Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Office Furniture

If you'll recall from my last post, I mentioned that we are short on floor space. What I didn't explain is that we are overrun by computer desk. This thing is huge!

A couple of nights ago, Mark crossed his legs and snapped the keyboard shelf out. He's got it fixed, but it tends to pop out rather easily now. So - you know me - I went shopping. (After all, we need to come up with a Christmas gift for the house, don't we?)

Personally, I love shopping for office furniture! There are so many great things in a wide range of styles and prices.

I'm thinking that a smallish desk, plus filing cabinet and wall-hung storage unit would give us the same size work area, but with a much smaller footprint. Just what we need. Not to mention, it would be wonderful to have a desk that the boys haven't torn apart.

Realistically . . . I'll probably just replace the keyboard tray. For now.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Computer Parts

Well, we're shopping for computer parts again.

Mark's having trouble - actually it's broken - with his wireless antenna. Since we no longer have our own service, we're desperately dependent on picking up the wireless signal from the office. The difference in products and prices is incredibly frustrating. And none of the ones we've found so far have software to help with the connection.

Then, there's the hard drive issue. When we got the desktop, it had a smaller drive than the old one, but the old one doesn't seem to want to run with the new one. (Mark's been trying all sorts of options, only to go back to the little drive.)

Now, if that weren't enough - the 'M' on my laptop keyboard isn't connecting properly. I have to stop, firmly press the key, and hope that I don't post anything before I check for missing letters.

If it isn't one thing - it's ten others! Sheesh!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Another Laptop?

Would someone please tell me if it's possible to be a laptop jinx? Because I'm having trouble with this - my 3rd laptop in 4 years. It's beginning to hurt my feelings!

It's not that they were particularly inexpensive or odd-brands. The first (purchased new) was a Compaq model which, we found out later, had a habit of overheating. No kidding! It got so warm that it actually melted the AC connection.

The second laptop, also purchased new, was an Acer with a decent (we were told) reputation for reliability. In self-defense, we bought a cooling pad. But this computer had a habit of crashing the hard drive - and it was never recoverable. After mailing it back for replacements - twice - the monitor failed. (Granted, the laptop got bounced off the bed. So, I'm pretty sure that we contributed to the monitor problem.)

Now, I am being tormented by a refurbished Dell. This puppy has had some minor problems since it walked in the door - the AC adapter connection is loose and the battery doesn't charge. The battery isn't a huge issue, since I rarely move the laptop from where I sit, but if the power goes out - not so good.

However, the loose AC adapter has become a serious pain in the neck. I use the laptop as a true laptop 95% of the time. This means that, with a loose power connection, if I sneeze or wiggle or move wrong - the laptop unplugs! No biggy when I'm playing a game. But, 500 words into a 600 word article or 2 sentences from the end of a blog post . . .

Let's just say I've developed a keen ability to make up curse words when the need arises.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Logging On and Off . . .

And on and off . . . and -- Well, you get the idea.

If you've noticed us logging on and off lately, don't worry. We aren't nuts, just limited by our wireless connection.

Our apartment complex supplies our internet service, but there's a lot of noise in the connection. Just when I thought I was cruising along, the signal disappeared.

I always wondered when I saw notices in the lower corner of my screen of friends going online and offline. Now I know.

They have iffy signals, too.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Test Post

Now that I've changed webhosts, nothing is posting right again.


The new host uses a totally different ftp process from the previous host. Nothing I try seems to work right. Beginning to upset me. Ya know!?


Happy Updates!: I managed to finally update all of the stuff that had to be updated - and, as you can tell, we are posting again! WooHoo!!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Used Cisco Equipment

There are a lot of caveats to buying used computer equipment; especially when you're purchasing over the Internet. It's not like you can drive back to the store and demand satisfaction, if something goes wrong. And, unless you've got a laptop, even that isn't a convenient option.

When it works out-of-the-box, how long will it work? tends to be the next question. Not much point spending hard earned dollars only to have the system crash within the first month - and no remedy for the problem. (Although, some days even the new systems let you down.) And, what about appearance? Does a used system look like it's been beaten and bounced around? Not good, regardless of price.

