906-2005) spanned horse and buggy, airplanes, autos, TV, space exploration, and many other innovations created by the human mind. Of course, he also lived during five or six wars, one depression, multiple recessions, a couple of "booms" as he called the good times. I have since changed my mind though. I may have lived through more changes than the old man did. I think it is because of the computer age and Moore's Law which "states that processor speeds, or overall processing power for computers will double every two years".That has been true since the 1970's.

    Lately, I think I am beginning to lose my fight to keep current. I will continue to valiantly try to keep current in the ever changing field of computers, but there are some things that I just can't get my hands around.

    My laptop now continues to ask me questions that I don't understand. I can be peacefully typing along or using some of my software and suddenly Up-Pops (or is it Pop-Ups) the question.

DO YOU WANT TO CONVERT TO THE CLOUD

• My quicken checkbook program often ask me the question.
• Turbo-Tax repeats the question ever year.
• Apple ITunes does as does my IPad and IPhone.
• Microsoft is in on the conspiracy as well.
• Fidelity Investments is constantly asking me to change.
• Google has about a zillion programs that they say are better if I convert to the cloud.
• I have not kept a list but I know that there are many more CLOUD OPTIONS that I have not mentioned.

    I had just gotten used to the backup to external hard drive alternative. I used to use 5 1/4 disks, then 3 1/2 disks, serial ports, CDs, DVD, USB thumbs, smart cards. I cannot believe that I still have most of those backups in my safe. I do not even have a disk drive that can read the floppy disk which are protected by a my fire safe. I also keep hard copy printouts of the year end finance sheets and tax returns. Remember, Just because I am paranoid does not mean that they are not out to get me.

    Fortunately, I still use my all time fall back favorite for backup. I still carry the standard 3x5 card in my front pocket to write notes and reminders. If I am wearing my... well you get the point.

    I even went outside to see if my cloud is floating by overhead. Unless it is clearly marked as BT'S CLOUD , how would I know if it was my cloud or someone else's cloud? What happens when my cloud gets overloaded? Does that mean that all my information rains down on everyone? What about my privacy? Is this a government scheme to gain access to my cloud information without having to go to court and sue Apple to create a back door to my cloud? As usual, I always try to reduce the complicated things down to a few simple elements. Usually I have found that music, poems, signs, and stamps can express an idea simply and directly in a few words. I have not mastered the few words technique yet.

    Well for now I think I have found the answer to my dilemma. I am staying local. I had to go back to my youth but I found the answer in this 1967 song by Judy Collins.
   
    Judy Collins - "Both Sides Now"