I’m not your stereotypical nerd. I don’t wear funny glasses (unless my contacts are bothering me). I don’t know much about computers (except how to hand-code websites and integrate them into content management systems). And I do not own pocket-protectors (I don’t need them since I have a Blackberry.)
In fact, most of the time I feel pretty dumb. Like when I have to sync my ipod or reset the wireless router. Those are tasks that totally escape me when it finally comes time to do them again. And what is up with the Apple wireless mouse? It won’t work if you drop it and the batteries shake a little. You have to open it up and stick ‘em back in right.
Being the non-nerd that I am, I, along with my math-genius husband, became dumbfounded when the mouse stopped working the other night. We both thought it was the crazy computer. It was comPLETELY unresponsive. Finally we had to shut the thing down with the little power button and start it back up again. That didn’t work. We tried it again holding down a command key or something, and that didn’t work either. Finally, we got just the right combination of buttons to get the computer to spring back to life, and it completely lost all memory of my email accounts and the several hundred fairly-important email messages contained therein. The dock also forgot my favorite programs, although all of the files on my desktop are still present and all of my personal settings remain the same throughout the computer. Craziest thing!
We did, finally, figure out that the MOUSE was the source of the frustration, but NOT soon enough to get all of that mail back. I mean, where in the world is it? I have no idea what I’m doing working with this big honkin’ iMac (Fuji), but this is one of those times I’m questioning my platform-switch. For the first time in three months, since Fuji entered the family, have I looked back at my PC (Dell) with fond admiration. Dell’s getting a little up in years, and he just couldn’t handle the stress I put him through on a weekly basis. Other than the uncomfortable mouse incident, Fuji has treated me very well in my graphic pursuits. Well, except for the eye-strain issue.
Are there any correct ergonomics for working in front of a 24-inch sunlamp? Even after dimming the screen, boosting my chair up, and scooting back a little, my eyes have to squint to survive the rays. You know, I hadn’t thought about sunglasses, but that might be a good option. Then I DEFinitely won’t be a sterotypical nerd.
