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What generation is your
biological computer?

I refuse to become one of those Techno Wizards who must have the latest and fastest

By Georges Dupras

January 29, 2025

As I begin this New Year, I think of what I should do to improve my failing technical skills. I have recently taken possession of a new computer, equipped with Windows 11.

After several weeks of trial and error, I have decided that I should unload this roadmap to oblivion and go back to the comfort of Windows 10. Now I’m not suggesting that I have mastered that system but, the old Windows 10 has rescued me on more than one occasion.

Ongoing…

It seems that every twelve months or so, the high-tech industry floods the market with something new designed to irritate those close to or just retired. I’m referring to an industry whose talent pool includes those who are smitten by every hiccup the cyber world coughs up.

It seems that every twelve months or so, the high-tech industry floods the market with something new designed to irritate those close to or just retired.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of new technology and I feel that we are far better served with these advances than without. I sometimes wonder, however, if those techno wizards, who gift us with their skills, recognize that there exists a market that finds it difficult to assimilate new technologies as quickly as they are introduced. Added to adapting to new technologies/programs, is the issue of the workforce being obliged to work on several generations which can lead to confusion. Not only is the question one of fit, such as trying to enter a code on a mobile phone but also the one of one key serving multiple purposes.

Mobile phone

I have both appreciated and vilified my mobile phones. They are a godsend when it comes to safety and convenience. When you lose it, it is the target of descriptive language, better kept under your breath.

When I chose my newest mobile phone, I wasn’t aware that I would be obliged to take an engineering course to operate it. I couldn’t help but remember that old American adage, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, so why do we keep up-grading it? Each step is easy enough to understand but, if not used regularly you tend to forget as one key frequently has several different functions. To the designers, I say that learning, conditioning, and remembering are three very different functions. Despite personal guidance from bank employees, I still can’t do my banking from my new phone.

‘I have both appreciated and vilified my mobile phones. They are a godsend when it comes to safety and convenience. When you lose it, it is the target of descriptive language, better kept under your breath.’

Big screen television and fire sticks

I rarely ever watch television, but on this occasion, because I wanted to download an app, I gritted my teeth, held my breath and juggled three remotes while standing on one leg. This simple maneuver, mastered by any 10-year-old, was beyond my cerebral toolbox, and despite my best efforts, I would be locked out of my account with only muscle pain in my ancient structure. I failed to accomplish the most menial of tasks. I acknowledge that my Sharp big-screen television has some years on it, but I refuse to become one of those Techno Wizards who must have the latest and fastest.

The cavalry

Fortunately, someone I knew from work was willing to “dumb down” the setup procedures for my unit. Since my big-screen was an antique from the Dos computer years, it would need an upgrade to bring it up to speed but at the moment I’m already lost in cyberspace, please, someone pass the Tylenol.

Wishing everyone a Frustration-free, Healthy and Safe New Year.


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca or its publishers.

Feature image: FreepikBouton S'inscrire à l'infolettre – WestmountMag.ca

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Georges DuprasGeorges R. Dupras has worked in the interest of animals, and the environment for almost 60 years. He has lobbied governments both here and abroad and presented a brief before the Royal Commission on Seals and Sealing in Canada. Georges continues to fight industries that exploit animals and destroy the habitats that sustain them.



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  1. Jean Le Marquand

    What a delightful and humorous description of the pain some seniors have constantly being flooded with the latest technology. And not all of us have young family members ready to save us. I envy a friend who has neither cell phone, TV or computer and manages very well!

    On a more serious note, AI is progressing too quickly and no one seems to know where it will go, which is truly frightening. I fear that when the computer wizards realize we have to slow down, it will be too late.


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