My procrastination was due to the fact that changing computers is such an ordeal. It involves porting so much stuff over and getting all my programs onto the new system. The computer had lasted for more than 7 years, so there was a lot of stuff. And of course, there was stuff from computers before that one. I have more than two terabytes of photos, for example.
Also, my favourite photo editing program is Lightroom, and that is an absolute beast to work with. I mean it's great to use, but there is so much behind the scenes stuff that it does that I had to figure out how to move over to a new machine. There was much more to it than just downloading Lightroom onto the new machine. So much more.
The purchase was made, but I waited a few days for JJ to come over and help me tear down the old computer and set up the new: not the software part, but the hardware part. When I set up the previous computer there was no question but that I would do it myself, but I have changed a lot in those years. There was a lot of stuff, like wires galore, to do on the floor, for example.
Sue hovered to record at least some of the process.
Phew! It's working, but I am, these several days later, still working on software installations, and I haven't added my computer or scanner yet as they sit unhooked and unplugged on the top shelf. Not only that, but the new monitor displeases me, so I will have to pack it up, drive back into Ottawa, and buy a new, more expensive one. Sigh.
If this computer holds up as long as the previous one, it could possibly be the last one that I will own. If it isn't, I don't know what I'll be like when I am 83 and have to do it all again. I shudder at the thought.
Meanwhile, JJ has the old system, and with the fresh install from ground up, it is working just fine for him. It was a good computer in its day and should serve him well for a few years. I simply didn't want to go to the trouble of rejigging it for myself considering its age . . . and my age.
24 comments:
Oh boy. I shudder at the thought of having to change over my aged laptop. It's, ummmm, 10 years old? I use it very little these days but it has tons of my photos on it, and all of my writing.
my 83-year-old husband is getting a new computer for Christmas. we patronize a local computer shop where a wonderful computer wizard does the whole transfer for him.
he uses a laptop. I have a complete computer mess like yours and I am willing to hire JJ to crawl under the counter when I have to replug. yeah, I used to do it myself.
I didn't know you used Lightroom, a software package that I also own but WAY under utilize. I've never switched it from one computer to the next because I didn't buy it until I had this computer and like yours, it is getting long in the tooth.
Fortunately for me, I have been a long subscriber to a cloud backup service so for all my files, I just have to connect the new computer to the internet, log into the backup service and click a button. It will automatically download all my files onto the new computer into the same directories and folders there were in previously though it takes a few days to get them all. That leaves me free to figure out the transfer or reinstallation of programs which as you said, it usually the trickiest part.
Ed. When you transfer LR to a new computer, you must remember to do the catalog files too. There are several of them.
Husband sorts all my tech stuff - and mutters a lot to himself while doing it. I dread to think how old my version of Photoshop is!
New computers (or phones) are a nightmare. Re doing passwords and figuring out apps, horrible. It's great that you have JJ to help with the process!
Yay to JJ to bend down and organize the wires that connect everything together. My external hard drive won't turn on any more. I hope it's just the wire. So I pulled out the older laptop and copied all it's photos (the files I most want to keep) onto a thumb drive, which cost about $17 and holds 50 G of files I think. Anyway there was lots of space unused on it, so now it has the old photo files. Most of them are backups of what's on the external hard drive, so I think I'm ok. I was surprised that I've had this newer laptop only 2 years...and am already wishing for a better one! Maybe a tablet would be the best idea. When you use yours for blogging is it the original blog program at least? My iPhone has some blog program from Russia, so I don't use it.
My husband does all the computer stuff here. You are fortunate to have such a great helper.
I was amazed at the difference in size when I changed computers a few months ago. The old one was the typical suitcase size and the new one looks like a lady's briefcase. And I don't have my software sorted out but I've found out ways to work around the changes.
I dread to think about replacing my old computer which has to be at least 10 years old.
My husband did that switch over this year. Everything is wireless. It's not an Apple like I work on.
Good you have JJ! I feel your pain.
I like my Apple computers. It is seamless to transfer stuff over. We began in 1980 with them.
I've thought of getting a new computer, but keep putting it off.
I am amazed at your timing because I have been putting off the same damn thing. I am really not sure how old my computer in my den/office but I shudder to think it is likely at least 10 years old and is (has been since Covid) running like a cantankerous cat….. but I hate doing the “new setup” I have been “living” with it. But, I had promised my wife that I would get a new one WITH also an ecotank (refillable) printer (instead of the damn expensive cartridges) this holiday season when I theoretically have some down time.
Though I need to bite the bullet…. I dread it. This computer, however old it actually is….. sat in the box for close to two years because I so dreaded setting it up…. well, I DREADED actually trying to get all the old stuff OFF of its predecessor.
PipeTobacco
I enjoyed reading this post, it’s interesting. Your blog resonates with me, technology be-fuddles me like crazy! It’s good you had JJ to help you through the maze. Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you a great Week!
Good you could hand the old beast down to JJ.
Hurrah for JJ! Switching to a new computer is so daunting..
It's unbelievable. I think my current computer was installed in 2012 by hubby. It still works, but some day, it won't. Just dreading switching over.
Yes, vacuum cleaners are usually part of that process too. Been there, done that.
I change my laptop and desktop every 2 years.
I have anew computer. I need to get it installed. Perhaps I could borrow jj?
A timely post for many it seems who are also dealing with aging computers (not ourselves, you understand). I have an older desktop iMac that I have been threatening with replacement for the past year, but the darn thing is still working even if just a tad slower. I know that when the time comes it is possible to bring it to the Apple store to have the transfer process done to a new PC or to do it yourself at home. Not yet certain which approach I will take when needed. Good for you to have help from JJ and he now had a still-useable unit. Sorry that the new monitor was a disappointment, but better to return it now then regret not doing so much later.
Oh dear. See this is why I work with a MacBook Pro ... four years ago when I needed to replace my seven-year-old one that had died, I plugged it in and logged on and within moments, everything was transferred to the new laptop. I didn't have to do anything. But I have been in your shoes and I know it's hard and I hope everything has been resolved to your satisfaction by now! Enjoy your new machine. xoxo
Good luck with the computer. It's an ordeal, isn't -- getting everything transferred and loaded. But it should last well. Here's hoping!
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