From Desktop Computers to Portable Devices, the virtual adventures and routines vs. the evils and piracies done

Posted on November 12, 2025 by tharrisfc

It has been a long time since I’ve mentioned switching from desktops to laptops and now any available portable device. So much has changed since 2020, and before I mentioned anything in writing I had years, almost 5 years, to explore experiments, and put to use everything from tablets to cell phones. I was so involved with learning myself and building my own techniques, that I left this blog for quite some time.

The changes from the old days of windows 98 or XP, and Apple, has made everything more dependable on the internet from personal to business activities. Even I fell prone to social media rather than focus on getting my experience out there for not only opinion but scrutinizing the best results anyone can learn or expect, without ever showing favor to any specific operating system, programmed, or apps. But there is something that is so profound from learning since Windows 98 until current time, and basically working with Android operating system, I found that the idea of trying to create anything privately without internet connection (old programs), as opposed to sharing and even saving things in the cloud as shown me a lot of positives, with only concerns about the negatives.

Most of the positives is that you can save any work to any device and have it backed up into a cloud system, and most manufacturers like Samsung, Microsoft, IPod, and others; along with some big program developments (Adobe, HP, etc.) offer a backup and restore along with sharing. This is a big plus where I can share almost anything I create on any device at anytime.  The negatives would be keeping files secure and unaccessable remains a challenge towards password protections, avoiding theft or “prying eyes”, and even virus attacks and randsomware.

From the beginning of the world wide web, the concept was always to have the ability to communicate from one computer to another. It’s true purpose is simply to be able to share information, as a “Broad” goal. As time progressed, communication encompasses how we manage finances and pay bills, to building business projects and getting workloads done. In that same beginning, most of the work was done on programs that could be done independently, with the ability to reach out for help and ideas, through email and texts. No one could vision “How” the computer would evolve, instead, knew it would evolve into just simply sharing a finished project, and providing that simple information as share, to individuals, and to the world. Even the name World Wide Website evolved into being addressed as the “Internet”, expressing that the simple concept of communicating and creating has become ” a life’s blood” to everyday activities in anybody’s personal and professional life.

Even calling anything as simply a computer (which covers every electronic device made to produce and communicate), is now named “Devices”. From the very beginning of cumputers, even game programs designed as a learning tool to a new user (honestly, having games on every computer gave everyone to work with the mouse buttons, left and right, and keyboards, with all their shortcut keys was modeled to have the user explore how every aspect of the computing tolls work, without interfering and learning on real time work), that also evolved into what we now have as “gaming”. In my opinion, even gaming has the users building skills and strategies, while communicating and share techniques and ideas. The game is still that initial “learning tool” in the world of gaming.

Communicating ideas and goals opened other creations that we take advantage of today, such as social networking, that in turn, brings us to videography and podcasting. Even in communication and social networking, the positive aspect out-weighs the smaller number of negatives.

The negatives, well, Privacy, descretion, and intent. Our culture in the real world always had those negatives, but in the real world sharing something personal with the wrong person did not have so many impacts that could revert into destroying all intentions. As a person, we used to first work on our private thoughts, and even wrote them down, whether  it was a diary, or release, we had control to hide those booklets, and choose later to look back on or destroy, depending on what those thoughts implied. Now, anyone can play the “friendly ear” and turn it against someone, without ever meeting or knowing the opportunist actor. Bad actors find it easy to become annonomously a predator, and make unsuspecting people their victim(s), and with devastating results. From Scamming to Phishing, from pranking harm to impersonating a friend or family member. And yet, more things are done with positive results more than the negative implicating activities, but the smaller negative purposes seem to have such devastating, tragic, and more often, fatal results.

We were raised to chase our dreams, but beware, there are many dangers to charting through real life unknowns. Think before we do or say. Question a real persons intent. Cope or confront those we are offended by. Learn to respect, if you expect to respected. Respect opinions that you don’t understand, and keep communications guarded when it comes to discretion. Get to know a person before making them a lifetime friend or partner. All the negativity has always applied in real life. And in this evolving “virtual world” , the possibilities and pitfalls are still the same, just more capable in exploring, creating, and chasing a dream or idea, with those lessons to be aware because of the dangers. Keeping that as a real life awareness is so much more hard to keep in mind and practice, when staring at a screen and harmless keyboard.

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From Desktops & Laptops to Androids and devices

Posted on February 11, 2022 by tharrisfc

It has been awhile since I have posted a Blog. From getting out of Over the Road (OTR) driving in a conventional (Sleeper berth) truck, to a different business, driving a box truck, while still hauling products. In the beginning, the conventional truck gives the driver some living space, and even a place to set up a printer and a laptop. At the same time of switching to local driving, the truck is now like a “Day Cab’, with room for two people, but very little storage space, and no place to set up a printer. Naturally, finding a way of still keep some form of records turned me to the Android Cellphone (back in 2017).

The greatest differences are dramatic, and slowly define different purposes, and user activity. Starting with the Desktop or Laptop, powering up, the computer has to recall last settings, configurations, networks, synchronizing, and systems check and scanning. That office like feeling starts with the passing of time, giving the user time to consider what purpose the computer was turned on for…sort of a time to focus. The Cellphone, well, it is predominantly always on for the day and night, typically for phone calls…but wait…if it is on, it also synchronizes and notifies you of new emails, news, messaging, and whatever else you have set up the phone to receive and alert you to. The greatest change is time, which equals convenience. Of course, you are constantly working on a small screen, and depending on where your focus of importance is, it can “steal” your focus from real time activities, and still has blame to a few accidents. In short, you had to plan time to just focus on the laptop to get whatever task you were recording or documenting, and it was easier to make it “sleep” or turn it off, and return back to your days labour. With the cellphone’s notifications alerting you to something new, it was human and natural curiosity to take a look; distracting you from your current activity, or bringing you to stop all together.

Of course, it takes time, and self discipline, to be aware of how a person manages their time. With that in mind, having all my work Apps available to access on the cellphone is a positive reason to make adjustments. Besides, I could turn off notifications when driving, which goes against the grain of wanting to be available and social….you know, multitasking. I did find a compromise, where my first phone gave me the option to “read out loud” all my incoming calls, messages, and Emails; this minimized that couriosity of needing to see what I just got notified for, by picking up the device, in the middle of an activity, such as driving. Over time, and thanks to voice recognition, such as Google and Siri, I could send a quick reply by voice, make a call, and even navigate and ask questions, and get some kind of answer, allowing me to keep rolling.

I also found middle ground with using Tablets for documenting and reviewing files stored “offline”, until I could link to a WiFi network, and syncronize my updated changes. The tablet I use has no place to install a SIMMs card to have cellular internet…but my cellphone does give me the opportunity to “tether” an even become a “hotspot” that the tablet could link to. And, like the laptop, it ains my full attention and time to gret any productive work accomplished, meantime I cannot do this, and drive. Driving is just one example. There are plenty of “focus intensive” activities that need our full attention. In any case, I can set up directions, make notes, reply to incoming messages, play music, get news, and with selective Apps, watch movies; actually, depending on my activity, hear the movie.

Nothing has changed from when I first started Blogging, in 2008, when it comes to defining the word computer as, “To Create”. Nor has my feelings about starting and making projects on a Desktop Computer. Depending on how much you want to spend, the Desktop is still a very powerful machine when it comes to making music, videos, podcasts, and anything else. Plus, as a desktop, you decide to make the time to sit…and create. The Smart phone, well, it can take away the focus of working on what is just in front of you, but is still a finely detailed computer for simple works that can be done immediately, or “on – the – fly”.

Gates & Jobs

Although technology has been so fast paced, and the history of the Technology “boom” is still so recent, I think from time to time, it is up to us to keep much of the beginning history alive, in our own words, and how we tell their story.

The computer concept has been around since…the 1940’s, and some of the history goes back years earlier, but it took the makings of a computer to break the code of the infamous German made Ignigma machine, during World War Two. Afterwards, businesses like IBM, AT&T, Texas Instrument, and even NCR (I think it is National Cash Register), all worked on the computer concept, where a human inputs data, and the computer replies with the result. The first thig that comes to mind is the very accurate calculator. Afterwards, others saw the vision of tranferring and sharing data amongst more than one machine. And, with the calaberations of some of the above businesses, the world Wide Web was born.

At the same time, others were fantasizing on having technology replace the need for paper. A big campaign to have computers be recognized was under way, and even before the now lifestyled World Wide Web, the idea of trading paper for technology was advertised in saving our forests, and trees. Less would have to be cut down, and later, selling the idea that projects and files could be stored on disks would mean less filing cabinets, and the space to contain those cabintes. But the selling of the ideas came around the time space flight was still becoming a reality, and the world was still needing the confidence of human involvement to alway check the results. Still, the idea of computers running the world was dream to be realized.

