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So, how has this virus affected you. Locked

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 7:11 PM

riogrande5761

 

 
Track fiddler
Remembering High School, Paul Simon comes to mind. "When I think back on all that crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all" 

 

From what I'm hearing and reading in the media, there is much more "crap" being taught in highschools and below now more than ever!

 

 

I really do have a masters degree in science, but remember, I'm not a real doctor!

 

 

 

Post Hog

I don't find your first quote hard to believe at all Jim.  Your statement reminds me of the lyric quote from Pink Floyd.

"Ooh, ah,  Is it just a waste of time?" 

School that is!

 

Your second quote reminds me of something Bones from Star Trek would sayLaugh

 

 

WinkTF

 

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Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 9:31 PM

 "I'm a doctor, not a....oh wait, I AM a doctor"

Well, now I'm really impacted - my main computer dies overnight, so now I need to build a new one. Not money I wanted to spend, considering I just built a new server to replace that almost failing system. Also no longer supported by my backup vendor. So I had to run to the office today and get my work laptop, and some cables to connect it to my monitors. And then restore the data for the project I am working on from the new server, at least my desktop was backed up.

 Ordered it all, I wanted to use mostly the same parts as the server, but the case and power supply are both out of stock, so I had to make due with alternatives. Shipping from everyone now seems to be delayed, especially Amazon - SSD is a Prime item but it won't be here until next Wednesday even though it's in stock. 

Even worse than the cash outlay is getting all my stuff reinstalled. I actually don't have a lot, or at least, not a lot I use on a regular basis, and there was very little data on the machine, most of it was either on the server or on OneDrive. The one thing I'm not sure of is where my 75 Year DVD collection got to, so I can reinstall that. 

                                   --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 9:41 PM

rrinker
Even worse than the cash outlay is getting all my stuff reinstalled.

I know the feeling. I bought a new computer a couple of months ago because the old one had gotten way too slow and finicky, and I am still trying to get all of my files transferred from the old computer. My son loaned me an external hard drive and I loaded everything on to it. However, when I tried to download all of the files to the new computer it didn't seem to work. I don't know if it's just a case of me not looking in the right places on the new computer, or if the download wasn't completed. So, the old computer and the external hard drive still sit on my desk so that I can find old files when needed.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 9:57 PM

Got a new laptop last year as computer was dying. It died so I am on a 15" screen instead of a 20", harder to do some of my games and I hate windows 10, liked 7 much better but vista was the best since 98.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 9:57 PM

The GF  has cabin fever and is extremely angry with everyone.  She's angry with me because she's a germophobe and I'm not.  Right now (11 PM) she is talking with a friend who is a bit hard of hearing but won't admit it.  So all their phone calls are at least 3dB up from normal, and they're yelling about politics.

Is that any better than putting on a mask to go grocery shopping?

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 10:25 PM

 Vista, aka Server 2008, the best? Can I have some of what you are smoking please?

Ditto Windows 8, aka Server 2012. 

How anyone who uses a computer on a daily bases can deal with that finicky little, put the mouse pointer in just the right spot in the bottom left to get the start menu to appear is beyond me. 

10/Server 2016/Server 2019, all the finicky stuff finally works. Organizing icons by purpose is so easy, and for laptops, the screen scaling FINALLY works - so when I am stuck using the lapto's internal screen, I can actually make it big enough to read, and everything works fine, except web pages in Chrome. And then on tecvh sites when a laptop has a 14" screen and it's 1080, so many post "fail! It should be 4K in this day and age" - maybe if I used an optivisor while working on the computer, because 1080 on a 14" screen is too small without using the scaling. I thought I'd be ok on my workbench using a 27" screen at 2160 - nope, too small. One last bit for the new computer is to replace my 22" displays with a pair of 27" still at 1080, and get an arm to hold them above the desk. Then I will be able to sit back at my desk and still clearly read everything.

