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May 26, 2007
Look, ma, no wires!
I got really spoiled for the five days I was home between graduation and moving. Like most people with laptops I love wireless internet.
I bought a router today (with a coupon! Thanks, Mike!), and when I opened the box there was a CD in a black sleeve with a giant orange sticker I couldn't miss. It said "START HERE!" Well, okay, CD; you got it.
I put the CD into my iBook and, like all other set-up CDs, it didn't work on my Mac. The computer industry is so Windows-focused it amazes me at times. I tried opening the set-up files and was prompted to choose a program for the file, which never ends well. I proceeded to try setting it up on my own, but I hadn't done this before.
I called the support number and reached a friendly guy named Chris. I told him I had a Mac and I this I actually heard him shudder over the phone. "Uhh, ma'am, we are only trained to work with Windows, specifically the XP platform. If I am unable to get you connected wirelessly you'll have to call your computer manufacturer."
I might have sighed. I don't remember; I was sort of disgusted that such a well-known company doesn't even have one or two people who can work with Macs. I told him I would do my best to follow the instructions he gave, and would let him know if I encountered problems. He agreed to try, too.
After failing a few initial attempts, we reset the router and things began falling into place. When he said to open Internet Explorer, I opened Firefox. When he said to go to "File" on the Start bar, I did the equivalent. I didn't make him tailor his instructions, I just manipulated them myself.
When we got it to work, I thought he was going to throw a party. Really, he was quite enthralled... I was excited because I had been wondering when I would find the time to call Apple to tell them about my wireless problems that had nothing to do with their company, but instead another company's shortcomings. Alas, I would not have to call!
I'm grateful that I've learned to adapt things to suit my needs as they apply to my Mac. I had to do the same thing to set up my internet initially on Wednesday, but this was far more challenging. It doesn't matter now, though. I'm online and I'm not corded to one spot now. That, ladies and gentlemen, is all that matters.
Posted by KarissaKilgore at May 26, 2007 7:54 PM
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Comments
Can I just say that hearing your voice on that Trixie video was almost enough to make me cry? I. Miss. You. So. Much. So glad to hear that things are coming together in your apartment - wireless, dog (wireless dog?), job etc. Can't wait to see it myself, and give you some recently discovedred foolproof recipes ;) Love you!
Posted by: Marian at May 27, 2007 6:30 AM