Two young men also saw the potentials of computers, Bill Gates & Steve Jobs, two of hundreds behind the scenes seeing the future before it was even here. Mr. Gates saw a huge potential of computers initially doing so much math and calculations, that in the business world, it had (and still does) unlimited potential. As I just mentioned, there were hundreds, even thousands, making the computer an industry that would “change the world”. Those thousands worked for such Businesses such as IBM, that even today the sofisticated works of now thousands, if not millions, got us to cureent date. But when it came to marketing, and its way to being soemthing in every business, a line was drawn in the sand, and Bill Gates Stayed focused on Microsoft, while Steve Jobs parted ways and followed his idea of getting computers to be just as usefull for every individual, especially in communications and planning, as it would be for any given organization. And, in the beginning, both men had the same issue with computers…how to make these machines “user friendly”.

Like Armies and businesses, only a select few get most of the recognition, and the icons of Mr. Bill Gates & the late Steve Jobs were the two lecturers that broadcasted real purpose for their products, as they were happening. And at its starting point, it was the desktop. Somehow, it always appeared that they represented two giants of technology going in different directions, but except for their designed purposes and uses, both would merge, bringing each others worlds to merge, based on the needs of their consumers. Keep in mind, the other thousands were not in the shadows of these two men, since Microsoft & Apple had other well respected technology companies competing with the consumers, such as Sunsystems, Adobe, Toshiba, Samsung, and so much more. “Gates & Jobs”, when the changes and improvements intechnology improved and expanded, both were in the spotlights, with confidence and excitement, keeping the interests of the American consumer alive, as if advertised, “but wait there is more”…and through time, “more” became today’s reality…and, the consumer thives for the next everyday experience to be better than it ever was before…and, its still happening.

Tomorrow Comes With Today Being History

As I wrote the word “late”, I best leave this for the next generations to come. Bill Gates has retired from Microsoft, and the late Steve Jobs succumbed to cancer, left us knowing he he was in our time on earth. They were the speakers best recognized for the progress and explosion of technology, for keeping the interests up for the consumers, the investors, the engineers, and even the dreamers, what what can still be in the future. They were giants that brought computers to the businesses, to every home, and even in our hands…like an apple. We are on the other side of a corona virus pandemic, and before this, I envisioned that even the building blocks of our country’s future would have the ability to learn from home. Some statesman and Governors are now contemplating on making this a reality, not for an entire school year, instead, for something we grew up knowing as “snow days”, and school would be closed. I guess I saw it coming. I guess I fit in that category…of dreamers.</p>

It didn’t start with Desktops…

Texas Instruments and Rolodex were never the first versions of a computer, but it was one of many simple products that were available to businesses and home consumers alike. A fewer group got interested in the Tandy & Commodore keyboard. I could find a place to be the historian, but I am trying to find a way back to how you can get the best out of all your devices and machines.

Everything seems to slow down…

There are so many reasons why every computer slows do with time. When first “store bought”, the computer started right up. But that new computer also came with the bare basic programs and codes, and then we added programs to it. We needed to connect to the internet, and get virus protection, and install our favorite social network to keep in touch with family, friends, and anybody else. This would have been fine…if we stopped there. Those programs we install takes time for the computer to process, and keep processing (while running) while in use, and then save it’s new settings before shutting down. I am going to express my own terminology for two words, “static” and “dynamic”. Dynamic can be expressed as constantly changing and running, and static is something that can be compared to be “as is”. Hang in there… the programs we install and use has the computer takes time for the computer to process and setup, like your virus protection. The pictures you save and the files you create or download can be called static because you simply click on them, and they open “as is”; with some exceptions like office spreadsheets with macros embedded in them. So static files open, but don’t do anything until you click it to play or activate… it just opens and awaits your next input. In fact, the only process the computer does is recall its coded language to setup the file you see when it opens. Now, a dynamic program, app, or file is something that once you start your computer, starts up in the background and runs processes to update, such as you antivirus program, Emails, notifications, and messages. This happens when you first start up the computer, and runs without your input throughout the whole time the computer is on, thus dynamic in terms. So, when the computer comes on, dynamic programs you installed start up and go through updating changes from the internet, and updates without your involvement. Again, this was not all setup when the computer was “store bought”, and only when we set it up, do they do what they have to in the background automatically, and without your initial input. Still, these are needed, and only starts having the appearance of slowing down the computer.

Of course, no one has ever told us that the more programs we add that are geared to run in the background, and look for the internet to update, would be the reason why we would think the computer was slowing down. Actually, your computer works at a constant speed, and the more programs installed has it keeping track of the last saved settings of the program, the programs commands to update, running Dynamically from start to finish. So the more programs you have, that are coded to get information online for new information to get to keep things updated, the more time it takes the computer to be in that “waiting for you” status. Of course, the computer is also recording where your files and programs are stored on the hard drive, but that is more like a “check list” of sorts. No, the appearance of a slow computer is because of the Apps and programs communicating with the internet (all at once), to get the most updated information those Apps and programs “need” to give you the best use out of their product. So, if you have Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Norton or MacAfee, and other programs, the computer has been commanded by those programs to go out and get the most updated information to keep the programs at their peek use for you. Your messenger, Emails, and other notification programs are all doing the same time. In short, your computer is still running at the same speed as when you bought it, but over time, it has so much more work to do in the background.

All this also goes for your cellphone, Android, and other operating systems, should you shut it off for long periods of time. As a truck driver, I personally depend on some redundancy, so I have a second Android phone, with a second phone number, but the same Apps installed. If that second phone is off for days or even weeks, it starts up like restarting my primary cellphone, but then, it has to go through the process of retrieving all the update messages that have already been seen through my primary phone. It is like when the Android cellphone was shut down…time stopped. And, days or weeks later, it has to “catch up” with the time my primary Android cellphone was on.

I am in know way going to suggest anyone what to do, except to realize that the more programs you have installed, and internet independent Apps are installed, the more time the computer needs to be ready. It might make you wonder why some desktops come with hard drives with larger storage if it is going to slow the computer down, but that space was for those static files, and not more dynamic programs and Apps. You have to decide what you want from the computer when it comes to the programs. Just know you can get rid of programs you installed, but no longer use, and create more room for your static files and records it was intended for. Just don’t go crazy, and start deleting programs that came with the operating system, like Paint, Contacts, Word pad, and alike. These programs have a classic purpose that your computer needs. It is like these programs are the basic knowledge base that makes your computer “smart”. Oh, and to your techies and engineers out there, don’t correct or explain any errors…my blog tries to give a simplicity of explanation to the common user. Just enjoy how I explain what the “thing- a- bob” is doing in the “do-hickie”. It still has the general understanding that the more processes running in the background makes the experience of any device more timely. Please, “just enjoy the show”.

Desktops of the past & Present

I still have not wrote to Wikipedia suggesting the definition of a computer is “To Create”. It goes back to the Tandy & Commodore days, when the user learned code, and wrote comments, to make a design, art, story, letter, picture drawing, etc., and when the internet was an added extra (I started with CompuServe, for $30.00 an hour to communicate…years before AOL), and through the telephone line, a 56K bps connection. My first real computer was through a company selling Gateway computers, with Windows Me. It came with Microsoft Works, for spreadsheets, documents, and Database building for beginners and the curious. Along with the operating system there came a Paint Program, and other stuff, like solitaire, and word games. All of this was available on the computer, and they are called programs. It also had the ability to work without the internet, providing the finished work was printed out, or saved/shared through a floppy disk, and later, a smart card. Quite frankly, you can create any project, and never be connected to the internet. If you were interested in other more professional programs, you went out and bought a disk, and installed it to your computer. Again, they were independent from any Server, social network, or interactive online programs (such as gaming). Over the years, computers got better with improving operating systems, and professional programs for businesses and independent proprietors alike found it a device to create, store information, and keep records of any type. Photographers, artists, architectural drawers, musicians, and other interests were able to spend hours and days building projects independent to the rest of the world…wide…web.

Microsoft’s 8.0 operating system was transitioning to include what we now download to even our cellphone from the internet, called “Apps”. There are Apps that can be independently used without the internet, like the calculator, calendar, WordPad, the camera, and even drawing, but it was designed also to share over the internet. Apps also give you the opportunity to save your work online, and on a company’s “Cloud”. The idea of the Cloud is that you can save your work from one device, and retrieve on another device. It is called Synching. I could even retrieve my saved files and pictures on your device, by you first allowing me to “use” your device, and then sign into my account. The App installs just the very basic need to operate on anything like a cellphone, where most of the programs run from a server. It is again, not totally correct, but it does explain how Programs installed need hundreds of Megabytes of space, and Apps need much less.

