Computer WOAHS

Gramtoons is running at a snail's pace. In fact, I should really say, growing of tree pace - because a snail is still rather fast compared to my progress.

I am having computer woes that I can't even comprehend. They are too technical to address, but I'm gonna do it. Mostly in the spirit of I MUST.

Router / Wireless Network Issues: We have a Linksys Wireless router - and the software that comes with it is fairly easy to use and manage - but it seems like we keep having to create new connections. I am now starting to suspect that this is because there is a limitation to the number of devices we can connect that is imposed by our isp (Time Warner, soon to be Verizon). I didn't think about this when I bought my wireless print server (d'oh!). But anyway, I'm getting a lot of practice generating encryption keys and setting up wireless connections on all my computers... NONE OF WHICH ARE YET USED FOR ANIMATION :(

I'm also wondering if the wireless network is slower...

ISP Issues: O, I think I already mentioned those. Time Warner did do a cable upgrade that lasted a whole day and didn't tell anyone, I think it might have been one of those Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy type of deals where they probably sent out an email or posted a notice somewhere where I would never think to look.
Printer Issues (related? who knows...) / Wireless Print Server issues: None of the computers I have work on the wireless printer except the one where I set up the print server. I have three pc laptops, a mac, and a pc desktop. Mac won't work because I need a CUPS driver that isn't supported by OS Tiger...only Leopard, that's ok I guess... I mean... there are bigger problems than that. Work Laptop 1 doesn't seem to work because ... I'm not sure. It won't see my printer router on the network. Maybe it's the too many connections thing. Laptop 2, I haven't tried yet. Pc Station, I haven't done anything with because first you have to install the printer software. I have the nagging urge that I am going to have to first establish a cat-5 connection with the print server to install the print server software, though that's not supposed to be how it works. I gotta call my isp. You know, if I get FIOS, it better be unlimited wireless connections - (well, it better be a lot). If I am paying for all the bandwidth I should get to use it.
Adapting to a MAC environment: This has honestly been like going to another country. I feel the same way when working with my MAC trying to figure out basic things like, uninstalling something or adding a printer, as I did when I was in Mexico for a week. I feel disoriented and even SCARED... like, "WHY THE HELL DID I BUY A MAC?" I still have faith that I made the right decision for what I want to do. As long as it's STABLE within the framework I'm hoping to eventually work - I will be happy. But integrating it into a workflow has been a challenge. The NetFlix thing is pretty sad - but maybe it will be available for MAC soon. Then, there's being a "MAC" person. Not sure I like that?

Working with VPN: I actually don't think there's any real issue with VPN. I just enter a number off a key, and voila. I think it's just so mystifying to me that I actually am considered to be important enough to even use a VPN token, muchless 2 of them that it's worth blaming problems on the VPN... or Firewall settings, or something. It seems that a company concerned about sensitive data might make it difficult for me in some way to function. Pure superstition on my part.

Starting a new job - First Time Contracting as Self Employed - also (has nothing to do with setting up animation (or it could have EVERYTHING to do with it since I work from home and can take advantage of the fact I like to multitask and bore easily otherwise - but this also keeps me from getting much done :( ) studio but takes a lot of mental & physical resources away) - actually it is connected because I work from home on computers and they MUST work. So, I have a good reason - but it's not really art related unfortunately. However, this general grouse today has inspired me to go ahead and start an LLC - everything I'm doing is in hopes to work on some animation projects, someday. God, I bet Trey Parker and Matt Stone didn't make their lives this difficult. As an aside, I also do illustration and web design - so I could probably expand Gramtoons to include that, but I don't know what I wanna do with "Branding." I still need to be able to make stuff first. Helps to have an actual product.

So, general thoughts about MAC vs. PC:

My MAC is sooo much easier to manage than the PCs. I just.... does stuff. Like, this morning when my network was down, the MAC was the quickest and least painful. I still haven't gotten PC VPN computer up and running - I gave up and stuck a network cable in there. The thing that has been killing my Apple Agape, my MacGlee, is that while MAC is so amazingly easy to manage... it all goes to crap when I try to DO something not sanctioned by Apple.

This is a typical complaint I have seen from PC / MAC converts. Note, I am not trying to take either side, I was just trying dual citizenship. But I am finding, like any good regime, the countries that want me are making this exceeding difficult. And I'm sure the rest of the neutral countries or children suffer. They just want to make a buck, but - they have to choose sides too. Ugh. So my point is - MAC 1 = for getting on to network most easily, MAC - 1 for NOT BEING ABLE TO WATCH NETFLIX YET WITHOUT WINDOWS. Really, this is probably Netflix's fault. But you'd think with the popularity of that service, Apple would be all over trying to support them - because they are supposed to be some amazing media center. OH WAIT, I guess that would compete with their iTunes..... What COMMIES. They really try to come off as some great liberated (Liberal) company, when really they want to exist by taking a little money for ... maybe a LOT of money for, EVERYTHING you do with your computer. Nothing is free with iTunes. Going to Barnes and Noble and listening to their "New Music" on CD (if they still even offer that service) is better than trying to sample anything with iTunes. I wish Apple wouldn't think of itself as a store and just make really freaking awesome computers that others can deal with and live their lives.