My dead machine is somewhere around 9 years old, so I can;t complain too much. Though I did upgrade it over time. I'm just going to take the primary drive, a 500GB SSD, and put that in as a second drive in the new one - it's only hit 12% of its rated life. I have a data disk in there, a 500GB regualr hard drive - it has about 100GB of stuff on it, I am going to just dump all that to the server to sort through as needed and then strip the magnets out and destroy the platters. I have a couple from the server to do that to as well. I'm not sure if the e0waste collections are still happening - I know the recycling center is open so I can take the truckload of carboard boxes over - mind you, it was less than a month ago I took a truckload over and got rid of every cardboard box around the house. And I have another truckload again - we order too much from Amazon. But that part of the recycling center is always open, it's self service. Two daya a week, normally, they do e-waste, so I will have 2 old computers and a bunch of old hard drives. But that  is only open saturday mornings and early afternoon a different day, very limited hours, under normal circumstances. Not sure if they are open at all right now, I may have to just stack all this stuff for later.

                               --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 10:39 PM

Huh..... I mean absolutely no offense or disrespect here as I'm sure there is none taken but it seems we're back on the computer subject again. 

I agree the big screen is much better to view.  But since I chucked my big screen out the window with all my re-occurring computer problems.  I just click the restart button on my small screen and everything is back to normal by my server.

Trade-offs suck but nothing a good pair of reading glasses hasn't fixed for me in the last five years.  And I can mobile hotspot my device to the big screen TV and have a blue tooth keyboard tethered when I'm home.

I really wish I could get a computer that worked well all the time.  If anyone finds one please let me know.  For me, I'll just stick to the inconvenience of a small screen and no problems.  I've always hated computers and even more, the problems that go with them.  

 

P.S.  I lost the Yahtzee game but I have a happy wifeYes

 

 

Smile, Wink & GrinTF

 

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, April 16, 2020 7:27 AM

The most recent effect that the virus has had on me is that I have spent a lot of money over the last few days buying scratchbuilding supplies and several kits. If I was able to make progress on building the benchwork for my layout I would be spending my time on that, but since I can't get the garage cleared out until the Covid-19 crap is over and done with, I may as well build structures!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, April 16, 2020 7:48 AM

I gotta tell ya, the pandemic has really gotten in my way of upgrading my operating system. I was all set to replace Windows 95 with Windows ME on my laptop and then COVID-19 raised its ugly head.  

ConfusedConfused

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, April 16, 2020 8:18 AM

richhotrain
I was all set to replace Windows 95 with Windows ME on my laptop and then COVID-19 raised its ugly head.  

 

Remember when 95 replaced 3.1?  We were amazed at its abilities.

 

I guess I'm in the minority.  I buy the cheapest Walmart laptop I can find, and I have never had any issues.  It does everything I need it to do, including streaming movies to my TV.  I don't do gaming, and I don't use high end drafting or design programs, so I'm sure that's part of it.

Now that I've said that, as soon as I go to the kitchen for some coffee and come back, I'll find this computer no longer works.

York1 John       

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Posted by rrinker on Thursday, April 16, 2020 8:49 AM

 Only laptop I have is the one work provides me. My main computer is a fixed desktop. As is the other one over on my workbench.

 I definitely remember 95 - I was one of the beta testers. Every week we'd get a new CD from Microsoft. I had a drawer full - some people turned them into clocks.

                                      --Randy

 

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by rrebell on Thursday, April 16, 2020 10:05 AM

richhotrain

I gotta tell ya, the pandemic has really gotten in my way of upgrading my operating system. I was all set to replace Windows 95 with Windows ME on my laptop and then COVID-19 raised its ugly head.  

ConfusedConfused

Rich

 

LOL, at least I am asuming this is a joke. 95 was hard to use and ME had real problems. Also to the person talking about server solfware, I was talking about home computers, big difference. Don't like the fack that windows 10 is the last of the line with updates. Once I get a computer to working exactly as I want it, I allow no upgrades ussually, this has worked well as long as I have been using the internet, since the bluelight days. Hard to keep updates out of win 10. Got the bing virus now and of course microsoft dose not care (my opinion).

