Gifts

This past Thanksgiving I went to South Carolina to visit my brother and his family. Imagine my delight when my sister-in-law says, "You like computers, right? Do you want a few old laptops? You may have to fix them." I do love a challenge, so I eagerly agreed. She returned with three Toshiba laptops. Two of the laptops run Win 7 and the other Win 8.1. I was eager to get started on my projects. The first laptop, a pretty silver number, I did a factory reset. Yes, I probably could have used it without the factory reset, but I am not a snooper, and didn't want to come across any personal information from my s-i-l still on there. This laptop has potential. Once I upload Windows 10 on there, I can use it for homework, or give it to my mom (who is really hard on laptops and has to replace hers often.) The process of setting it up afterwards is a bit tedious, so I moved on to the next laptop. The Win 8.1. This laptop is a real peach. Other than the Win 8.1 O.S., which if you aren't familiar is a bit like the embarrassing drunk uncle at the reunions. Does it work? Yes. Is it great? No. Shall we discuss it now? Also, no. This gem saved my bacon the other day when my other computer crashed, though. I was able to transfer my files from the crashed pc to the Win 8.1. And, because I am a student, I get Microsoft Office programs for up to five laptops for free. I bestowed that gift to the Win 8.1 laptop. Don't let me down, Microsoft. Finally, I eyed the last Toshiba. Now, I am assuming this was my nephew's computer at one point. It looks like it was made by Fisher Price. It is bulky, plastic, and way heavier than a kid's laptop has any right to be, but here we are. I tried to do a factory reset, but this little monster balked. And, do you know what? I didn't force the issue. I think it is high time this relic was laid to rest. So, that was the end of that one. My family tends to look at me like I am some kind of magician when it comes to computers. But just between us, it's YouTube and Google that have taught me most of what I know.