Still, to create a project, or even building your own programs, the desktop still remains that “office” we all can use. My version during my truck driving routines was a smaller Laptop, called a Netbook, where most of my work records were created and stored, and only later copied to the “Cloud” (some company’s Server, like Microsoft, or Google, as just two examples). For that, the Desktop, laptop, and Tablet computers, can always simply be defined as “To Create”. Likewise, the Cellphone, smartphone, and the now expiring Blackberry device, can simply be defined as “To Communicate”. I know you can communicate on a Desktop, but from its beginning, it gave you a place of virtual privacy to focus and build. You can also do the same with a smartphone, but it is not always as accommodating as a Desktop.

Chromebook, Tablets, and even Smartphones…

Typically, your smartphone works from the opposite spectrum of the Desktop. Naturally, you bought the smartphone to primarily make and receive phone calls. Having access to the internet was the bonus. It is through the Simms card, and your phone number, that gives you that access. And, it gives you as much access to the internet as the desktop, but sometimes…not the whole picture. You can even watch TV through some Apps…while sitting in your Livingroom, in front of your wide screen television. Again, the big picture has always been a lot more suitable when at home, and having it available through your smartphone falls secondary, like when not at home or traveling.

Well, Chromebooks and Tablets are more prone to using Apps rather than installed programs, and like your smartphone, it needs the internet, through a Wi-Fi connection, to be communicated to share the project, or gain advanced App tools to perfect and finish whatever the project is. And, again, it has just enough installed to “create”, but designed to share…thus communicate. I guess you can live on a smartphone alone, some out there probably do. Let me try to use an exaggerated example here: Although you could use a camper to shop every week, it is more practical to use the car you also may own, and use the camper for camping, since camping out of the car would be odd, if you owned the camper. Both can be done, but convenience and cost eventually might make you use the right machine (automobile) for the right and practical purpose. Same goes with all these devices. And, just like vehicles, you do need money to afford both. My point is, although convenient and resourceful is the smartphone, do not give up on the practical purpose having and using a desktop is. Affordability and practical uses can also be at odds with each other. Still, I personally wouldn’t try writing a book or novel on a smartphone.

The Chromebook and any Tablet still hold a keen purpose as well. A screen bigger than the smartphone, and accessible tools available to use. Smartphones give just enough to make it useful, but the Chromebook and Tablet offers more. To have the most professional and abundant amount of tools to work with, may I suggest…a desktop. The desktop, and my Netbooks, will always be my favorite mobile office tool to have, when it comes to getting my work done. And yet, having that Smartphone to get activities done “on the fly” has become a close second, and for the last several years, very depended upon device too.

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Google Calendar and Sharing

Posted on September 8, 2018 by tharrisfc

In the past, I have always texted about spreadsheets, and databases, and other programs, doing my best to point out that not everyone will enjoy just one type of program. And there are so many different companies, such as Microsoft, Sun Systems, IBM, Intuit, etc., that each user has to favor what works for them, or what is available for them to use. Depending on the basic formats, like saving in Comma or Tab separated format, the main data can be interchanchagable, where in the results, one company has settled on how to manipulate your data that may be all a user needs.

For me, I grew into Microsoft from the start, while still researching for a records keeping programs, I also experimented with Star Office 5.2, and after focusing on one source, I never attempted other programs. But even though I had to decide on one consistent supplier, I never wanted to express experiencing other similar programs. Then, for awhile, especially when PDA were more portable, I would become acclimated with Palm (first), and through time to now, all Apps used through Android OS. Learning how to take the data from one App or Program, to use on another became easier…compared to rewriting all the data to a second record. I love exploring the many programs to see which will be easiest to record data, based on whatever activity I am in.

I think it has come time to start focusing on certain Services that make sharing information with other users and programs time saving…and so, for the first time, I share something more than building spreadsheets and databases. We all have kept appointments, birthdates, and contact information on our phone, Androids, Laptops, PDA and Blackberries, and our desktops, laptops, and netbooks. It has become so easy to share information with anyone, regretfully, some others who don’t setup security also make it easier to share with other intruders with their own personal reasons…for personal gains. Still, the world are starting to be aware of the problem. In short, we are slowly learning to only share and record the basic minimum information, and over the next decade, the world will learn not to share everything they think, or feel, rather express and text (and record) in a more generalized way. Too many people also wait to “pounce” on other peoples opinions, specifically on the many forms of the social network.

I still praise the sole and initial object of the internet, which started as a way of sharing information, Data, and making resources for informational and educational needs, and all at the users fingertips. But the whole world cannot be held accountable, or express responsibility, and the whole web experience will eventually have and create more and more limitations; or have fees and registries for data that remains accessible. In the future , both business and personal, people will start creating Records keeping, literature, and discretionary feelings on computers and devices that will never link to the internet. Transferring any information will be either through memory (disk) swapping of shared final results, thoughts, and feelings, or create a gated Intranet server network that also only transfers the final results of data, thoughts and literature. It is like the internet had their own period of time of “Expressional Revolution”, and now has to come back to a common source that is regulated by the user that involves discretion, responsibility, and purpose.

For now, and with what is online, you still have much controls and restrictions online, like only sharing to a specific person or group, just remembering to keep it purposeful, keeping any vulnerabilities in mind. It will take time to retract all personal information, such as those Birthdays for example, from the internet, and place them on a calendar separate from being internet and hacking accessible.

NOTE TO SELF – Make internet change a separate blog. Get to how all facets of Google has been used, first over the road, and up to current times with my Girlfriend.

Staying in touch, by more than just a phone call

When my girlfriend and I moved in together, I was still Professionally driving “over the road”. I wanted her to know where I was, whenever she felt the need. Google Maps became to key App for specifically sharing my location, since she also had a Google account (many service providers have sharing with others, provided they use the same service provider). I was using my most dependable Internet service connection through Verizon Wireless, and was able to have a MiFi on all the time…of course I also paid for a 40GB service, but it was worth knowing that Verizon Wireless was connected wherever I went 98% of the time.

Google Maps gave her the best up to date information of where I was, and she always knew where I was going. We did this willingly. For me, I once belonged to a fb wall that asked other drivers to keep an eye out for other missing drivers that the families lost touch with. Sadly, many found were dead in their Sleeper Berths. There were other more serious and criminal times, but by sharing with my significant other, she would always know how I was doing.

I started sharing my destinations and expected times of arrival on Google Calendar, again, shared specifically with her. She knew where I was by Google Maps, and was able to add my destination to calculate how long it may take. She spent the time understanding the driver hour rules, knowing my sleep habits, and how long I typically drive. If I stayed at a new location too long, she would text me to see if I was broke down or feeling alright. The tools gave her a greater piece of mind, and it was fun sharing my day to day activities with her. After all, a happy girl is a happy world. It really softened the time away from her (I was out three to four weeks at a time). Equally, she began sharing her appointments and plans while I was away, giving me the opportunity to wish her well, and ask how her activities went the day after. We truly were sharing each others days, even when we were hundreds of miles apart.

We also explored using other services, such as Messenger, to enjoy video conversations, having coffees in the mornings, and it became a dependent routine for the both of us. Much to be said about face to face conversations, even when hundreds of miles apart. I also had Skype, but she didn’t. Skype was for my business anyway, meaning I could keep separate my Business from my personal life. In some locations, Messenger had issues, but it was sometimes dismissed by the long conversations on cheaper model cellphones, where the processor was getting too hot. It was still the daily routine throughout the two years over the road.

Being the computer geek and social extravert, I was linked to other social networks, primarily for the reason that family and friends were on various social networks, using different services, and only later did almost all found their way to Facebook. So, I shared pictures and stories with all on this platform, and kept my personal affairs on Google. I entertained myself experiencing Twitter, and even showed interest in many news and political topics, but my agenda was just for her…on Google. We definitely had an active life, shared many thoughts, pictures and dreams, and all remain separate from our family and friends.

Appointments and Records Keeping Simplified

Recently, and for personal reasons, I changed rolls to a weekly position, making Tri-State deliveries, and my day end at home. Now, instead of cross country deliveries, I have multiple stops, within a 150 mile radius of the warehouse. In the past, I used a database for Over The Road and owner Operator roles. I still wish to get back to using Microsoft Access and build own for this role too. But, I needed a way to record my stops as I learned them, and data recording on the fly was not an option. Even in the beginning, I started out using Microsoft Exel. But, I was single then, and wandering around the country gave me time to focus on such work and activities. Google Calendar became the main record for the daily stops, their addresses, Phone Numbers, contact person, and key remarks and notes about each delivery location. I started depending on the search tool to recall the last times I was going to a familiar delivery. It took a little time to recognize the importance of detailing the stops, as I go. And, since it was the same Shared Calendar, my girlfriend now knew where I was going. Upon delivery, I updated the stops time I arrived, the mileage on the odometer, and the time I left. She found it easy to know where I last delivered…by that recorded mileage. And, she could still track me on the Google Maps App on her Android phone.

