The Technology Curmudgeon

Tech is supposed to make your life easier. Sometimes it doesn't!
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Technology is supposed to help us, lower stress, and make life more enjoyable. However, is there such a thing as too much tech? An Atlantic reporter visiting the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas came away with that feeling. There are so many gadgets out there, to ostensibly help with virtually any problem you may have, but where is the line between solving a problem and adding additional complexity to your life? From smart toothbrushes, to computer aided meditation, to smart toilets, there is a gadget out there for every need. But, how do we find balance between the latest in technology and the things that will actually improve your life while keeping it simple and easy?
 
I have been keeping up with computers and their associated gadgets since age 5. I was one of the first users of the Palm Pilot, which brought handheld computing to everyday people (my first Palm perished in my pocket during an especially intense Coney Island roller coaster ride). I am always interested to understand the latest technological advances and how they can help our everyday lives. However, there is a lot of “beta” (low quality/not ready for mass consumption) technology out there, and there are plenty of devices that simply don’t do enough for us to justify the expense, inevitable effort spent troubleshooting when it doesn’t work, and rare earth metals that are necessary to build computers of all shapes and sizes. 
 
I consider it my responsibility to keep up with the latest technology and use my understanding to guide people regarding what’s worthwhile and what’s not.  It’s based on each person’s values as well as the quality and design of any given device. For example, many people are seeing value in smart speakers and assistants such as Alexa or Siri, which they use to ask questions without having to sit at a computer, or control the home temperature and lighting. However, some people see these assistants as intrusive and invasive to privacy. Anytime I give a recommendation to a client, I always combine my knowledge of technology, with my understanding of each client’s personal preferences, to give you the most valuable advice possible.

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ADL Tech Tip: Windows 7 is obsolete – Your computer may be, too

If you're still running Window 7 on an aging PC, it's time to get a new machine.

By now, you've no doubt heard about the demise of Windows 7. Does this mean your old Windows 7 computer will stop working? No. What it means is that Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft.

• Windows 7 no longer receives security updates and bug fixes
• This is important for anyone who uses a Windows 7 computer on the internet
• In almost all cases, the right path for someone who’s currently on Windows 7 is to purchase a new (or refurbished) machine with Windows 10
• Windows 7 machines can still be used productively if they are not connected to the internet, and can be donated for useful purposes to Disability Partners or Goodwill.

Ready for a new computer that will run Windows 10? Let Asheville Digital Lifestyle help find the one that's right for you. Click here to make an appointment with Jensen.