Apparently, Windows 8 decides when to update. It's not even telling you in advance. You can't switch it off or defer it. This is the total - utter - reduction of the computer user to the state of toddler. "There, there, we know what's good for you, don't you worry your pretty little head."
So, when I switched on my computer, the teal background turned purple and the system informed me I was logged into a temporary account and wouldn't be able to access my files. I couldn't get online, either (so not even to work on a file in GoogleDocs). My desktop background (where I have my current files) was pretty much empty. No files reachable OR visible.
Some hyperventilation later, I assumed it was the update. No progress bar told me how long it would take. Gods be thanked for my iPad to keep me entertained. I'd actually sat down to get back to work on my birds book. When the Muse is singing like a banshee, I want to write NOW. Windows 8 thought that was unacceptable. Or at least that update was much more important than me getting back into my file.
*shakes fist*
Can we find a way to not treat users like complete fools with only two brain cells rubbing together unhappily, please? What next? Computers who enforce the 40-hr working week or switch off mid-flow because they are concerned we're not getting enough sleep? (OVER MY DEAD STINKING CORPSE, BILL!)
Harrumpf.
Now back to writing the birds book. It's hard-going enough, without rebellious technology stepping on my dick.
So, when I switched on my computer, the teal background turned purple and the system informed me I was logged into a temporary account and wouldn't be able to access my files. I couldn't get online, either (so not even to work on a file in GoogleDocs). My desktop background (where I have my current files) was pretty much empty. No files reachable OR visible.
Some hyperventilation later, I assumed it was the update. No progress bar told me how long it would take. Gods be thanked for my iPad to keep me entertained. I'd actually sat down to get back to work on my birds book. When the Muse is singing like a banshee, I want to write NOW. Windows 8 thought that was unacceptable. Or at least that update was much more important than me getting back into my file.
*shakes fist*
Can we find a way to not treat users like complete fools with only two brain cells rubbing together unhappily, please? What next? Computers who enforce the 40-hr working week or switch off mid-flow because they are concerned we're not getting enough sleep? (OVER MY DEAD STINKING CORPSE, BILL!)
Harrumpf.
Now back to writing the birds book. It's hard-going enough, without rebellious technology stepping on my dick.
That honestly sounds terrifying! :O Stories like this make me sooooo glad I'm a Mac.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible to change the update settings in Win8 so that you have control over them: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/a/windows-update-settings-windows-8.htm
ReplyDeleteApparently, Windows 8 decides when to update. It's not even telling you in advance. You can't switch it off or defer it. This is the total - utter - reduction of the computer user to the state of toddler. "There, there, we know what's good for you, don't you worry your pretty little head."
ReplyDelete