Learning as you go also means finding use for each feature of an App you are experimenting with. On the Google Calendar, I standardized the color features to represent equipment, work activity, and personal schedules. Even proposed or tentative appointments became color coded. Since the Google map was being shared, it also was tracking how long I was driving and how long I was parked, and at the location, with the option to edit the location. I also learned that, since I also have any photos taken on my Android phone being uploaded to the Google photo Server, any pictures taken at that destination would also show in the Google Maps timeline. This is a plus when it comes to tracking activities, and recalling events to remember. Some deliveries have a separate delivery location, and those are written in the description section. The search feature allows you to recall a name or part of the name of a location, company, contact, etc., and it will show results, that you can back track as far back as you need.

Sharing is Caring

Google offers more than just these two App programs, but this Blog was not to cover all aspects of what the Provider supplies, instead, it was about sharing information, especially with a significant partner or a group of people; all must have an account with Google to get the most of the features. I would also like to mention, she shares her calendar of events with me, so I can see what has transpired since the last time I was on the Calendar. Mentioning Messenger, and the service Provider, was only to suggest that each person needs to shop around to find what works for them, and what they can afford. Anything that will help anyone is is away for whatever reason, keeping in touch with those closest to you helps fill in the gap of missed occasions, and daily happenings. I hope this article sparks other Over The Road Drivers, salespersons, executives and frequent fliers. Google allows you to share, and by creating a second Google Calendar, you can keep other appointments private and secure. Google also offers Tasks too. In short, you are in charge of what you share, and what you keep confidential. When it comes to your partner, any effort to communicate and keep track of daily routines goes a long way in their eyes, and in return, there is a comfort on your part too.

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Computers in the Work Environment

Posted on March 3, 2017 by tharrisfc

        Other Thoughts and Concepts on The Right Computer

It has always been a saying of mine that the concept definition of a computer is simply, “to create”. Having computer may seem like work, and threats of people stealing or locking you out of your own personal files has lead all of us on how to keep records, store receipts, and maintain the speed of your own computer. In the past, even I had separated the program files from my created and stored files by creating partitions on the same hard drive (thinking this would speed up the power up and shutting off the machine), and still knowing the computer is designed to recall and save (in logs) where everything is located, and with more saved on the same hard drive means more time for power on and proper shutdown of the computer. Computers are coming with larger hard drives, and with Microsoft, Apple, and others designing everything being server (their server) based Apps, computers, Tablets, and even smartphone devices have scaled down on the size of the hard drive. The concept is the devices and machines should only contain the programs you use to create your files, and storing your records and files elsewhere, such as the cloud or now on an external Hard Drive. Don’t forget that you should still be backing up and archiving your files on a permanent storage such as a DVD. In short, we are back to thinking about partitioning our personal records from the hard drive, allowing the machines and devices to merely need tracking changes (and updates) of the downloaded programs you use.

As far as those computers with larger hard drives, well, my concept is so you can store active and constantly used files, such as video, and huge project building…but these machines should rarely be online. You should still connect to the internet to get the most updated programs and updates for the operating system, then disable the internet connection. This way, no one can link to your computer.

Recently, I have even changed my concepts of laptops in the trucking work place. I have even misplaced a device, but was found and turned into the desk at a truck stop (thank you, unknown fellow driver). It made me think of how important it is to keep my most important and personal information off these machines. The device was a Samsung, and before it was finally found, I had already explored and initiated a device tracking App I found on Google, which allowed me to lock, add a new password, and even erase everything on the android™ device. Of course, when it was found, I had to go set it back to my preferred settings, but it was truly good to know that if the device was taken and never returned, I could protect my email, personal text records, and other important aspects of my life, from being used, or stolen. Then, there was the time I had an issue with one of my netbooks and needed a quick replacement computer to use with my saved files on an external hard drive, and purchased a new laptop, but with a Hard Drive with 25 GB of space, with close to ½ already used with the existing operating and program software. I could make a quick purchase, download the office software I used, and kept rolling without losing too much time to make the delivery period. That is when all my thoughts about the best computer for me changed.

Figuring Out the Best Options

            The Cloud, and other Server Based Services

There is many great “selling Points” about having everything go elsewhere while you are actively working, and when that personal information is needed in a pinch. First, you can consider using the most affordable device that can also be easily replaced when damaged and lost (remember to have a way of tracking and even removing information from the missing device); secondly, you can access those servers from another device and location. One thing to remember is to change your password often, and especially change your password when access to your files can be done by that missing device. Almost every service provider offers a web access page, so you can have control of your files and how they are organized. You can do almost everything by the tools they provide, such as scheduling, telephone & conference calls, Fax Services, and video conferencing. It is so convenient, that there is very little to keep you from doing this, provided you figure a way to print and scan in paper should the job or activity needs it. Then you can get a desktop at home or somewhere remotely safe, and remember to always backup your records on a computer External Drive, and later archive on DVD disks. I have started to base many calendar of events and activities, all my texting and all calls through other party services, and even Fax through a faxing service for other related needs. BUT I still have a laptop for my private projects, and for backing up to DVDs, and for my All-In-One Printer, that was cheaply purchased, so if it breaks, I can go to many different stores and replace it (don’t go too crazy on stocking up on ink cartridges; just enough to replace the existing ink cartridges in the printer).

            Netbook and Laptop

I still use this option as my primary practice of business and personal related creations, activities, Projects, and records gathering, but now, the computer only needs to have the many various programs I constantly use, and those receipts, records, picture, and video creations (even in raw form), is kept on an external Hard Drive, that does not need to be plugged in, until I am either saving or backing up my records. The only thing left on the computer are some Office files, and a project currently being worked on, such as this Blog. Once this blog in its draft form was created, a copy is created on the external hard drive, and during monthly Archiving Backups, I include the most recent copies, so it can never be lost. Quite simply, this makes it easier to use any machine (provided they have similar software I use), and just as importantly, should I have been hacked, no virus can ever hold my records and files “hostage” for a certain fee (as reported on a couple occasions on the news). You still can use your cellphone for many communications and internet needs, but wherever your important files and records are, need to guarded from constant access to the world-wide web…and always make a routine to have redundant backups.

            Laptop with use of Memory Cards and External Hard Drives

I have and still use the option of having the Laptop setup to do every function of work, and aspect of my personal life…but the External Hard Drive is never constantly plugged in, and when it is, the laptop is offline (you can do this by going into the wireless settings and properties of the driver and disabling it, or less guaranteed, use the airplane & Bluetooth Off mode which also disconnects you form being on the internet). Keep in mind, forgetting any part of this as a common practice allows you to be vulnerable, and some worms and Trojans can continue where they left off from when it was disconnected, until such time it can be fully installed and compromise your security and privacy. Relying on one computer to do everything is like having “all your eggs in one basket…, and Backups must always be part of your routine, more importantly than any other.

            The Virus Protection

As an individual or Sole Proprietor, no matter what options you use, virus protection on a computer purchased or available for free is always a need. The time it is realized is typically after it happens, and depending on how damaging the virus was, the cost and constant practice and upkeep of that virus software needs to become a common practice. A separate concept is purchasing something like a Verizon Wireless “MiFi”, where the computer is only on and offline when the MiFi is on. These MiFi’s can now run up to ten networking devices, but you still need to practice common sense. In a concept, the ultimate Virus protection is “you”. We are all human, and have curiosities in trivial advertisements and other discretionary interests. This type of activity needs to be on a device or computer with no personal and important records! Yes, you should be a cheap laptop, desktop, or smaller device to socialize and fulfill your inhibitions and desires. And yet, it is never considered to inform each person that the best protection is common sense planning, and thinking out the possible implications. We all have heard of people being fired for being on a social network, and even a select few on adult websites, using a company computer. It is this type of behavior that leaves the company at greatest risk, and they must eliminate those risks to protect their business. Bottom line, and even on impulse, stop and realize if this is safe for the information kept…don’t keep believing it is not wrong until you are caught.

            The Computers Initial Purpose

“To Create”. It will always be my most important definition. Since computers were used, its purpose was records keeping, and product creating, and development. The computer still can show many variations and drafts without costing materials and stationary. It still in my opinion is the most important “workshop” to any industry, before building anything costly from scratch. The world-wide web became primarily communications tool to sharing and communicating these ideas. Its secondary role became the most primary use though…socializing. This is to be considered when you own a computer…and you might want to consider a cheaper redundant computer for all internet communicating. Understand that the industry of computers may be changing, and Smartphones still show how powerful they can be, when it comes to sharing information, communicating ideas, and even entertaining each of us. But there is indeed a “Time and a virtual place” for everything.

