STRESS/COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY

By Shirley M. Carolan

Recently, I discovered how much a slave I’ve been to the Internet, emails, and on-going newsletters and classes covering a variety of subjects. I also pay all my bills on line, and totally forgot how I used to pay my bills before on-line banking became available.

That’s the technology side of it. I’ve also been a slave to my computer as well. It seems my whole life was wrapped around my computer and the latest technology although I doubt I would ever admit that.

Two weeks ago I experienced a warning sign on the computer screen telling me I had been infected with a Trojan horse by a computer company called “Personal Security.” Since I was on-line at the time I chose to call my ISP to see if they could help me… Maybe not the smartest move but I’d just found out that my 2-year extended warranty with HP had expired when I thought it was good until November 2010! But that’s another stressful story.

Meanwhile, it was the beginning of a two week ordeal whereby I spent hundreds of dollars, wasted hours, daily waiting for various technical support people to help me. Every time I thought I had the problem solved something else would go wrong necessitating more expense, time, and waiting. MY ISP finally recommended I get a “recovery disk” from Microsoft, since I had not backed up my new laptop when I received it as my Christmas gift to myself December 07. I opted to have them send it Fed Ex wracking up still more expense.

Then the modem broke down and AT&T informed me they would replace it but I would incur fees, plus shipping and handling. It would take another 4-5 days before I would have the new modem…

On the 5th day of this saga, I found I had trouble breathing. I called my doctor and was told to immediately go to Scripps Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, in Encinitas, CA where I spent the rest of the day, until late evening, hooked up to oxygen and IV tubes. After x-rays, EKGs and blood work I got to meet Dr. Pheifer. Bottom line: he thought the shallow breathing was a result of stress, gave me a prescription for steroids, and told me to see a pulmonary specialist immediately. Mercifully, this time I was not admitted to the hospital and couldn’t wait to get home to my little Shih-Tzu who was now at home in the dark...

It would take another week before all the problems were fixed. I decided to take my laptop to Computer Geeks to have them assess the problem. Four days later I had my computer back. There was no Trojan horse, virus, etc. just a defective boot up to Windows. I was now ready to hook up the new modem to it.

I finally did hear back from the technical support people I had contacted and paid upfront to have them fix the problem. One of them even offered to refund the $139.99 they had charged me because I was never able to get through to them. Also, I had decided to remove Norton software from my computer and go with McAfee and start afresh. It took some doing and I was apprehensive about using a different software, having been with Norton for over 25 years! But, I knew I couldn’t handle more complications and delays.

AT&T did stay in touch with me, even though there were many times I could not get through to their Tech Support. I explained that the stress had caused me a health problem necessitating a visit to a hospital emergency room. They were most understanding and sympathetic. They even waived the $100 fee for the new modem, charging only shipping and handling, and told me to call them immediately I received it and they would walk me through the installation. I was grateful for their follow up and quick action because I was seriously considering a new ISP too.

The moral of this saga is: I finally admitted to myself that I am a survivor! I had survived the “Battle of Britain” having been bombed out of London during 1940. Now my mantra is “Unless something is a life threatening event, I am not going to let it put me in the hospital! Particularly if it’s a piece of equipment!” Nothing, but nothing is worth losing my health over.

Funnily, I don’t rush to the computer several times a day to check my emails any more. If I check them just once a day and that’s enough! I’ve also dropped several on-line newsletters and websites. It’s amazing the peace of mind I’m discovering by taking my life and my power back! I am no longer a slave to a piece of equipment that used to run my life!


Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.