I hate computers

[burleytog]

I'm the computer guy at work.  Pretty much got the position by default as I'm A one of only two guys under 35 and B the only one who knows anything about the $&*$*(# things (a sad statement).

We've got a small network that has contributed a great deal to my chrome dome.  

I had been putting off installing XP SP2 on one computer because of possible database issues.  We're running a database on Access 97.  When we moved it to the current machine, it took 2 days to clear up problems due to different VB definitions.

So this weekend I get tired of dealing with some compatibility issues, so I install SP2, then download and install a crapload of updates and IE7.  Attempt to open the DB, nothing thanks to some improper file associations, VB definitions, etc.

Do a sys. restore, get the DB working.  Think I've got everything straightened out.  Just SOL when it comes to a newer browser.

The only bad thing is that one of the computers on the network is running Win 98 (yep, we're behind the times).  The computer I updated Sat. night acts as the print server for the network.  It seems that SP2 and Win 98 don't like each other as now I cannot print from the old computer.  Hell, I can't even see the old POS on the network.  I can see every other computer on the network from POS, I just can't access the print server.  Heck, I can get to the shared content on every other network machine, just not the print server.

I've spent the last two nights going through every little thing trying to figure out a solution.  Nothing works.  Thought about getting a new printer and just hooking it up to ye olde POS, only problem is that no one makes a serial printer these days and this thing doesn't have any USB ports.

I'm ready to pull out Mr Glock and ventilate the thing.  

[Catt]

Best place I've ever found for computer help is Kim Komando.com  

http://www.komando.com/

[ejtaylor822]

Hey, sorry you are having so many problems.  Yes, computers are a pain - I really have to question if they do make life easier.....

Anyway, couple of thoughts.  Do you think your business would spring for a LAN attached printer?  There are several out right now, multi-function at that, which attach directly to the network.  Should solve the Win 98 remote print issue as it will be a generic LAN printer.  Will also take some of the load off of the current PC where you have a database running.

Are you having any luck getting your business to get away/upgrade from Access 97?  As you are already painfully aware, the latest code probably will not work and Microsoft no longer supports - if there is an unrecoverable DB crash (or win 98 OS corruption) your business is totally screwed.  And - as you know - you as the IT guy, well, it will be all your fault.

Let us know how its going.

[low_pro]

I'm ready to pull out Mr Glock and ventilate the thing.

;D that's great....

Maybe it's about time to:

A: Get a used computer from Craigslist (for free, I see it all the time) that has USB ports with XP.

B: Update the old computer with at least Windows 2000.

C: Pull out Mr Glock and do the dam thing.....

[senile1]

Burley stated:

I'm the computer guy at work.  Pretty much got the position by default as I'm A one of only two guys under 35 and B the only one who knows anything about the $&*$*(# things (a sad statement).

It's time to hire a professional . . . .  like me.  BTW, I'm 47.  

I configure and install converged voice and data networks from the ground up:  Install all OS's and applications on servers, routers, switches, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems; and configure all devices to work in concert with one another.  My last installation was the new Sprint Arena in Kansas City which consisted of the following Cisco equipment:  (71) access switches, (2) 6500 series core switches, (2) 3845 router voice gateways, (2) 3845 routers for WAN connectivity, (2)5500 series ASA firewalls, (1) 4200 IPS  intrusion protection system, (2) Unified communications manager servers, (1) Unity Connection voicemail server, and (1) Customer Response Solutions server configured with Call Center scripts.  These installations take a few months to complete.  

You rocket scientists under 35 need to leave this work to us old guys.  

Senile1/CCVP, CCNP, CICCES, CIPTOS, CIPTSS, CCNA, MCSE, NCSS, Network+, A+

[senile1]

Ok, I meant the above comment all in fun.  I know there are a lot more young people than older people, who know this stuff.  My whole team is under 30 except for me.  There are a few of us old ba$%#rds who are into computers though.  

[Dan:]

In high school I took a programming class and the teacher was about 70. She had been around since they used punch hole cards to program.

[Wayne P.]

Ahem-cough, cough-----Dan I can remember those punch cards and the persons that used the machines (key punch machines) to punch those cards were called Key Punchers. AHH-the good ole days

[burleytog]

I'm so old I programmed in BASIC.

[Chris at Tech]

I'm telling you, computers are a fad.  Just ride it out for another year, and no one will be using computers anymore  ;D

[=Matt 5.0=]

LOL, I don't want to get in a ticking match, cuz we've had this debate before.

Instead of posting: "I hate computers."

You should have posted: "I hate computers that run Microsoft OS and software."

Good Luck, hope you get it figured out.

[Dean]

Sorry to sink your boat but I love computers! ;D

[burleytog]

I solved the problem earlier tonight.  Just a matter of resetting the user account password on the XP Pro SP2 machine.

[fish-fighting-illini]

I solved the problem earlier tonight. Just a matter of resetting the user account password on the XP Pro SP2 machine.

Nice work Burley

I'm not into smileys but that one is a keeper! lol

[FishTank]

I'm ready to pull out Mr Glock and ventilate the thing

Maybe your boss needs to pull out the Mastercard and upgrade instead. I work with a Mac and a PC all day on a shared network and nothing is more frustrating than having a server down. I feel your pain.

     

[burleytog]

An upgrade will happen when that thing dies.  I tried to push one through before M$ made the switch to Vista.  The Win98 machine in question is basically a unused workstation that runs a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) program.  It has been in service since 2/99 with just a few hiccups.  We only run into problems when connecting new machines onto the network.

[Vyron]

I hate them 2 but what 2 do , I ve chosen the IT field, it pays my tackle

;D ;D ;D ;D

[CGH]

I love computer so much I used them in my screen name. They pay my bills and give me hours of laugh while I get Much Mulla for reconnecting some saps ID10T cable for them cause they was to scared or lazy to do it them selves as I talked them through it over the Phone

good catch on that Burley

[fish-fighting-illini]

An upgrade will happen when that thing dies. I tried to push one through before M$ made the switch to Vista. The Win98 machine in question is basically a unused workstation that runs a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) program. It has been in service since 2/99 with just a few hiccups. We only run into problems when connecting new machines onto the network.

Hey Burley I used to sell Scada packages, Citect, Wonderware, Intelusion etc etc which one are you using?

Just courious no special reason

[burleytog]

Iconics Genesis

[Dangergravy]

Hey anybody remember the computers we had in middle school

RADIO SHACK TRS 80 with floppy disks

Yeah they lasted long.

[fish-fighting-illini]

Iconics Genesis

I've been out of that loop for some time but I've heard it. We had classes on all the Scada competition. Is or was Iconics the GE based one?

The Scada people merge and sell so much it's mind boggling.

[guitarkid]

Computers are like toilets. You put in crap and never get anything out of it.

                    -searoach