        The Power of a Computer

Depending on your basic records keeping needs, the computer really does not need to be the one with the best processor, memory, and capacity, unless you are into Producing your work, such as music, videos, graphics designing, gaming, and even conferencing. Conferencing can be done for small groups, but even that should have a stronger processor, operating system, software, and even type of computer to accomplish a decent group meeting. There are server services out specifically designed for doing this, with the tools to give you a quality presentation, for a nominal price. We take advantage of such great services such as My Space, AOL, Yahoo, Google, and Facebook…. you’re using a server based conferencing network. Nothing has changed in my previous Blogs, you do get what you pay for. And it hurts when what you invested in gets destroyed, by extreme conditions, like weather and Truck Driving. So, you can consider to go cheaper to do the data entry portion of your business. The performance work and data processing does need a stronger processor or server based machine. Somewhere like in a controlled environment, such as the office and at home, where you can copy or transfer your work for your routine backups and archiving.

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Concepts of Records Keeping – February 2017

Posted on March 1, 2017 by tharrisfc

Procrastination Means the Same Workload to Organize Later…

I know the goal is to keep the loads going, and finding shortcuts to doing any paperwork means another load accomplished. But sooner or later, you still need to have a system that you understand, and can retrieve the work you had done in the past. Eventually, you will need to make the time and sit, just to get back to organizing your paperwork on computer; this is very important when scanning your receipts into one folder on the computer. Typically, you could leave everything in one folder, but you have to have a naming system that is constituent with how you keep your records. For me, I take it to the point where the work is broken down in folder of the year, the months of the year, and the category or purpose of having scanned the paper.

You could keep a ledger of what you have scanned, but later, and especially for tax purposes, you will still desire to separate your fueling receipts from the supplies, repairs, and even maintenance, to your basic purchases of food, parking, and comfort purchases. I started back in 2006, working with spreadsheets, and had a column that linked every individual receipt. Spreadsheets are also great for getting the math results you desire, for each category in business. But in the end, doing the records keeping as you scan and store those receipts, Bill of Ladings, Scaling, Fueling, and other receipts, saves from trying to recall what you are doing, and where it played in that period of work activity.

I had to try it the hard way, and just simply scanned the work, repairs, and even personal billings and payments into one folder. But without having taken time to record it in a document, spreadsheet, or other filing system, a simple proof of purchase became impossible…once. Once is all it took to going back to scanning, documenting, and recording the receipts “As I Go”, which is the most effective way of having information you can retrieve, no matter how much time has passed by.

 

Making Use of Those Records From The Past

 

It is great to have the information organized and better if you can put all that information to use, even after the work has been done. Tracking your monthly miles, fueling, cash vs. debit and credit purchases, helps you decide how to change habits, build a better routine, and challenge you to always be more effective, efficient, and more consistent. If you stay with spreadsheets for recording the past work, you can start another workbook, that links the data from one workbook, and use the information to show totals for each month, and comparison tables and graphs for each year. This is analyzing your current routine and activities. Spreadsheets can express these results in any formulation, and can build graphs and bar graphs that suit your understanding, for whatever you want to track (miles, hours, workload, expenses, income, time on duty, and time off.

I also started building a database that recorded “static” (unchanging) or reusable data, such as customer, their location, contact information, etc., and expanded to their individual policies and procedures expected while I was on their properties. This also included issues I had while I was at any certain location.  I also started recording truck stop locations, and included information I might need on demand, such as Fax Numbers, Parking sizes and payments, and available services (much of this can now be found in an App for current services). This way, I documented that I was at a stop, and what remained the same or changed while I was there. I also built a database I called the Driver’s Journal that mirrored the Drivers Daily log, which I write a story of what transpired during that time period (i.e., filling eight trailer tires, on the telephone with a named person, repairs made, and everything not included in the federal daily form. Again, this is “static” and unchanging diary of my activities at any given time of day.

The database is still like data entry 9in version 2), but later all that information will be linked, and list all these tables of information, to be clicked on and reuse the initial information (such as the customers information), and will autofill the other fields, and continue to save time in entering future data for the same place or person, or even activity.

Expanding My Work Performance

The past data shows how well I did, and with building resulting reports, and can decide how to improve in my performance and routine. When first starting in the truck driving industry, I would stop often, and need more time to gain that experience. My records keeping now used to build reports shows how I have improved in my endurance (period of constant driving), my detailing of work (making sure past mistakes were not repeated), my work scheduling (10 hour break minimum started out needing to forget all the days issues, and from those issues, I constantly work on how to problem solve for recurring issues), and even my sleep habits (who knew I needed an average +8 hours of sleep, on Line 2). My data program is Microsoft Access, that just like spread sheets, can take parameters of information and create graphs, pies, and mathematical results.

Future for This Year (2017)

My goal is to start detailing my efforts of the past, with more pictures, and downloadable files for practice and actual use, and even slide show features (eventually I desire to make some blog pages in video form. I will always express the importance of organization, and extend on how to use that information to reflect upon, and improve in the future. I want to keep showing concepts of records keeping, and backing up information on permanent archivable media (DVDs). Without showing favorites in specific programs and services (plugging and advertising), I do want to show the experiences I have had with programs and Apps, and challenge you to keep searching for a better product that serves you best in your daily work and position. Just remember, this is a Blog and not a school or institution. A Blog is designed by the author to interest, entertain, and share information in short articles…education and expectation is a plus, but it still falls on you, to explore, research, experiment, and find what works for you, and can rely on in your personal and professional careers. I hope I have done this all along, in these past years.  May I find ways and concepts to invite you to explore and learn at your own pace, and find and determine what best serves you in the future.

I hope you come back next month and many more months and years to come.

 

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2017 Startup…Again

Posted on January 28, 2017 by tharrisfc

 …A year away from Blogging

Blogs by Todd Harris, relating to computing in the Professional Driving Role.

Concepts and thoughts for everyone

 

 

Hello World!

…And, Happy New Year!

I did not fall behind on my regiment of writing Blogs, instead I focused on the role of OTR Truck Driving, and took interest in the new explosion of Apps that came around for the Trucking industry. I also took up a hobby of flying Unmanned Drones. I also changed up my routine of Mapping out routes for each delivery, and focused more on the Driver’s Database I have been building (it is already the 2nd version since I created it in 2014). Finally, I got caught up in the Windows 10 Push out, and really enjoyed the new functions and Apps… but only kept one PC one Windows 10, while enjoying the experiences of Windows 7 Professional on my oldest HP Netbook, and reverting to Windows 8.1 on a newer version that was updated to Windows 10, but one update caused it to “hang”. It came with a challenge to back up everything before going back to the Factory version of Windows 8.1. I did decide to buy a larger laptop, but strayed from HP and tried out an Acer, with Windows 10 as part of the package. All in all, I have mentioned about having a backup pc when working in a rough environment such as the business of trucking, but even I became lazy to backups as a Monthly need.

The Blog posts remain the same, but in the back ground, my Office environment has expanded, and even updated to include the use of Online Office Programs and Clouds, App Uses through an Android Tablet, and forcing a version of Backing up from pcs to storing all works on External Hard Drives. I still need to configure my emails to back up on external drives (or the cloud) too. I’m always Developing.

 

Keeping Up with Technology

 

Along with Keeping up with the routine of Commercial Driving, and my records keeping, I had to finally expand from just netbook [Laptop] equipment, and purchase a tablet using Android as the operating system. It seems that some Apps aren’t available for Windows OS. Then, the goal of being updated with Windows 10 had me fight between keeping various versions of Windows to be able to do comparisons. Eventually, I just got yet another new pc with Windows 10. I love them all, and found out that although having the most recent operating system works with the newer Apps, having the older versions also work best with the older programs I own (you can use the Compatibility feature for the older programs, but its already on an older machine, and having a backup computer is not a bad thing. Remember, most of what I do is in a Tractor Trailer, and the extreme conditions are indeed tough on this office designed machines).

 

Apps, Apps, and more Apps

 

I must admit, to keep up with using new applications on a daily work related environment, it meant sacrificing some old routines (and for a year, that included the Blog Posts)…I really do try to give everything a purpose. But well worth it! The Apps for the Commercial Industry exploded with so many available Apps that made having information and informational resources so accessible. Besides maps and their advances in traffic information, with some supplying links to Interstate traffic cameras, there are truck stop Apps, like Truckers Path (they have a separate App for Independent Contractors and Owner Operator to find the next available load, called Truckers Load), and even dedicated Apps specific to individual truck stops, such as the Pilot Store, and Travel Centers of America / Petro App. Both types are specific to the services available onsite, even laundry information, fuel prices, and even shower availability.

Another version of Apps specific to the Trucking industry is for scaling loads, by the CAT company, called “Weigh My Truck”. This App allows you to get on the scale, and it communicates with the weighmaster inside, and you can have an uncertified copy sent to your Email address, for your own records (to get a certified copy, you still must go inside and get a printed copy). A separate App from CAT that helps you find local CAT Scales in any given area or destination.

