It all started with a tiny tickle in the back of it’s throat. That funny indescribable feeling that something wasn’t quite right, but you couldn’t put your finger on it.
It would stall, as if it seemed to have to think a moment about the next movement, but it was good at hiding it’s imperfections. Quick to cover up it’s mistakes, until finally one day it became very apparent that my desktop computer was showing it’s age.
It froze, just simply stopped doing anything, that annoying blink of the cursor no longer visible. After a restart, it seemed to recover, to pull it’s self together and function like it used to in it’s younger glory days.
Like a old dog, it will wheeze, and groan when asked to do new tricks. Photoshop is particularly hard for it now. It takes a long time to recover from a trip to that program.
I know it’s warning me, “my time is up, I’ve had a good run, I need to retire now.”
But like a old dog, who needs a final trip to the vet, I can’t bear to part with it.
This is our first computer, our first foray into the wonderful world of being in touch, and a step onto a hiway of information of such proportions we could never have previously dreamed about.
It’s life span is almost over, I have over 20,000 photos on it, [all backed up of course]. And memories, fond memories of bringing it home for the first time. How proud we were to finally get a computer, how in awe of what it could do, how overwhelmed with what we had to learn.
I can’t bear to part with it, no matter what the techs tell us, “you’ve had a good 5 years, that’s a long time for a computer.”
It’s part of the family, it’s our first one, we love it.
The laptop will do in a pinch, but I don’t enjoy working on it, I need a bigger screen, I need a real keyboard. Compared to the PC the laptop feels like a toy.
And the PC is part of our family, and yes, I guess it’s like a beloved pet. And I probably will cry when it finally gives up the ghost.
I think that it deserves at least a few tears, don’t you?
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
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It's hard to part with an old friend. We have a laptop which I never use, sill using my trusty desktop for all the same reasons as you. I think when this one gives up I might consider a Mac, which my BIL has and loves, loves, loves.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Jen, Awesome photos today. Best wishes with the computer! Hope you have a grand weekend. Scratch Boo on the top of the head for me!
ReplyDeleteLuckily, hubby is a computer tech so my computer keeps evolving as HIS does. :) But yes, it's amazing the roads we travel, the people we meet with our computers. How dull life would seem without it! Shed a tear or two, but welcome your new family member when the time comes. :) Your photos are spookily lovely!
ReplyDeleteWaaaaaaaa.
ReplyDeleteWell Christmas is coming. Maybe you can get a new one.
Scary stuff. I hate to admit that I have committed the cardinal sin...I haven't backed up any of my photos. Eeeeek!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I know what you mean. But....I think you will be quite thrilled when you get something faster and *funner*. :) Time for goodbyes and new hellos.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos! :)
I too have a husband in the 'industry' and we get a new computer every three years or so. I am still hanging on to the desktop for some of the same reasons, comfort, ease, screen size. Make sure you get to pick out your new friend, get a large hard drive with tons of memory and you'll eventually forget the other.
ReplyDeleteThese computers. We gets so use to them and I for one sometimes buck at change. LOL! I am glad to hear you have everything backed up. I still cringe at my computers death a couple of years ago. I had a lot backed up but alas it was not compatible with the new XP computer and I had to get all new programing, scanner, printer, Ugh! It was a total mess. I was more aggravated than crying at its demise. LOL! I hope yours hangs in there for a long time.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Death is sad and you just had a wonderful way to tell us about it, but new is good so happy days will be here again.
ReplyDeleteI know how this feels. I bought my first computer when i was 15, and it has lasted me 10 years (with a couple upgrades) when I first started working on the laptop the keyboard felt like a toy.
ReplyDeleteOoohhhh...it is hard to change! New and improved is always a learning experience! Love the big old barn! Your photos have been spectacular this week! ♥
ReplyDeleteJen, contrary to you I love my laptop but after 3 years it's now showing signs of age. We were just having this conversation tonight about how is it possible that this machine that cost so much money could possibly be worn out after so little time. How is it that computers have become disposable?
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I am the same way..although I know that my PC will die one of these days it is 8 years old..my laptop just doesn't have the same feel..plus I like my computer chair..the laptop seems so foreign.. we are getting old..maybe:)
ReplyDeleteI confess to not being so attached to my puter. It is more of a bother when things go wrong. I long for a more powerful machine. I have my laptop hooked up to a larger screen and keyboard. It is nice when one has to travel to simply carry the laptop away. Wonderful photos Jen! I love the mood they create. Good luck with your new computer. Glad to read you have all 20,000 photos backed up. I hope on a dvd too. I hope you enjoy the weekend! ;>)
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd never love again :( ... my old PC, a huge part of my life. However, as I grew, the capabilities of my computer didn't. Obsolete and slow, only 20 GB (was not into digital photography) yet afraid of change, I made a huge switch to an 500 GB wireless iMac that I now adore, graphics ... amazing! When away, I work on hubby's new laptop and hate it! BTW, love the top photo, Jen. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAh, what a faithful servant. My old Mac gave up the ghost. I caved in and bought a big one - and now I wouldn't be without it!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of misty old barns.
Jen, I too am working on a 5-year-old computer (although it's far from my first), and it's starting to give me some of those warning signs. I guess I'd better get all my back-ups updated! When you get a new computer, you'll probably be amazed at how much more power you get for less money and less bulk. -Jean
ReplyDeletePoor thing but you know the world of computers is exciting and there is a lot of new stuff out there for you to discover, Happy looking and rest in peace old computer.
ReplyDeleteWhen you've finally 'moved' out of it - perhaps you can remove the innards and plant it!
ReplyDelete