I recently found a site that sells, among other brands, used Cisco systems. They provide a 90-day warranty and guarantee that the used/refurbished equipment will qualify for a service contract through the manufacturer.

They even extend their refurbishing attention to the appearance - which really impressed me. I don't mind buying used - if it's a reliable unit - but I shouldn't have to put up with a computer or system that looks bad. (My latest laptop has many of the keyboard markings rubbed off, not to mention a good number of dings and scratches on the case.)

It's nice to know that there are sellers with an interest in quality.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Google Chrome

Have you tried Google Chrome yet? I do love new stuff - but, as I'm pretty loyal to Firefox, I wasn't too sure I'd like a new browser.

Obviously, there are pros and cons - especially if you're working outside your comfort level. New stuff can be intimidating, and this browser is definitely different from the others that I've used.

For a new release, it doesn't seem to be as 'buggy' as some - can you say Infernal Exploiter? I downloaded it and immediately started working. The first job was importing all of my Firefox settings: Favorites and Bookmarks, Search Engines, Saved Passwords, and Browsing History. No muss! No fuss!

Not all of the passwords imported properly, which was a bit of a problem. I have so many passwords for so many sites that, short of writing everything down, I'm dependent on that function.

Chrome offers a clean, uncluttered window. Nothing visible that you don't need; although . . . I miss my toolbars! Presumably, as Chrome progresses, Google and Alexa, et al, will offer compatible toolbars.

There is a Bookmark Toolbar - something I never used because it just piled stuff I rarely need at the top of my window. Not with Chrome! This toolbar lets me keep only the bookmarks I use the most, right up top where I can get to them easily. Pretty cool!

Speaking of cool . . . There are so many great features. (I'm still playing!)

• At start-up: Open your favorite home page, or the pages that were open last, or - and I love this idea - create a list of pages that open each time. When I'm editing, there are several sites that I automatically need. How great to have them open up for me, every time!
• Saved Passwords: Chrome creates a table that shows the sites for which you have a password, as well as your Username. Need to see a password? Not a problem. Select a site from the list and click "Show Password". Rather than expand the table, the password appears right below the button.
• Favorite Sites: Each time you open a new tab, you'll see thumbnails of the sites that you visit most often. Want to access one of those sites? Simply click and drag it to the top of the window! Voila, new tab!
• Instant Bookmarks: No need to go through 12 steps to bookmark a site. Just click on the Star icon, to the left of the address bar, add a title, choose a folder, and you're done.
• Desktop Shortcuts: Have an application or website that you use often, but don't want to hunt through your bookmarks every time? Click on the Page Control Menu in the upper right corner and select "Create application shortcuts..." You can add a shortcut to your desktop, start menu, quick launch bar - or all three (3).
• Crash Protection: Each tab that you open runs separately from the others, so if one application or site crashes it won't take everything else down with it! Love that feature.

There is, for me, one problem: When I close the last open tab, the entire Chrome browser closes. I'm accustomed to my browser leaving open a blank tab. Maybe I need to look a little closer at the settings; might be missing something.

Obviously, I'm still getting to know Chrome and, as I tend to be a bit change-resistant, it may take me a while to completely give up other browsers. We'll see. So far, I'm pretty impressed.

Hey Google! Where's my toolbar?



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Sony Vaio

I've decided that it's time to start my Christmas wish-list!

Although there are a number of items that are always on my list - shoes, handbags, watches, yarn - Sony Vaio has captured my attention this year; particularly the NR series. There are so many models, with the speed and storage that I need, without the sell-your-first-born-to-buy-this price tag. Heck, they even come in different colors - Silver, Granite Silver, Wenge Brown, and Silk White!

I'll probably have to settle for a working battery for the laptop I have - but it never hurts to wish!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Template Issues

My apologies for the current 'state' of this blog.

Apparently, I made a format change a few days ago that, shall we say, altered the way the blog appears. In an attempt to correct that change, I fear that I have made it worse. Which wouldn't be that unforgivable, if my Internet connection was faster and more reliable.

Sadly, it takes quite a long time to upload and test the corrections.

So, please bear with me. I promise - it'll be all 'purty' again.


Ooooh, we're getting close! (I hope) - Cross your fingers?