Weather Apps come in all types, giving every individual their own personal liking and preference. They still supply current information, radar weather tracking, and news…very important for every Truck Driver from Winter and through Summer Seasons.

 

Picking Up Where I left Off

 

The struggle to advance didn’t mean giving up on Office Programs, but I did start using the Server sided versions of Microsoft Office instead of the store-bought purchase. It gives me the ability to use Office on any computer or device (I must sign in through the site), and the provided version of the cloud gives me a central location for my most recent Office file and pictures. Basically, keeping everything on a computer is a guarded way of records keeping, and using developer style programs still work best on a personal machine, but the concept in marketing has much to do with making future devices needing current processors which also means less current load (amperage), and better battery life. In turn and over time, even the devices become cheaper. There will always be personal computers, but they will be more like the App style, so you can still create, save, and store, but much of the storage concepts is now done by external storage drives and creating DVD disks. Simply put, you basically need a device or machine to create your project, and store your files separate from that same machine; that gives you the opportunity to take that External Hard Drive with you, and use another machine or device elsewhere (even hotels have computer rooms available to their patrons, and even public libraries have made large space for computers).

In short, instead of traveling with a + $200.00 machine, you simply need as little as a $30.00 memory card, to up to $ 200.00 External Hard Drive (this is based on the size of the drive space). The trick here is how you save you files, and unless you use a specifically designed software that is not accessible on other machines, having a finished product in .pdf (Adobe Reader), .ASF -.MOV., and MPEG formats for movies, and .GIF, PNG, BMP, and JPEG for pictures, you can understand why the computer never lost its basic purpose…to create. What is amusing is in the past computers came with hard drives with 20GB (Gigabyte) memory space, and over time we got addicted to so many programs and storage on one machine, Desktop come out with 1TB (Terabyte) and 2 TB storage space…for movie productions, and other expert designed programs. Now, with Windows 10, computers have gone back to needing as little as 25 GB Hard Drive, with the user’s discretion to save the project and finished product on a Cloud (internet), to an individual External Storage drive. Computers start up and are ready faster (at startup, a computer goes through processes looking to see files and programs, what needs to be updated and synchronized, along with your protected software and Email).

I Never Left

I do apologize to those who found my site, and saw it just stopped being added onto, but so much has changed in just a year, that as a Professional Driver, loads still need delivering, developing how to advance on my own routine took time, and then, there had to be some sign of a personal life. So, to finish this blog, it is not that I am back…I just needed a new starting point.

Happy New Year!

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Including Technology As A Lifestyle

Posted on December 17, 2015 by tharrisfc

I have to pause from time to time, because I too have been one of those who found the internet, the social network, and computers themselves as an addiction that used to intrude on actual activities and events.  To start pointing out the problems with texting being done while driving, or the need to know what is happening on the social network has to be reproached by my own experiencing, and even recalling that I too would sit in front of a computer when there was chores and work to be done. So understand that I am not accusing or expressing fault in how one interacts with technology, fore I was also where so many are now. For me, it took time to ask myself, “what am I doing?”, and suggest when real life activities will be restored as part of my lifestyle.

From The Start To Now

For me, the curiosity of the Internet and computers was not what it can tell me, but what I could do with it. Later, I would ask myself, “Now, how can I use it in my daily activities?” And, like so many today, unless it can actually be applied to a work lifestyle, learning how to include technology into my day to day life, rather than needing to treat it as a separate activity still is an exercise that needs constant improvising and self reflection. The only difference between when I started out with computing, and the young individuals who seem entranced or slaved to these devices, is that I started out with a laptop and desktop, where it was work to just figure out what I wished to do, rather than a device with downloadable apps, that come so instantly, and take away from making time for it.

My elders find even desktops something that is a separate entity, where time needs to be scheduled for it, so other things can get done. It goes without saying that my elders seemed more prone to adapt to the cellphone with apps, and maybe because they can call on it. Still, they don’t apply the use of planning events or schedules on their calendar apps, nor show interest in searching for local events or businesses in the current location, by the mapping apps. Still, it is just a cell phone to them.

For me, in the beginning, even the Office software, such a documents, spreadsheets, and presentations had me deep in thought and worlds away from reality, trying to envision what my expectations would be. So, everyone goes through this learning curve of what has been addressed as an addiction, and for some, they cannot get passed the games and social networks, and advance to using the devices for real time activities (like the calendar, map, alarm, etc.). Emails are something I still need to make a habit to include in my daily activities, without it interfering with the real activities and timely work I am tasked with. I am still learning how to “switch gears”, from getting online to check my email, pay bills, and schedule activities when the truck is off, and again, “switch gears” when the trailer is unloaded or loaded, and it is time to roll. I never really tried to multi task…except for that learning curve with mapping programs. But I did get deeply involved with what I was doing online, struggling to complete rather than putting it down and continuing late. In contrast, after getting docked or at the end of the day, I just saw it, like my elders, a project that wasn’t worth starting…because it felt like it would become a project.

Referring back to multitasking, you have to recall that I started out with a laptop(no smartphones as of yet), and a desktop. My fascination with Instant messaging was similar to everyone’s need to know what is being posted, but again, I owned a laptop and a desktop, while everyone only had a desktop. Not everyone was messaging, and like me and my elders, needed to make time to sit in front of the keyboard and screen, to see what is new. For a time I did buy a smartphone, and quickly realized that I was not keeping up with my projects on the computer. So, the smartphone is no more. From time to time, I do wish I could have one, because like I had written, the smartphone is ready to go, while the computer is not left on while not being used; so it is kind of a hassle to startup the computer if it is only going to be used for a short and interrupted period of time.

Distractions Comes With Different Meanings

Just before continuing this blog, a group of people walked in to my room of solitary, and I started to listen to them, and even replying back, rather than just stay focused on where I was intending to go next with this blog. It is one thing to wait until I could find a new hiding spot, but that defeats where I am hoping to be when it comes to including computers in my everyday life. I see others able to draft a document on a bus, or in the park, while I am distracted by the diverse activities that surround me. In contrast, others are not so self aware, and multitasking, such as texting and driving, and accidents are bound to occur. And, it is just not driving. We all have seen or heard news of people walking into trees or other objects with severe and tragic results.

I actually thought my issues of easily distracted in my texting may have much to do with being such an extravert. But does that make others introverts? All I know is that one way or another, it has not only become an awareness that there are issues with technology included in life, but the struggle to make it an exercise to become “self aware” that it is happening, and train ourselves to know how to separate, without divorcing ourselves from devices and opposing the life around us. Maybe it is in how we train ourselves to make time periods, and in my case, stay with my train of thought. Those people are still here, and not only am I trying to stay with the blog, but I have been aware of the ongoing changing topics of conversation they were having. It is multitasking, and it felt so involuntary.

Calendar and Scheduling

      I still remember being in school, and the classes seemed to be 40 minutes each, we called periods. I sometimes got lost in the class activities, and it was the bell that told me this session or period was over, and it was time to go down the halls to my next class. Now, the only bell I set up on a regular basis is the alarm clock for sleeping. In truck driving, there are time limits for how long you can drive before needing a break, calling it a full work day, and when I could start to drive a new work day (or period). But it is not done by alarm setting (like the school bell). Even in the beginning, I did start setting planned billing periods, with the alarm set, but when the alarm went off, I was involved in something else, and I turned off the alarm, and carried on, without making that bell a priority, like the bell ringing in school.

Then there are times, I make an appointment, but I write on a notepad, rather than instinctively opening that calendar…I mean it is always available. I Skype [phone call] on the same computer the calendar I use for scheduling is on, and still, I pull up that notepad or note program. Recently, I also realized that I used to use various programs, and it is still taking time to narrow all my collection of thoughts and planning to just one. But I am aware of it, and now the calendar need to become something I instinctively use in place of those notes…along with making use of the alarms, and reacting to those same alarms with priority and importance.

It’s About Self Awareness…and Timing

I think that this blog has become more favorable because much of the issue was self reflecting as opposed to many discussions directly pointing towards others. As a geek, I am aware that my interests even in social networking was ahead of the affordable capabilities of many, so I was indeed online with the messenger open, but with so little interaction. By the time social networking and smartphones became a part of life, I was already past that point, and including life as the priority, while working on my concept of switching gears. I am sure if I was not so much of a geek, and my timing was not ahead of that social change, I would be right there with so many others learning how to advance on this new exercise I wrote as self awareness.

Again, just writing this blog, I have come self aware that I still have so much more to improve upon (or dismiss) such as the alarm and scheduling. Much of my real struggle has been making the routine for this blog. I wish I could finally make it a priority, perceive it as a chore, and focus on improving that it will become a part of my everyday life.

