Agony Aunt
Created | Updated Jun 21, 2003
After reading the fora, it's obvious we have problems. But these are not the normal sort of problems for the normal sort of Agony Aunt. So we didn't get a normal Agony Aunt.
Dear Agony Aunt,
I have been having a slight problem lately. My computer is talking to me, and not too kindly either, I might add. I cannot seem to get it to be quiet and stop acting up; it keeps taunting me at every chance it gets. I am becoming afraid to go near it, which makes work and play difficult. Is there any advice that you may have for me? I am becoming desperate!
Signed,
Hearing Voices
Dear Hearing Voices,
It sounds to me like you are dealing with a computer that is beginning to feel neglected. Have you found yourself a bit busy lately and maybe not treating it as kindly and with as much love as you used to? Computers are a bit like cars, if you ignore them or begin taking them for granted you suddenly find yourself in trouble. They are quite sensitive and, if their feelings become hurt, they will do whatever it takes to get your attention. Right now your computer is just talking to you but, if you do not find out what is wrong and do something to correct it soon, then it will begin doing more than talking. You will soon find yourself with an out of control computer on your hands and there will be nothing you can do to correct it.
I suggest that you start slowly by making a point to sit down a couple times a day and gently clean both its monitor and its keyboard. Then try to spend a bit of time, before diving right into your work, chatting with your computer. It doesn't have to be about anything important, just tell your computer how much you appreciate it and how wonderful it has been to have him/her (computers come in both sexes you know) in your life. Before too long you will find that your computer is back to his/her old self once more, only acting up now and then just to keep you on your toes.
If you have an unusual problem that you would like our unusual Agony Aunt to help you with, them please mail Agony Aunt direct!
