I get a lot of email from readers asking for a recommendation or some advice on a tech purchase.
I also hear from plenty of readers who wish they had some in-home help on tech projects like setting up a new Wi-Fi router or installing an over-the-air TV antenna.
I always try to write like I’m explaining things to my mom, but there are people who are still a bit put off by new technology. They like using it, but the thought of unboxing and setting up the newest gadget gives them pause.
I like hearing from these readers.
I wish I could come to everyone’s house and help them hook up their new Apple TV or video surveillance camera, but I can’t, unless you’re lucky enough to be related to me.
I do offer encouragement, and sometimes it even works.
I had an exchange with a reader after my review of the Linksys Velop Wi-Fi mesh system. The reader wanted to know if I could recommend someone to help set it up.
I don’t make recommendations for people or companies to go into a home for installations or computer help. I don’t want to put my reputation behind a person or company I don’t know personally.
Maybe I’ll offer house calls when I retire (not anytime soon, I hope).
I encouraged the reader to give the install a try. I had set up the Velop system, which uses a smartphone app to walk you through the steps using very simple terms, and I was sure the reader could do it.
About two weeks later, I got a follow-up email.
“I bought it and just looked at the box for a week as I dreaded attempting the installation,” the email said.
But it was done successfully by the reader, who called the process “amazingly easy.”
I have to admit that I’m the same way about tasks that challenge me.
I recently did some work on my car’s engine, and while the job was not difficult, it involved removing some parts I was worried about breaking.
The actual engine work took less than 30 minutes, but I watched several hours of YouTube videos to work up the confidence to try it myself.
I also have to mention my mom, who recently installed her own Ring video doorbell.
I set up a Ring doorbell for my parents at Thanksgiving, but its motion detector was broken, so my mom returned it and got a replacement. I told her I’d install it the next time I came to town, but she informed me she’d read the instructions, followed the steps in the app and got it working herself (with a little help from my dad mounting it to the door).
So try not to be too afraid of those seemingly daunting technology projects. The better gadgets will come with easy-to-follow directions that walk you through the setup. You can also look for YouTube videos of people doing the same job.
You’ll never know how easy or hard it will be until you try — and I’m always here to answer your questions. Shoot me an email.
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ABOUT THE WRITER
Jim Rossman writes for The Dallas Morning News. He may be reached at jrossman@dallasnews.com.
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