Best Ideas, Different Results

Last week, I wrote about upgrading my computer and getting caught up with my friend John. The post concluded with a note that I would be making a few simple changes and all would be well. It has been another week and the planned adjustments did not go as expected.

Shortly after I finished scheduling last week's update, my Dell monitor arrived, along with a new webcam. Dad carefully removed the ASUS screen that John had installed and connected the required cables. Next, the new webcam was unboxed and plugged in. It all sounds good, but this is when the problems started to appear.

Since John originally unboxed the ASUS monitor, it was a struggle for dad to figure out how to get it packed for a return shipment. However, after a few attempts, he nicely figured it out and had it boxed nicely and ready to go. While dad worked on the old screen, I noticed the computer's voice system wasn't working. I could yell at my computer, but it wouldn't respond.

I did some research and soon found that my Mac Mini requires external speakers for voice control to work. Since the ASUS monitor included a webcam, it had a speaker that was picking up my voice. Therefore, I searched and found a speaker to add to my increasingly complicated computer. However, my new camera also wasn't working.

With all the parts and plugs, my Mac Mini ran out of plugins. I knew this would be the case, so John ordered a hub, or extension, to add more plugins. It's the same idea as a plug-in strip, but with computer outlets. After several attempts, it was determined the hub wasn't working correctly and could only take one item at a time. This defeats the purpose of a hub and therefore meant I needed to order more parts.

Webcam takes good pictures

Amazon was prompt in sending the speaker and dad graciously rearranged plugs so it could connect to my computer. The sound coming out of it was great, but despite my best efforts, it didn't solve the voice control issue. My night nurse and I looked further, and the speaker didn't include a microphone. Therefore, rather than trying to order multiple speakers in hopes to get one that worked, I concluded it would be best to go back to the ASUS monitor. Thankfully, UPS hadn't picked it up yet and I cancelled the return.

Tuesday night, after dad went to bed, my night nurse and I unboxed the monitor dad had carefully packed away and put it back on my computer stand. The Dell monitor was then packed up and made ready for return. It took three days for dad to notice the switch and that some of the wires he carefully tied up had been undone.

Now, I wait for the new hub I ordered to arrive. As it currently stands, I can use either the webcam or voice control, not both. This has been quite the learning curve in a few aspects. First, I know better what does and does not work for computer components. Second, I've learned what my quad life helpers can do with electronics and who is willing to help. Hopefully next week will have everything functioning and moving on to different topics.

Computer Upgrade

I am an IT person by trade. I do enjoy electronics, but I'm not an early adopter of new technology or follow every trend and latest releases. Every few years, I upgrade my own computer to keep up with newer items and faster response times. After eight years of using my 27" iMac, I finally updated my system.

The all-in-one system of the iMac is nice, but the latest version is only 24" and may make it hard for me to use while laying flat. Therefore, my friend John and I looked at several options in various

configurations. I ended up getting a Mac Mini, which is all the computer hardware in a small box, a separate monitor, and supporting hard drives. John came from Minnesota for a few days last week to help me transfer my information and get everything running.

He arrived late Monday night and we started Tuesday morning. My computer hangs from the ceiling in a custom shelf my dad constructed. That means everything must fit in the space allotted as well. We first moved my all-in-one system to a nearby desk and started unboxing and placing all the parts. It was fun seeing new hardware, but the number of wires quickly became a spaghetti mess.

After nine attempts of various data transfer methods, everything had been moved by 10:00 that night, about 12 hours after starting. Considering the first of three sections to transfer was estimated to take 15 hours, I thought it went well.

On Wednesday, we tested my various programs and made sure everything worked well. Unfortunately, one of my backup storage drives decided to stop functioning and the new webcam is so pixelated that it's worthless. Since I do a lot of virtual meetings and video creation with that camera, a different monitor and camera will be replacing them. That is one advantage to a modular system, separate components are easier to upgrade and swap.

It was fun getting to be around John again. The project we set out to do was accomplished and the remaining changes are easy to setup. It only involves a couple wires to plug and unplug that I can instruct how to do.

I generally like the new system as well, but miss having a more compact setup with fewer wires. The voice dictation is also much better and I see future Quad Life entries being made with little keyboard use. This week will be back to regular meetings and life in general, but it's always good to spend time with friends and work toward a goal.

Technology

As a vent dependent quadriplegic, I rely on technology for every breath I get. Whether it is from a ventilator, or my new diaphragm pacing system, technology is involved in some form. As a web developer, I also use technology for work, it's also required for people to view my work.

Last week, my computer started acting up, freezing unexpectedly due to screen problems. As any geek would, I attempted to isolate the problems and work so as not to have them occur. Unfortunately, this only worked for a few days, and Wednesday night, while having supper, the computer froze while simply running the screensaver. Attempting to restart it on Thursday was not successful either.

Therefore, a trip to the Apple store was needed to start the fixing process. Thankfully, one of my assistants was going there today with her family and was willing to drop it off. In the mean time, while my primary computer is is the shop, I'm using my backup computer, about a five-year-old laptop.

I'm thankful that I have been able to get these resources, and that I was given information about an online backup service that has allowed me to continue working. Getting used to this computer's quirks and older technology has taken some adjusting, but I'm grateful to have the option.

As for the other pieces of technology I depend on, thankfully God has provided engineers that make them very reliable. No engineer can fully duplicate God's design of the human body, but for those of us that need alternatives, He has provided a way.