Page 15 - 1808

(Continued from page 14) - not expert reviewers (who may be biased), not
governments (which can change) and not com-
sources in both time (on my part) and money, panies (whose interests are in making money,
and there is typically a trade-off involved. More not what may be best for you). Unfortunately,
of my time (in labor, research and experimenta- you must often be knowledgeable in many fields
tion) can be traded away by allocating more to effectively evaluate which tech solution is best
money to the tasks (hiring services to install, de- for you (between product types, between product
bug or repair, or spending more on insurance or brands, or even between low tech and high
service contracts). I could spend all my time tech). Knowing the background and history of
maintaining and repairing everything I can my- things, as well as how things (or devices) work
self, but then when would I get to enjoy the ben- can help tremendously when your stuff doesn’t
efits of all this tech? I could easily farm out all seem to work. Even if you are not going to debug
the set up and upkeep for stuff in our lives, but and repair things yourself, having a basic
would I be able to afford it, and would I become knowledge of the parts in and functions of the
dependent and unable to determine if I were be- problem device (computer, phone, car, appli-
ing taken advantage of or controlled? ance) is helpful in being able to evaluate if you
Somehow, we all must come up with a balance are getting honest and cost-effective support ser-
for this if we are to be successful users of tech- vices.
nology. Paying for everything is easy, if you Being an Expert is Good but Having More
have the money. Attempting to solve your inevi- General Knowledge Might be Better. Expertise
table tech problems yourself is harder but has is something gained by study and experience in
advantages. Here are a few of my thoughts on a field, which takes time. Taking the time to gain
how to successfully coexist (and hopefully more expertise in certain tech aspects can be
thrive) with today’s (and tomorrow’s) technology very helpful. Becoming an expert in computer
and solve your own tech problems. hardware, networking, computer security or
Knowledge is Important. No one knows what
(Continued on page 16)
is best for you or your family better than yourself

15