(drumroll) . . . Voila!! - the moron {pointing at herself} has finally figured it out. And - no I won't tell you what I did to make the oops; it's just too silly for words.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Downtime

We have gone through a downtime recently - due, in part, to lack of payment from some of the sites for which I work. Timing is everything, let me tell you.

So, I talked to my service provider today about changing the due date for my payment, based on changes in incoming payments. The point was - in a nutshell - to avoid downtime. Only one of us understood this concept.

As explained to me, the best way for me to change the due date of my payments is to cancel my service, after backing up all of the data. Then, on the date that I would like the payments to be due, call back and restart the service. Within 24 to 72 hours - 1 to 3 day of downtime - my site will be back up and I can reload all of the information that currently resides on their servers.

Now, I may be blonde and easily confused - but, isn't causing more downtime counterproductive?!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

"CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert" - New 'CNN' Threat

In keeping with the previous post - I have received Four New Scam Emails today with the title: CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert, from CNN Alerts.

Apparently, not enough people were falling for the "CNN Daily Top 10" spam scam.

If you, too, are seeing these in your mailbox - immediately delete them without opening!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

"CNN Daily Top 10" - Email Spam/Phishing/Trojan Download

I've been getting this "CNN Daily Top 10" crap in my mail (Yahoo puts it in my Spam folder) for a while now. Since I subscribe to a number of online information sources, I know exactly what I should - and should not - be getting in my mailbox. This was definitely a "should-not" see.

Just out of curiosity, whenever I see something that doesn't seem quite right, I hover my cursor over the name in the sender column. This shows me the email address used to send the message. (It works in Yahoo, anyway.) When joeschmo@scams-r-us.crp sends me CNN Daily Top 10, above and beyond knowing that I didn't subscribe to a CNN feed, I know that scams-r-us.crp is unlikely to be an affiliate of CNN.

Google Search Results for "CNN Daily Top 10"

If you happened to open one of these messages and/or links, which will download and install rogue software on your computer - there is a site offering help with removal and great information about how this trojan operates.

While it sounds harsh, it is best to presume ill-intent when you get a message that you weren't expecting.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Blogging Nightmare

I have been battling with Blogger and Thingamablog for almost 4 months now. It is absolutely driving me crazy! If - and this is a big one - I can get something to post on one, I can't get it to update on the other.

So, I am doing another test: to make sure that I can post on blogger AND that I can update Thingamablog. I'm still not certain exactly which format I prefer. The individual post format on Blogger is much nicer; I have much more control. But I have to admit, I really like the overall format that I have set up on Thingamablog.

Sadly, in the midst of all these trials (and tribulations) I've misplaced an archive file (or 3) with many of the posts that I made in May and June. Needless to say, I am seriously not happy.

We'll see how this latest test goes, and then maybe I can get everything in one place -- at least going forward. Wish me luck!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Tommy Craig

The other pleasant surprise was Tommy Craig.

As everyone who reads this blog knows, I've only got about 3 years in webpage design and optimization. It takes me 10 times longer to accomplish my goals than someone with formal training or experience. Which is why I fell in love with this site.

I can find the information I didn't even know I needed in a setup that is easy to navigate and use. For example: the featured post from today Useful CSS Tools includes an EM Calculator, 2 form builders, and 2 tools for cleaning and compressing CSS.

How can you not love this!? Plus, the little guy in the logo is just soooo cute.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Flash Drive

After the most recent laptop oops, when I lost all of my data - including the pictures from my daughter's wedding - I've been thinking about prevention. There has to be a way to ensure that I don't lose any more important data. Then it hit me!

I need, desperately, a flash drive!

Naturally, having never shopped for one, I was worried that they were way outside my budget. Boy, was I wrong! The prices and selection are extensive. I just need to research which brands are most reliable.

It would be nice to know that, if I do something stupid and crash the laptop, I have a backup for those irreplaceable files. Not to mention, being able to work on those files anywhere I need or want.

My favorite option? I can order, in bulk, custom designed drives with my logo on them. I love adding little surprises in all my afghan orders.

Since all of my customers (naturally) have computers - what better little surprise!?



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules