Today was a day that my laptop computer left home for a sleepover. Quite a few years ago, I was going to download the latest version for that time, of Windows Exployer. It did not go well, so I moved on to Google and then Google Chrome. Within the last week I could no longer get the updates that were to happen automatically. A few days later I could not connect to the router that is at Dennis’ command station. It’s a good thing that I had a “rain check” to cash in.

Six years ago a young fellow had an ad in the paper for computer repair. As luck would have it the DVD drive on Dennis’ unit was out of commission and I had Paul come over and install a new one I had purchased at Best Buy. Paul had just finished his college coarse for computer based work and was just beginning to find a client base. After that day, I went to the courthouse and sang Paul’s praises to our IT fellow who was in the process of writing up a job description for an assistant. The ad went into the newspaper. Paul applied and was chosen for the next newest Watonwan County employee.

Six years later I had the joy of spending this morning with Paul in our home working on my laptop.

The problem with the Internet occurred when someone tried to piggy back our internet service and for some reason my laptop was not able to connect the next time I sat down for some computer time. Paul has now installed passwords and that will not be happening again. The Window’s based updates could no longer forgive the mess I had made years before with a download gone bad. Paul took my laptop home with him and he is going to strip it down and then reload everything. It should result in a faster computer and one that has also been cleaned up. Paul and I went through the entire list of programs and there were several that were no longer needed or used.

I am so thankful that Dennis has a computer unit that he has been sharing with me for posting on my blog and checking my emails. The keyboard is horrible to use. Let’s face it, I have been spoiled with my laptop and will so appreciate it after it has been tuned up. Here was a fellow that was happy to come and make a house call and in between his tweaking, it was fun visiting with him in regard to his transition from being a fellow wanting to start his own business to an employee with a very strong future with the county.