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Posted by rrinker on Thursday, April 16, 2020 11:04 AM

Bing virus? My Chrome on all of my Windows 10 computers uses Google by default. I even set my Edge to use Google.

And my Windows 10 is up to date. I don't participate in any of the indier fast track things - maybe if I had a spare computer and the time to fiddle with it. So I just have the major updates, not the trial stuff. Been using 10 since the first free updates were offered, have had no issues.

                                        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, April 16, 2020 11:32 AM

The kids got me a laptop for Christmas 2 years ago, so I would have a computer to take to our place in the north woods.  We get excellent wifi up, we are within 8 miles, (as the crow flies) of a huge tower mostly with Verizon.  Our phones also work great up there.

The wife had a new laptop with Windows 8, she uses in her office, while it was updated itself, Windows 10 started to load, when it was a free upgrade.  I kind of paniced, our IT daughter said to just let it go.  It's been fine.  Daughter comes over and tweeks things once in a while.

Windows ME?  Good one Rich. Laugh

Mike.

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Posted by rrebell on Thursday, April 16, 2020 12:57 PM

How many remember dos ? First computer I tried to program on was Atari 800.

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:03 PM

rrebell
How many remember dos ? First computer I tried to program on was Atari 800.

Remember how amazing Windows was when we no longer had to type codes at the C prompt?

York1 John       

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:38 PM

Yes, I remember DOS.  In fact yes, I remember Holerith punch cards.  But well, looks like the computer nostalgia "bear" has been poked so rather than encourage it more, I'll stop there!

 

Track fiddler

Post Hog

I sure have some competition here in that regard!

 

Your second quote reminds me of something Bones from Star Trek would sayLaugh 

WinkTF

I'm a doctor not a brick layer!  I'm a doctor not an escalator!

Well, those are the only two I could think of from memory and without consulting Youtube or something!

 

hon30critter

The most recent effect that the virus has had on me is that I have spent a lot of money over the last few days buying scratchbuilding supplies and several kits.

Well, with Kadee shutting down and Kadee couplers threatening to be the next toilet paper, I've just blowed some cash on a couple of 50 packs, which I had been putting off and need anyway.

If I was able to make progress on building the benchwork for my layout I would be spending my time on that, but since I can't get the garage cleared out until the Covid-19 crap is over and done with, I may as well build structures!

Dave[/quote]

Benchwork did you say?

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:51 PM

Old computers......in the early 80's, to manage my MATCO TOOLS business, I had a Kaypro 4x with a custom software package........in ran on CP/M

Sheldon

    

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Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:53 PM

Nice looking work, Jim.  There's no reply button at the bottom of your post, or is it just me? Confused  Or maybe you don't want people to reply..Pirate  Laugh

Just about an hour ago, the Gov. of WI. extended "safe at home" until May 26.  Sigh  Schools are closed for the rest of the school year, BUT you can still golf..Using common sense.

I guess that means that if you don't have common sense, you can't golf? Confused

Does any body that golfs have common sense? 

I don't golf, haven't since I was a teen.

Mike.

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, April 16, 2020 2:00 PM

RioGrand, computer problems.  The right side of your post is missing.

York1 John       

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, April 16, 2020 2:02 PM

rrebell

How many remember dos ? First computer I tried to program on was Atari 800. 

Oh yeah, I loved coding in DOS.

Rich

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, April 16, 2020 2:05 PM

York1
 
richhotrain
I was all set to replace Windows 95 with Windows ME on my laptop and then COVID-19 raised its ugly head.   

Remember when 95 replaced 3.1?  We were amazed at its abilities. 

Here is my laptop history of Windows operating systems to present. Not all on the same laptop though.   Laugh

MS-DOS

Windows 3.0

Windows 95

Windows 98

Windows XP

Windows 7 

Windows 10

Rich

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, April 16, 2020 2:10 PM

York1

RioGrand, computer problems.  The right side of your post is missing. 