My Beginnings

I started out wide eyed with how I could make the computer and all of its functions a part of my life. I first started with becoming mobile (with a laptop many years ago). Wi-Fi capability through a “Mi-Fi” was still just becoming a social interest. Then there were those Office programs. Somehow, it was the economic depression that lead me into trucking, with the vision of developing programs for trucking as a theme. I was fascinated by the hundreds of other programs and apps that were already being developed. I was obsessed with needing to try them. A select few became part of that lifestyle included in my everyday work life.

Now, the computer is my office, and the truck a shelter and extension, that holds the printer and scanner. My Office continues to be used to develop my projects, answer and make telephone calls, conference meetings, pay bills, and submit job sheet of completed work. Through My Fax, it is my facsimile, and my file server. It is my typewriter, my video system, and yes, the social network. And I have not reached my fullest potential of making this machine a full aspect of my everyday life.

A Future of Possibilities

The project mentioned was geared towards trucking, but I still need to work on projects that include videos on a regular basis, and developing my writing as an everyday occurrence. Blogging needs to hold a place routinely. Then, there is my new hobby…drones. Yes, I started my hobby months before now, and my awareness of registration  and my experiences and possibilities for Unmanned Aircraft (UAC) is just getting started! So, you ask, what about trucking? Well, if you look at the periods in between these blogs, it is indeed because toilet paper always needs to be delivered someplace else.

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Know As You Go ~ #KnowAsYouGo

Posted on December 17, 2015 by tharrisfc

Know As You Go…A hash tag to information of road conditions

#KnowAsYouGo

      I started a hash tag to reminding and informing others of the issues on the roadway that I had come across; in the attempts to have others to do the same. It continues to be more about personal experiences in planning and navigating the roadways during inclement weather. I started using it on Facebook, and then linked my Skype account to pass it onto Facebook. It was to suggest to others to plan ahead for upcoming weather conditions, and how bad the roads were as I came across the dangers.

      It has been like a release of sorts, especially when I talked myself into rolling on in my assigned Semi Tractor Trailer. Like sitting in the cab of the truck, getting the weather report and road conditions before starting out has always been the main theme. But I have also inferred that people should actually listen and learn from the weather person, as they actually “educate” you on how the weather is acting, and the traffic is reacting. I then tend to point others who travel across the country for a living to always start looking west towards Washington State and California, and track what appears to be developing, and how it is traveling in a line towards the east. It is not a rule of thumb, but a guideline to help know when the storm will reach the areas a driver will travel. Each day before you start out, you learn to “gauge” the path of a storm and how many days or hours before it affects your area.

      For the people living on the east coast this can be a four day activity done simply each morning, and as a routine. As a storm rolls from Washington State, it appears to travel south east and grows like it’s own entity. Taking in consideration the jet stream that may push it further north or south, the weather path seems to have a life cycle in spurts, where it grows in some areas, becomes weaker in others, and begins to grow again. Sometimes it looks like it may coming right for your location, but by watching how the jet stream  of highs and lows compete against each other, sometimes a storm diverts right around and passed your location.

The Weatherman Is Teaching You

      Over the decades, the weather has been forecasted from a mater of days to a full weeks prediction. In same ways, the old statement that the weatherman is always wrong seems to fade, except for those who are “hoping” for those good old days. But with extreme weather periods, having the best information has already saved lives, especially by those who actually comprehended lessons the weather person continues to convey. Not only have they made it more personable in conversation, but they actually show you the actual planned events a storm will take by graphs and weather maps. All of this is in the makings of your own continuing education in the “school of hard knocks”. And still, actually putting it into your routine of planning is still totally up to you.

      From Fall To Winter

      I actually paused to consider whether the seasons should start with the beginning of any given Calendar year, but with this blog being written in the mid part of December, going back a few months and into the future was a good place for me to start; besides, the official start of Winter is December 21st, of every year. Still it seems that I would have felt more comfortable going as far back as June, since it is inherent in me to reflect on the beginnings of “Tornado” season, once marked as June 30th and through November 30th. But the is an El Nino to consider this year, which means tornado can continue through the winter, and start up again in the Spring, with very little period of “quiet and calm” in the weather.

      With the official start of Winter on its way, the trees are finishing with their displays of color, and prepare to hibernate [creative writing], and bear their branches for the picturesque siting of ice on their branches, creating a winter wonderland to view. Well, then there is the downside to this wonderland, as so many now have to traverse through it. It appears that as the warm weather transforms from cooler evening to down-right cold nights, fog becomes an issue where waters (lakes, rivers, and streams) and valleys of wooded areas fight to keep the warm moisture against the change cold atmosphere. As the conditions progress, even a hint of fog can make to branches glisten in the mornings first light…a sign that the roadways may be slippery too.

Degrees of Weather Woes

      We all dream of that “White Christmas”, until we get to be delayed whether by mass transit, commuting, or flight. But, if you head the warnings of the weather forecast, you can start taking control of how bad the pains of winter will affect you. Although you may plan a trip to family from Wednesday through Sunday, and be ready for the workday, following the weather forecast, and deciding on when to leave might mean a shorter (or longer) stay than originally planned. It is the difference between sitting with coffee or cocoa at home or hotel as opposed to focusing how much further it is to the next rest area for a pit stop or even sleeping in an airport. And without constantly getting a minute by minute or hourly weather report, but planning on maybe a morning, midday, and evening weather report would help you change [or tweak] that ongoing travel plan…thus why I hash tag “Know As You Go”.

      I know that it is favorable to reserve tickets in advance, the commercial transits system loves that, but feeling your “locked” in to that reservation might have to become a changing of the times in the near future. Airports and train station don’t accommodate an extended stay for stragglers, and continue to ignore this hassle, when this is not a new event. Until then, planning your holiday might mean the attitude of you will get there when you get there. Honestly, the holiday rush is a hassle in itself, but learning to avoid or curb much of the hassle gives you time to enjoy that wonderland view, and where you plan on it.

      Depending on where you plan to be, getting a “one-way” ticket has always been an option. And, with technology growing past that infancy, many office and cubical personnel can work wherever they are. Of course, part of this depends on communicating this to the employer, but if working from home is an option, then working from a guests house, hotel, and wherever there is Wi-Fi or an internet communication, work can be virtually anywhere…of course the spouse and kids need to understand that their vacation may have been extended, but Monday is Monday, and there is a job to do.

      I made that sound so easy, but there is also the change in ones own ability to focus in unplanned surrounding. For News people, writers, bloggers, and truck drivers, this becomes a change by force, as it is part of their work environment. But to think that you will be able to work at guests home full of family with the same focus and intensity as if you were actually in your office takes time to develop. Separating yourself from the ongoing activities brings out the kids in us, where we really wanted to stay included, and as a trucking term, “switching gears” from the party event to the workforce is a state of development in ones own character.Even schools will actually transform where those sick at home or on vacation may be able to not completely lose a school day, with conferencing and webcasting became something that is starting to be proficient, with the goal to master. Oddly, for those not involved in office activities, you might find yourself trying to let your kids listen to the class exercise remotely, and need to keep yourself occupied.

Weather Online – Getting The Big Picture

      I cannot sell you on the best weather app, nor do I wish to start infringing or favoring on the rights of other businesses, but for the most part, except for their navigation and appearance, weather forecasts and maps are so informative these days, that as long as you stay curious, you actually can see that these sights not only show you the past and future projections of inclement weather. They also include pages of tracking temperature changes, cloud formations (good for pilots), and rain-snow amounts. Other links will show you current or forecasted conditions of fog, road (traffic), and flooding conditions. Many weather based websites that primarily report on the weather also include those video webcasts in 30 second to 3 minute increments…along with some entertaining weather highlights and follies. And if you download their apps, they come with weather alerts in your area, which you can change as you go.

      For me, I am getting to educate myself in looking at the various links that include traffic, fog, rain/snow conditions and amounts, and temperature conditions, and then surmising all of it…just like I saw the weather person do on television. It takes time to decide on what I need, and when I need it, such as fog and temperature conditions at night. Knowing how it is forecasted that the temperatures will “roll in” like the rains and snow, lets me know when the road surface may change from wet to slippery, and most important icy. As a practice, I try to trek around cities and merging interstates during rush hours, but even if I cannot, I know how to plan on knowing if the delay will keep me with an on time appointments.

      Typically, I start out by locating where I am on the weather map, and view my current conditions. Then, I zoom out to see how the weather id tracking, and then zoom out more to see the national picture, and reason out how the weather will change in the next hours and days. For me, this still need to become a daily activity, but I do focus on it as an important tool when previous weather reports have warned me of storms, severe winds and flooding, and snow. By zooming out in sections I can develop my own expectations, and plan on when to park, and even start out, based on the time, traffic, road conditions, and the weather.

