"Uh, Houston, we have a problem..."
Ever have technical problems with your musical career? You have the music and melody flowing over the speakers of your computer, you’re surfing the net, submitting e-mail queries with your right hand while talking on the telephone with your left, your kids are coloring on the floor around you – life’s just clipping along. Then it hits; your Internet connection breaks! No more e-mail, faxes that use your web server address, surfing, music…nothing happens. Ouch – what do you do?
Here are some tips for times of crises:
Remain clam
As in the show and real-life situation of Apollo 13, stay calm. Remember all of us go through this – and more than once. Even though this seems disastrous, your friends, coworkers, music teacher, etc. all have had similar events happen to their computers, and will understand delays in cyber-space. And in the worst case scenario, there are over dozens of computer companies more than willing to help you!
Connect a secondary service
I keep all of those free disks that float through my regular mailbox offering free online service. Even Kmart has one! Then when my regular provider goes down for whatever reason, I download one of these freebies and get going again. In the event I need to use e-mail, I add a note telling recipients that this is a temporary address, and to keep me at the old one (listing it under my signature).
E-mail interruptions
A major problem using a secondary service provider, is that you cannot access your regular e-mail account. If your regular account is not a free one, click on MailStart at http://www.mailstart.com and simply type in your e-mail address & password. (Some free services are not accessible this way.) This site will bring up any new mail. You can save, delete, & reply as normal under that old address, too. If you need to manipulate attachments, just click on the icon of the WebBox on the Homepage and complete the account page to start your own free account. It only takes a minute or so, & doesn’t ask for credit card info or anything like that.
Reach out
In the real world, contact a local computer group for interaction. A list of groups can be found in a free monthly copy of ComputerUser at the public library. Check at the reference desk, if no issues are out in the open. The librarian may be able to direct you to other publications as well for help. The Columbus Computer Society in my area offers computer classes, guest speakers, and many activities for networking and making new friends. Another group offers opportunities to upgrade writer and computer skills - and even find work!
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