You got me there.  Maybe the forum software is almost as old as DOS.  I can't edit the post.  I don't see that no-reply thing either.  I've reported it to the IT dept to fix or delete.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, April 16, 2020 2:56 PM

I've seen at least two forum posts containing the words "Kadee shutting down".

Maybe it's just me, but the implication I read into that is that they are going out of business.  I think it's a poor choice of words.  I think it much better to say temporarily closed due to the virus.

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, April 16, 2020 3:13 PM

 Windows_3.0_workspace by Edmund, on Flickr

maxman
I've seen at least two forum posts containing the words "Kadee shutting down".

From what I've gathered Kadee has suffered a setback with the sudden death of one of the principal employees. Finding someone to replace him or her has been hampered by the present travel and personal contact restrictions.

I hope they get their needed talent.

John, My wife's sister lives in Sterling. 

I hope everyone is well —

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, April 16, 2020 4:35 PM

maxman

I've seen at least two forum posts containing the words "Kadee shutting down".

Maybe it's just me, but the implication I read into that is that they are going out of business.  I think it's a poor choice of words.  I think it much better to say temporarily closed due to the virus. 

Maybe Kadee is part of a mega-merger with Plastruct and Evergreen.

Rich

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, April 16, 2020 5:04 PM

maxman

I've seen at least two forum posts containing the words "Kadee shutting down".

Maybe it's just me, but the implication I read into that is that they are going out of business.  I think it's a poor choice of words.  I think it much better to say temporarily closed due to the virus.

Dunno, but here is a quote from their website directly:

" our office and manufacturing plant will be closed until further notice!

What this means to our customers and vendors, is that any orders that were placed prior to {March 31, 2020} will be fulfilled and shipped by the end of the day! Our website will remain active and we will continue to take orders online ONLY, however, these orders may not be fulfilled until our staff is allowed to return to work! Moreover, no one will be available to answer phones or emails as well.

https://www.kadee.com/news.htm

That also means they are not filling orders for overseas manufacturers that install Kadee's in their RTR cars.  I've already talked to one manufacturer who mentioned delays from not getting Kadee's over to their Chinese factory.

 

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, April 16, 2020 5:38 PM

I still have a stash of Kadees, which should last me a while.

And my desktop computer still runs XP.  I am a flight simulator guy, and the geniuses at Microsquash disabled the interface I use for my yoke and pedals, basically insisting I buy all new hardware if I change to Windows 10.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  We know that, but the Windows people don't seem to.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, April 16, 2020 6:31 PM

My wife wanted a custom ringtone when I call her on her Iphone.  To do that we had to use her laptop, which she almost never uses.  I have a solid state drive in my desktop and laptop, both boot up in a few seconds.

Hers is a regular hard drive and that circle spins and spins.  Then all the software, which in her case isn't much, starts looking for updates. 

The Itunes updated didn't go smoothly and we had to do it a couple times.  Got the custom ringtone installed and then started installing Windoz updates.  It's been updating for 2.5 hours and we are 11% done and have rebooted 4 or 5 times so far.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, April 16, 2020 6:41 PM

richhotrain

 

 
York1
 
richhotrain
I was all set to replace Windows 95 with Windows ME on my laptop and then COVID-19 raised its ugly head.   

Remember when 95 replaced 3.1?  We were amazed at its abilities. 

 

 

Here is my laptop history of Windows operating systems to present. Not all on the same laptop though.   Laugh

 

MS-DOS

Windows 3.0

Windows 95

Windows 98

Windows XP

Windows 7 

Windows 10

Rich

 

Well I have Windows 10, but what is a laptop?Wink

Oh, you mean one of those hard to type on "portable" gizmos with that crazy pad instead of a mouse, that I have never been able to master?

I keep buying those things for my wife, and the batteries keep going bad......

My computer has four parts and is pluged in........

But the keyboard and the mouse are wireless.......

Sheldon 

    

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