Computers are extremely complex, fragile ecosystems. The first generation of DOS boxes were flaky enough with just a few hardware and software "cooks" stirring the soup. Today's machines consist of layers and layers of hardware, machine-specific BIOS firmware, operating system software, security software and application software. Now multiply these variables by all the possible combinations of programs, versions, peripherals and malware and you should be eternally thankful any time you turn on your computer or launch a program and it actually works!
When something does go wrong, we don't mind you contacting us--even it your problem isn't directly linked to our software. While most problems are so specialized and technical (that's why it's called technical support!) at least we can provide personal, "on-shore" empathy and perhaps point you in the right direction based on our expertise and experience.
One source of our experience is all the things that go wrong with our own computers and network. My latest horror story enfolded from a "recommended Windows 7 Security" download that conflicted with my video card, resulting in the "Blue Screen of Death" followed by the "Black Screen of Purgatory." My Lenovo tech was certain it was the motherboard, but after 1 1/2 hours with Microsoft Tech Support we finally undid the damage created by the download.
It's not a matter of if breakdowns like this will occur, it's when (when you're in the biggest hurry). So here's a reminder that you can't have enough layers of backup redundancy to counter the layers of conflicting technologies. I use premeditated backup tools (USB hard drives and USB thumb drives) but back them up with automated backup tools (Carbonite on-line).
What are your experiences and recommendations?
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recently purchased a Lenovo ThinkPad and already getting blue and black or should I say black and blue, screens. Running XP Pro though not Win 7. What error messages did you have?
ReplyDeleteSorry, I didn't get the number of the truck that hit me. It flew by very fast. The IBM tech was convinced it was my motherboard (T400 preinstalled with XP Pro instead of Vista, but I did a "clean" install of Win7 last month). Because it's happened a second time, I'm fairly sure it's caused by the Windows Mobile Device Center (formerly ActiveSync). The only solution has been to repair off of the Win7 DVD (restore doesn't work). If you ever upgrade to Win7 from XP make sure you run the Microsoft Upgrade Advisor. There are some compatibility issues with the ATI graphics card.
ReplyDeleteThe next time I'm feeling brave I will download patches from Lenovo. This is my 3rd ThinkPad and all have had idiosyncracies that fortunately are offset by great support (except I didn't need a motherboard).
You are right the restore doesn't work; will try the DVD repair. Really like the ThinkPads functionality. You've had three, are they a good computer? We planned on using it for FBS and our GIS software with a mobile broadband connection in the 2010 season. The goal is to have anywhere access to our information and mobile data entry capability. I Was also thinking about purchasing Lenovo's IdeaPad S12 for said reasons; don't want to go through same problems though.
ReplyDeleteSince the S12 is a netbook, it's a different animal from the Thinkpad line. (Not necessarily bad since netbooks are more portable and reliant on mobile broadband, which doesn't appear to be a problem in your area.) Thinkpads are legendary for their keyboards (obviously compromised in a netbook) and shock-resistant hard drives (not needed in a netbook).
ReplyDeleteHere's the latest review I could find for the S12: http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-s12-laptop/4505-3121_7-33708949.html
I don't see any mention of 64-bit, but make sure you stay clear of this little feature; we're still working on converting FBS, and I know at least one GIS product is months away from 64-bit compatibility.
Didn't consider the 32 bit vs 64 bit dilemma. Had to look up to know anything about it. This doesn't affect hosted applications though does it?
ReplyDeleteHosted applications through Terminal Services should work ok. I'd definitely check with your GIS software publisher, though.
ReplyDeleteThey, GIS software people, are cool with the netbooks but said to consider carefully screen size and resolution. In our operation we really like your hosted applications for reasons of automatic backup and as technology evolves mobile access to software. The two make a nimble and powerful combination.
ReplyDelete