I designed this graphic and posted it one year ago today. Maybe it will be new to some of you. I have been distracted for the past two weeks. My PC computer running on Windows XP finally gave up the ghost and I was unable to get it up and running again. It had been giving me trouble for a long time and I put up with it because it had Microsoft Word, Photoshop, and was connected to a scanner and a printer. I disassembled everything and moved my iMac to the same spot where I have a very comfortable computer chair.
I was able to connect a scanner and a printer quite easily and I am loving my new setup. I had the disc for Microsoft Word but it would not install on an Apple computer so I am learning Google Docs and can pretty much do what I did on Word. There is a workaround for almost everything, isn't there? I have been organizing my attic and it is an endless job but I have moved mountains.
I don't have cable in my studio/computer room/sewing room/ and I've been missing it. It's nice to have a movie or the news on while I am sewing, ironing or organizing. I usually listen to a podcast or NPR on the radio and I will continue to do so. I'm very excited to report I found internet TV with movies, live news and so much more. It's called Pluto TV ( https://pluto.tv/ ) and it's wonderful. There is a yellow circle in lower right corner that will pull up the tv guide. The movies are amazing and there is a huge selection of shows. It works on any device....desktop computer, laptop, phone, or iPad. I found a blog post on cordcutting.com that explains it in detail HERE. There are commercials but I have found them to be entertaining as they are mostly about what else is playing on Pluto. Try it if you don't have cable in a room where you are working. There is no pause, repeat, or going back but it's totally free so that's fine with me. Let me know if this will be helpful for you as well.
Happy September. Enjoy the long weekend. xo
12 comments:
Thanks for the link about cord cutting. I still use Comcast, and the content is horrible. (I live in northern California.) I only keep it because I am so far behind on anything technology related, it's pitiful!
lisa -- You are welcome. Maybe you can learn something through my journey in the attic. I am quite pleased I found a solution without having another Verizon FiOS connection put in.
xo, Rosemary
Thanks for the cord-cutting info. I'm trying to figure out what to do about TV. I spend an absurd amount for TV each month (though I do love having a DVR). I'm sure there's a combination of options out there that will provide what I want and cost less, so I appreciate input!
Speaking of, are you hip to Microsoft Office 365? You can buy a monthly subscription (or pay a one-time fee) for Office. I mostly use Word but it's good to have access to the other products. Sounds like your Microsoft disc is intended solely for PCs. I have a Mac that I bought because I could segment the hard drive and run Windows natively but I never did that. My PC for work lasted long enough and now I just access Word via 365. Google Docs is really similar in function to Word but if you're a diehard Word gal and don't mind spending a little money each month, 365 may be a solution.
Beth -- Thanks so much about the 365 solution. I shall look into it. Right now, Google Docs is a good workaround. I have canceled my Netflix subscription for now too until Season 3 of THE CROWN premiers. Then I will reinstate my membership.
My monthly FiOS bill is set in stone for another year and a half. When it's time for me to haggle with them again, maybe I can hone it down even more.
I am also loving Pluto.TV. I am an official member now. You really don't have to join but I wanted to and am following them on Instagram too. I think it is an absolutely wonderful service and there's always something interesting to watch.
Thank you so much for your helpful hints.
xo, Rosemary
Heh. I love that you dip in and out of Netflix. I used to do that for "House of Cards" but that was when I watched it on my laptop. Now that I have a TV and Blu-ray player set up for streaming, I keep the Netflix as a constant and dip in and out of Hulu (used the free month to watch the first two seasons of "The Handmaid's Tale" and will re-up next year when Season 3 is available) and Amazon (I'm waiting for Season 2 of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and will watch the third season of "Mr. Robot" then, too.)
There are so many alternatives these days: YouTube TV, Sling, live TV via Hulu ... . I need to do some research and figure out what's best for what I watch. But I know I want to stop sending DirecTV so much money every month!
You can download Word for Mac directly from your Mac. Just go to Finder then Apps and search for Word. The entire Microsoft Suite, Excel, Word, Powerpoint etc is avIlable.
Beth -- I hope you can get your DirectTV monthly charge down to a reasonable amount. My largest monthly payment are for my FiOS. Maybe one day I can hone it to a reasonable amount. I might try for high speed internet and the least expensive TV package they have. Then if I am not pleased, I can always add on channels, or join more streaming services. I think it's a worthy goal. Good luck with yours.
xo, Rosemary
Gary -- Thank you so much for trying to help me. I had an "antique" version of Microsoft Word (WORD 2000) on my Windows XP PC. I never uploaded Excel or Powerpoint because I never had a use for them. Right now, I am trying to avoid paying for WORD on my Mac. All I really need is a letter writing platform and a few other things I have gotten to work on Google Docs. I even found a workaround for inserting a text box. Their online forum is great if I ever have a problem.
Have a fun Labor Day and once again, thank you for your helpful suggestion.
Best, Rosemary
Rosemary I just love how you attack technology finding new ways to make it work for you. Just recently I tried to get Comcast to lower our bill which is absolutely outrageous. Part of the problem is that they kind of have a monopoly where we live now for internet and cable. I would give up the cable, because I don't watch it, but Ken does. With Ken's present situation I hate to take away anything that he enjoys and understands but I do feel so ripped off by the cost of it all. I mainly watch Netflix and Amazon Prime. I really see cable as a dying industry as there are so many other options and I think most of their subscribers are older people unable to adjust to the many new options available.
The Queen Vee -- Victoria, I hear you. I go through my contract with Verizon Fios every two years. Most don't people don't realize that after two years, you are no longer under contract and your cable company can charge you more. If you call up to renegotiate your contract, they will always lower your bill. They always have a "special offer" in their pocket. My bill jumps $40 or more every two years and I get on the phone immediately and don't hang up until they find a package for me. I can always switch to Comcast if they don't. I don't have any of the premium channels, just a somewhat basic package with no sports, and HD.
Communications (internet, wifi, and cable plus my cell phone) cost me much more than heat, air conditioning, and electricity. I really wish I could just pick a handful of channels I actually watch like TCM but, oh no, they won't let you do that.
When I sell a house, I always advise the new owners to get the least expensive cable and internet package possible. Just the minimum number of basic channels and high speed internet with wifi. Those that follow my instructions are amazed at how little this costs vs. what they had been paying at their previous residence. This is the baseline for future billing. I tell my customers they can always "add on" channels later but they usually don't since they have Netflix and other streaming services. I wish I had done this when I first got FiOS. I can never get my bill lower than the day I signed up even though I have 3 fewer TV sets and cable boxes since losing my mom.
Victoria, I think you have hit the nail on the head about senior citizens that know how to work what they have and aren't willing or able to change what they have. I am getting off my soapbox now. I will continue to post about the workarounds I am finding for my computer room in the attic that is not connected to cable TV but is Wifi only up there.
xo, Rosemary
I'm on the soapbox right next to you, I'm in total agreement.
The Queen Vee -- Victoria, It is so comforting to have a friend next to me on a soapbox.
xo, Rosemary
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