Tuesday, August 18, 2009

My Computer Talks--Does Yours?


My Computer Talks—Does Yours?

When one reaches a certain age it seems life begins to speed up and birthdays come a lot faster than use to. As my next birthday rapidly approaches, I think about how much technology has changed and I wonder if I’m keeping up with those changes.

Three years ago, I bought a new computer. Not being a techie person, I was more than a little nervous while reading the chart that told me how to stick the black thingie inside the red thingie and then the blue to the green. Whew! With that accomplished, the next step was to load the program for the printer. I was a teacher for thirty years, so reading instruction and carrying them is supposed to be easy—right? Hmm, well, maybe. But, not to belabor the lack of my technological expertise, I was relieved that I got all the wires and plugs matched up correctly and didn’t blow up my new birthday gift to myself.

My first computer was a l-e-m-o-n!! In fact, I almost cheered the day lightning struck it. I love my current computer. Even after three years, I’m still learning how to use all the gizmos on it. For example, several months ago, I figured out how to make a book trailer using Windows Movie Maker. Then I discovered I could stitch photographs together to create a panorama. And then, by total accident, I discovered I could create brochures.

If I was totally blown away by all the features on my HP, imagine my surprise when I discovered that my computer talks. Yep, that’s right—it talks.

Not being a very adventurous person, I live all my daredevil wannabe adventures vicariously through the characters I create in my novels. But, having finished two novels back-to-back and getting them sent off to my publisher, you can believe it when I say that my brain needed a vacation.

I seem to have drifted off course. Where was I? Oh, yes, a computer that talks—mine does—does yours? Well, it doesn't actually talk, but it does read.
To see if your computer talks, try this. If you have a PDF file, 1) open the file, 2) go to the tools bar and click on ‘View.’ 3) Scroll down the little screen and click on ‘Read Out Loud.’ 4) A mini screen will open, then click on either: Read this page only or Read to End of Document.

I have to admit, the man’s voice isn’t the sexy baritone timbre that most of our heroes have, but the fact is, I was excited to discover this talking feature on my computer.

Aah, modern technology. Gone are the days of the old typewriters with keys that stick, inked ribbons that stain your fingers, and those little pieces of paper used to set behind the typewriter key to strike out an incorrect letter or a misspelled word.

Long live the days of Ernest Hemingway who pounded out wonderful novels on his trusty portable typewriter, but give me a computer that does magical things. Now, if it could just write me a bestseller. Wouldn’t that be something?
P.S. Let me know if your computer talks?

9 comments:

Shirley said...

Yes, Loretta, my computer talks. I had hit a key, or maybe a few, by accident. I couldn't make it stop.

I'm not sure how I managed to turn it off--maybe by clicking one of the icons on the lower right side of the screen.

It was rather frightening.

Sandy Cody said...

Well, my computer doesn't actually talk, but some days, I have the distinct feeling that it's telling me, "No, no, no."

I have to confess I sometimes wonder if I would have the discipline to keep writing if I had to rely on an old-fashioned typewriter, complete with carbon paper copies. Can't even think about what it must have been like in the days of the quill pen.

Sandy Cody said...

Well, my computer doesn't actually talk, but some days, I have the distinct feeling that it's telling me, "No, no, no."

I have to confess I sometimes wonder if I would have the discipline to keep writing if I had to rely on an old-fashioned typewriter, complete with carbon paper copies. Can't even think about what it must have been like in the days of the quill pen.

Carol Hutchens said...

Love the post, Loretta!

Off to check. Thanks for the laughs!

Debra St. John said...

Nope, my computer doesn't talk...*sigh*

Mary Ricksen said...

How cool!

Zelda Benjamin said...

My computer did talk but I shut it off. The voices were not pleasant and gave me the feeling of pending doom. I love this blog . I'm going to link it to my facebook page.

Allison Chase said...

Hi Loretta. I accidently discovered that my computer talks and it scared the heck out of me! I was in Word and hit "something." Took me quite a while to figure out what I'd done. I don't use it, it makes my characters sound like androids!

Loretta C. Rogers said...

Thanks to all of you for your comments. And Zelda, I appreciate the link to your Facebook page. Happy writing, everyone!