Plan For Plan A And Plan B

Hardware:

When my Dell Computer Package arrived I opened it and wanted to put everything together from scratch. I would have a brand new set of files and folders to work with and more than enough room to store anything I felt like downloading. It was very exciting to be able to follow the directions, put everything together on the desk. Although it was way too heavy for me, I managed to get the large monitor fitted on top of the base and resting safely in the correct position.

Going to the back of the computer and finding the correct place to plug in the mouse and keyboard and speakers. It seemed way beyond my electronic abilities which consisted of turning my tv on and off and knowing how to set my message up on the phone. It was slow going but I did it all.

The Dimension 2400 system was exactly what I wanted at the time. Dial-up was slow but hey so was I so I used AOL because they gave me a free six months with purchase. They gave me free Norton for six months also. I still buy the upgrades and use the pay version of Norton. Never can be sure its' doing its job -- but -- am sure its not not doing its job. Outside of the time something was messed up in my registry, this has been a great experience.

That is the day I patted myself on the back for hours. I had purchased the four year service plan. Did I buy it cause I evaluated the situation and thought it was good. Did I buy it because it lowered the cost of something else. Oh I remember now -- I bought it because if I would -- not only did they give me the four year service plan for $169 but I got a nice big rebate check.

For whatever reason -- on the two days that the tech and I worked on my system -- the contract paid for itself and then some. We went through the basic diagnostics with him having to explain everything as we went along. I was ignorant of any maintenance of the computer and really didn't care to change that. However, it would have been rude to say I didn't want to participate. Also, I wanted my Dell back in working order really really bad.

After six and a half hours of click this and type in that -- the poor man gave up and turned my problem over to his supervisor. We had to wait till next morning since during our session of attempted repair, his shift had ended. And bright and early the supervisor and I went through everything. Finally he said ok is there anything else. I couldn't believe the joy I felt at the realization that it was done -- I had my system back. No one ever explained or named what had been wrong. They probably figured I wouldn't understand anyways. But aha -- the next time my computer acted like a brat -- I ran the diagnostics -- I did the maintenance routine and I got it working again.

This made me feel so confident that I went on to learn a little coding and work on a web site. I look forward to the day when my next package from Dell arrives. It will have a flat screen monitor about 19 or 20 inches. It will have all the accessories and for sure -- just for the peace of mind -- it will have the four-year service plan.

James Brown writes about Apple Store online coupons, SonyStyle.com coupon code and Dell deals