This has been a "special" month for technology-related problems - some large, some small
The first one you'll notice, is I'm not using a period at the end of my sentence, because that key died on my keyboard So, back to the old typing rules, of double-spaces between sentences This is the littlest of things that has frustrated me (and B) to the point of wanting to fling said devices, processes, and mindset all the way across the pond, while yelling "pull!"
Even my attempts to rectify the problems - have hit the tech brick wall - with no way to meet vendor's requirements to complete purchase, and no other available means except the one offered - to do so <insert eyes rolling so far back, I'm looking out my posterior orifice (well, since period key doesn't work I lost the closed arrow, too)
Vendor tried to get me to open my email on my phone - and try to complete purchase THAT way - and didn't understand that I don't read email on the phone because a) it's too damned small and b) it's a security issue Didn't bother trying to tell the patient rep that my phone is over 15 years old; apparently that would've opened me up to insult on top of injury as the derisive laughter wouldn't have needed an electronic connection to reach me
I am 2 days removed from that experience, and I am STILL freakin' smokin' over the whole thing I had attempted to purchase ipad (old one's charging port is damaged and I'm 3 hrs from an apple store) and keyboard from ATT; they wanted me to upload a pic of my ID to complete the purchase (which is new; I got B a phone just a couple years ago and they didn't require this) Was told they had to make sure it was me making the purchase I asked - just send a code to my phone number like the banks do; can't you do that?? Answer was: no they can't
I have NEVER been required to show ID for a purchase except tobacco/alcohol as one look at me, and I'm clearly past 18 yrs old Grocery store doesn't ID for smokes, but HAS TO, for alcohol regardless of common sense So, found what I wanted at Amazon of all places and it'll be here Sat
Add to this, I'm reading a lot of news about datacenters (coz they want to put more high transmission lines across WV, including my place) and what kinds of data is going into them --- and the escape of AI agents (of which there were more than initially reported and some STILL haven't been found) which can and DID breach companies out on the 'net outside of their testing "sandbox", so WHO KNOWS how much havoc they've decided - on their own - to create??? OK, breathing break; yeah, this freaks me out knowing what all I know (which is now ancient knowledge) of technology It appears that no one is responsible for these "mistakes", escapes, etc for any consequences that effect a whole lot of unsuspecting people
----------------- cooling rant down -----------------
So I'm having a VERY SERIOUS discussion with myself about options to avoid leaving myself vulnerable to the tech kraken It's one thing, to talk to other "real people" online; sometimes it's not possible to know if they're real or not these days But still - that kind of "data" about me can float around in public or be analyzed by AI and STILL not be anything that can be a threat to me All my financial info, however, CAN And that includes uploading files to CPA firm directly from my computer to their server at tax time -- because they then outsource the return to an offshore firm
The very serious process includes a ton of research, some of which will be face to face conversations with people who know more about the current "landscape" than I do
I decided a long time ago, that if tech got as nutz as I could see it happening (even way back when in the 00's) I was opting out, IF possible I'm currently trying to find out what is just "convenience", what is "possible", and get out before I CAN'T That involves a lot of big decisions, which involves more people than just me too
So, I'm in the research phase and trying to stay grounded, practical, and sane about all this - but I am just DONE with tech/software/whatever telling me I have to do things IT'S way - or I can't do it at all Watch me Hold my beer
Meanwhile, it's raining a lot - which we NEEDED Trees are still full and green but the temps are starting to come back into comfortable zones again Had a HUGE LOUD DANGEROUS thunderstorm last week that woke both of us up; lots of lightning right around us B's knocking the to-do's off his list, I'm doing mine and all seems to be in a comfy spot around here lately except the tech PITA
