PC Merlin

I've had Androids for 6 years, and an iPhone for less than 6 months. When it comes down to it, only one of these "just plain works".

Merlin's Meditations: Android vs iPhone

Speaking of being away too long, it's hard to believe that it's been over a year since my last blog post. Well, consider that fixed.

Merlin's Meditations: Windows 10 First Impressions

Been away from this page for too long... time to change that!

What does the following post have to do with technology? well, you'll have to click and watch to find out...

Blind Soon-To-Be-Mother Gets The Most Beautiful Surprise During Ultrasound Can you imagine being surprised like this?

Ok, not sure what to think of this...

Apparently, Microsoft thinks that its user base is not smart enough to know whether they are running Windows XP.

At the same time, they are expecting them to be smart enough to know to go to this web site to find out.. :P

What are your thoughts?

Service ends for Windows XP on April 8. Is your computer running Windows XP? Find out at Service ends for Windows XP on April 8. Is your computer running Windows XP? Find out at AmIRunningXP.com.

The joys of being a Monopoly...
So, I call Comcast today to ask the status of a ticket that has been open for a week now. Yes, they sent a technician out here when I first called, but as soon as he saw the wiring closet (for which they are the responsible party) he promptly stated that this was well above his capability to fix. Apparently, instead of supplying a new drop for each client here, the previous techs just installed more splitters and tossed in an amplifier here and there to boost the now degraded signals. While this might work well with TV signals, it is horrendous for the internet signal, which is why the initial call was made.
The next day I found that no next-tier tech had been assigned and went through the process of getting on and scheduling that for the following morning. Well, morning came and went - no tech. Afternoon came, I called and was greeted with a recording saying that a technician was en-route and would arrive between 1 and 5pm. Great - except my contract here only goes to 3pm. So, I stay (at overtime rates, mind you) until 5pm and no call, and no tech.
Today I call again. At this point, I can only guess that there's some sort of device that monitors the number of calls from a certain phone number, and the operator that you get is based on how much of a pain you are to them as I end up with the one that starts the conversation with "What's your problem?" and then responds to each statement I make with "Really?" and "Wow!" as if I was a 5 year old telling the story of my trip to Disney Land.
She proceeds to tell me that my previous request was cancelled. "By whom?" I ask. Of course, she didn't know - and then suggested that it might have been me. Why would I cancel a call for which my client is being billed overtime for me to wait for your tech? No answer. Ok, when can another tech be here? Tomorrow at the earliest. Ok, fine... but can you note on your service ticket that my client is already looking at other providers?
"Certainly!" came the response, "...but it won't do any good".
At least I did get my chance to respond with the same "Really?" that I had been treated with earlier.
Oh, and by the way Comcast... just in case you are reading this... Fiber was just run to this building, so no - you are not the only option here anymore.

The latest blog post from PC Merlin... Feel free to leave comments and/or let me know what else you would like Merlin to talk about.

Merlin's Meditations: How computers work...

Happy "Pi" Day!

LAST DAY!! Save up to 30% on Doctor Who merchandise
Sale ends at 11:59pm EDT, Thursday, March 14
http://deals.pcmerlin.com/pcmerlin_deals_everything_else.htm

Coffee??? PCMerlin has coffee? Why yes he does!! And canned bacon, too!! Who knows what you'll find under "Everything Else" at http://deals.pcmerlin.com
If you look closely.... and only for one more day.... you might even find a link to save 30% on all Doctor Who merchandise!!

Everything Else Where Geeks Fail... Wizards Prevail! Let PCMerlin handle your computer service needs! We service Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudon counties in Virgina.

Wow!!! Merlin has been busy!!! ...and he's not finished yet!
Meanwhile, take a look at all the new DEALS that Merlin has found for you today!

Software Where Geeks Fail... Wizards Prevail! Let PCMerlin handle your computer service needs! We service Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudon counties in Virgina.

Melin's latest blog post.... revisiting the value of the $299 computer. Are you really getting a deal, or just a fancy box?

Merlin's Meditations: Exposing the $299 Computer - 2013 Redux