The ‘blue screen of death’…

We probably have all experienced that gut wrenching moment when the computer unexpectedly freezes right smack bang in the middle of something you really can’t afford to lose. And no matter what quirky computer freeze image the coders come up with to dull that pain – the latest Microsoft blue screen with sideway old school unhappy face emoji in font size 160 pt (no Microsoft, size of emoji does not express greater empathy for the predicament) or the Apple ‘happy’ rainbow spinning wheel (no Apple, there is no happy pot of gold at the end of this rainbow) – there are those few seconds of dread as you fully absorb the impact of the crash and no imagery will soften the blow.

So, can there ever be a funny ending to a computer crash? Well, possibly when you can see it from an even worse outcome beyond the loss of time and data.

I recall the time at work (over 15 years ago now – Eek – has it been that long?!) when I was confronted with the blue screen of death. In despair I called the IT Helpdesk, which had recently been moved to an offshore service provider who spoke english as their second language. The story went a bit like this…

Me “Hello, I want to report a blue screen of death.”
Voice on telephone “Um ma’am, can you please repeat?”
Me “I wish to report a blue screen of death. It’s completely dead and nothing I have tried has fixed the situation.”
Voice on telephone “Ma’am, this is most alarming. Who is it? Are you sure they are not breathing? I think you need to call an ambulance immediately.”

Do you have a blue screen story? Let me know.

August 30, 2019

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The internet

By MartiIT and Computer Stuff, That's life

This is one of those cartoons where context is all. So if you don’t live in Australia, you probably are not aware of the National Broadband Network (NBN) debacle currently going on here. According to NBN’s website, NBN

“was established in 2009 to design, build and operate Australia’s new high-speed, wholesale local access broadband network. Underpinned by a purpose to connect Australia and bridge the digital divide, nbn’s key objective is to ensure all Australians have access to fast broadband as soon as possible, at affordable prices, and at least cost.”

It’s fair to say it has not lived up to their bold vision. Rather than go into the nitty gritty details, I thought these Newsline headings would provide a flavour of the issues faced.

“ACCC to review NBN after complaints about network soar… THE consumer watchdog has launched an inquiry into NBN Co’s standard of service as complaints about the network continue to rise.” News.com 2 Nov 2017

“NBN’s constipation: Problems go much deeper than a lack of fibre…EVERYONE thinks they know the problem with the NBN. The truth is, it goes far deeper than we know – and it can’t be fixed.” News.com 25 Oct 2017

“Almost half NBN users report problems, with delays and slow speeds top hurdles.” Courier Mail 23 Oct 2017

“NBN director Michael Malone says complaining customers should be sent ‘to the back of the queue” Business insider, 30 Oct 2017

From my perspective, I only wish we hadn’t converted. Our internet drops out regularly (2-3 days vs once a month on the old system) and often when it’s running, the bandwidth is so tight that only one person can use it at a time. Bring back the good old days, I say…

What do you miss from the ‘good old day’?

November 3, 2017

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The IT cloud

By MartiIT and Computer Stuff

At work this week, I’ve been reading quite few reports. Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer paper to pixels. I think it’s the feeling of interaction through touching something like paper, rather than clickety click clicking a key board.

What about you?

December 8, 2016

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when things break

By MartiIT and Computer Stuff, That's life, Work

Technology break downs are an inevitable part of life; for me it’s more a matter of how you handle the situation rather than what you do.

So what happens at your home or office when it it all comes tumbling down?

November 23, 2016

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More work conference calls

By MartiIT and Computer Stuff, Work

More conference call cartoons inspired by this week’s work calls… And in case you’re wondering, I was Frank, not Bob.

But just between you, me and the internet; I have fallen into the Bob category on prior occasions… Shhh! Mum’s the word.

October 28, 2016

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A typical work conference call

By MartiIT and Computer Stuff, That's life, Work

Sound familiar…Or should that be look familiar?

This cartoon was inspired by the online conference calls I make as part of day to day work in the office these days. However, it was when I reflected on the now 14 million+ YouTube views video A conference call in real life, that I thought to myself, how would I convert the idea into 2D cartoon form.