Deciding When To Include Supplies

      Just like those who go camping, to the beach, slumber parties, and even holiday events, you plan on the apparel, self entertaining materials and devices, and even snacks. Learning to know the weather in advance may involve planning on self preservation, like camping, to the beach, and slumber parties. Although the trick has always been trying to travel light, a blanket for each person, along with water and snacks, might become the exception to the rule, should you get stranded in traffic, mass transit, or an extended stay over. Learning to know the weather in advance will help you plan and predict the possibility of a delay, and let you decide where you plan to unexpectedly wait out the weather conditions.

To Be Continued

      Much of this blog was based on the current season, and others will follow for the future seasonal change. If I were to wonder how informative I wanted to blog, and be a complete and fully informative writer, the blog would become a book, and would take weeks to complete. Over time, I hope that my blogs will be more detailed, just like getting to tease you with the interest in the weather will be something you will need to challenge yourself with. Over time, both of us will improve in our own areas, and I will do better than just tease you with a thought, and you might find making the weather an important key to your lifestyle, and know as you go. Happy traveling, and stay safe, healthy, and informed.

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Using the Calendar as a record of Activities

Posted on July 8, 2015 by tharrisfc

One way of starting out with a routine, is first that concept, and making it important. Secondly, and just as difficult to adapt, is to make it something you do in between your daily routine. Since yesterday, I was able to organize my bills, scan what I needed to approach and react to, and get sleep. This morning, I awoke, got dressed, and collected my gear for another 28 day over the road profession. I called the taxi, and arrived at the truck terminal, where the first thing was laundry from the weekend (my weekend is four days off).

With the laundry in the washer, and knowing it would take a little less than a half hour, I opened the computer, and started this Blog.  The first thing was to open my Microsoft 8.1 Calendar, and add in the first thing I really did…Called the taxi.Calendar1_Taxi

By now I had started this Blog, and desired to add pictures. To this this, I hold the Ctrl button, and press the prt sc button, then open up the Microsoft Paint program, and paste it, save it with a file name, and with a little playing around with the editing, was able to continue…after I put my laundry from the washer, and into the dryer. No one said the process of Blogging was easy, but with a routine, and practice, it all goes faster.

With the Laundry going, I was able to update my calendar and add in another entry, by clicking on New in the bottom right hand corner of the Calendar. To have it open I right click, which is always how to get a list of available options for the current program or window I am working on.

CalendarEntry2_Terminal Activities

With each step, I am able to change the time , and in the top give the activity a name, and just below it, include the ongoing activities as they change. Then I save it.

Starting a New Entry

NewEntryLaundry1

In the lest column, I am able the time the activity started, and the How Long is a drop down list, where I can click Custom, and the left column now gives me a start and end frame for the activity. In the right column, I added the title, and then under the title started to list all the steps of the activities.

CalendarEntry2_Terminal Activities

By now, the laundry is drying, I have gotten a routine with the inserting of the pictures, and compared to the first inserted picture in the form of “.gif” format, I favored the “.png” file format instead (this is done in how you save the paint program file). It is now 10:31 A.M., and I’ll take a quick break.

By 11:00, Laundry was completed, and a walk to my bank, and a quick stop at a convenience store. After, I was back in the truck, setting up for another 28 Days. The preplan was accepted before 12:30 PM. It was from Sayreville, N.J., to Fairfield, Ohio. After adding that to my database, I mapped it out on my Microsoft Mapping Program.

Now, it comes to an empty trailer assignment, and I was sent to Cranbury, NJ…the trailer needed minor repairs. The corporate’s Road Service was sending Reliable Truck Service out to do all the repairs. This gave me time to update all my records keeping.

JobAssignment1a

Notice in the Calendar for the month, it lists three events. By right clicking, and then clicking on day, you can see the three events by hours of the day. Whichever way you keep or change it (by Day, week, or month), to see the details of your notes, just click on the one you are interested it.

So, now it is back to waiting for an empty trailer, before picking up the load. Another fun filled day in paradise.

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That Ongoing Work In Progress

Posted on July 5, 2015 by tharrisfc

The last time I was proactive with this blog was just before returning back to over the road driving. There was going back to that routine of driving, and all the work involved with Professional Driving. At the same time, I was now using a Microsoft Access Program, with the attempt to record and document my daily activities, like I did with my Microsoft Excel Workbooks. There was also the attitude of “settling” back from being an Independent Contractor to a Company Driver. And, it took the time to pass for me to consciously recall the main focus of my past achievement and the ongoing work yet to achieve.

Spreadsheets vs. Databases

Although the thought and energy involved should have been simpler, since the database was to replicate any given spreadsheet, a database takes some thinking and development all on its own. There were advantages and disadvantages for either program, and if it were not for finding the many resourceful measures of a computer in the trucking industry, I could have settled with what I had going, and kept on rolling…but then no one would know my experiences, and the reason for getting into trucking was to build programs and projects.

The differences can be compared as such; when developing a spreadsheet, it can be done “on the fly”, while making the same database takes thought in how parts of the previous data entry can be reused. I first had to build the database by replicating individual spreadsheets, but when it came to Customer Information, a database can make that one table and the trip information to be entered into a second table that could recall the already entered customer information, and advance not only from “data Entry”, but advancing some steps to drop down boxes. Then there is making reports, not only to review on computer, but also be able to print out, and arrange the appearance of the printed work.

Spreadsheets eventually run out of space, since there is indeed a limited amount of cells on any given spreadsheet, while a database can keep growing (it is in the query and reporting process, where you build parameters to how much information you wish to print or review). On the other hand, it is the design and structure of a database that has to be considered since it is not only a spreadsheet design, and it can be used to “query” certain pieces of data in the manner that the creator desires. Getting not to repeat adding in the same data, but use what is already entered is also a design, especially when the data is unchanging, such as the city and States. Other information such as company name that is typically unchanging can be entered once, and other tables would “lookup” that data, and even auto-fill other select data fields, such as the Company’s address, and contact information.

I also did not want to abandon spreadsheets either. Spreadsheets can also be used to compare, evaluate, and even create “scenarios” of projections. And, there is also techniques that can be created where you can use the spreadsheet as a work page or scratch pad, and link it to the database to make the results more permanent and reusable.

And, I still have so much more proposed areas of the Blog, such as arts and Crafts, that lay dormant. The ideas keep mounting, but as one person, who also desires to show evidence that it can be used daily, by actually applying it to work, has definitely kept me from being a dreamer or schemer. It has become a project still waiting to be mastered.

Wanting To Be More

Like a brainstorm, I so have ideas to yet become realities. If those ideas never transpire, it will be by more own limitations, and lack of “doing”. Most likely, if I could just get all areas started, someone younger may just be able to take it over, like passing on a baton in a race. Last year, I thought I’d be sharing some projects for novice and first time users to work with, and even have a Beta program initially started. But do to life’s distractions, my own speed to accomplish things, and age, I find myself also falling short of commitment from time to time, because it just feels like too much.

What keeps me going is knowing others feel that way from the first time they turn on the computer, and stare at the monitor, with no starting point or plan coming to mind. To those people, I say that I too have been there, and done that. It is why I constantly repeat the words, “no one is born with this knowledge”. For others this is a resources for information and communication, and they stop before challenging themselves to use the most out of it, such as records keeping and planning.

I have people around me who pretty much revolt against this intimidating machine, and yet, those same people can take wood and metal, and have no restrictions to creating something right from an idea…and they make it look so second nature. By the time I get to working with crafts, I need to know in my mind what it would be, and sit over my own supply so unproductive, as they do sitting in front of a computer. If I depended upon creating wood crafts or model designs with plastic, I would starve. But I still go there, stand in front of my workbench, and “tinker”.

Many would compare that word “tinker” as progress. But compared to me, they come up with something useful, and I come up with…well, I’m still tinkering…still.

I try to help others understand that this virtual  world is no different than their workshop, and yet, I can draw out a plan or design, while they do it with tangible materials. So like two same worlds, I guess I need to sign up for courses, like them, or my workshop will remain a tinker area, while their computers remain something you need time for.

Alright, this whole subject was to express my current shortcomings, and it traveled down a different path.

I need to commit to my routines, challenge myself to focus hard on not letting time slip away, and get into shape, eat right, and manage my rest. As far as tinkering… maybe when there is time. Yes, I said it, like they say it about computing. To each his own, right? Sorry, I cannot settle with that. I need to make plastic reign deer, or build a house, and they need the opportunity to put computing into their everyday life…like a form of a challenge…to strive and be little more each day.

Advancing on the Blog

The first phase was to approach computing with concepts, and now, I plan on detailing the ideas, and even include video segments to go along with it. And, it is time to start sharing ideas with simple designs and useable materials for others to “tinker” with. Maybe more “show and tell” is now in order.

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