Neat Computer Thing

I can't touch-type, and my hunt&peck is very "poundy".  So my keys wear out fast.  I had about a dozen that were impossible to read anymore.  Well, maybe I can't touch-type, but I do basically know where each letter is.   

But out of curiousity, I went looking for replacement keys.  A bit expensive.  But what I also found were press-on decals.  

They seem to be very good.  The print matches most black keyboards (there might be white/cream/gray decals too), the vinyl backing is sturdy, and they seem to stick well.   I got mine at Amazon ($6), and there are 2 full sets of key decals.

It looks like a new keyboard!  

Cap Lock

I really never use "Cap Lock" deliberarely.  But it bedevils me while typing.  I will suddenly see a whole paragraph in CAPS and have to undo it. 

So I pried the bastard key off!  It feels like a missing tooth.  But like a missing tooth, at least I don't have to deal with it any more.  😀

Time For A New Keyboard

The keyboard is failing.  A few months ago, it started doubling my "h" key.  A couple of weeks ago, the "y" key.  Now it is doubling some numbers.  GRRR!

Well, I type a bit hard, so I shouldn't be surprised.   I hunt&peck (but rather well after all these years).  In fact, I don't even have to look to type some common short words.  But I do beat on a keyboard.  

And it is probably time anyway.  Some of the keyboard letters barely show the letter anymore, LOL!  I've worn it out.  I suppose replacing a keyboard once a year isn't the worst thing to have to do.

Actually the "daskeyboard" (brand name) has done pretty well.  Some others have lasted only half as long.    

I have another problem.  The Mac Mini has limited ports.  The monitor, mouse, and printer fill them.  I bought a multi-port base that fits under the Mac Mini and provides 4 more (but 1 is used to connect to the Mac Mini.  I bought another aftermarket multiport for additional ports, but even that of course uses 1 to connect.  So 4 ports per device actually means "3 and 3 and 3".  😒

I have 2 cameras (temporarily) with individual cables, an external hard drive (for backups).  And the keyboard has 2 port inputs (for reasons I do not understand).  And I'm still running out of available ports, LOL! 

A Minor Computer Win

1.  I bought a color toner printer 2 years ago.  I don't print often, so the old color ink-jet printer cartridges dried up before being used up.  And at $50 for a whole set of cartridges was annoying.  I read that toner lasts forever, so I bought one.

It has been difficult to use.  Apparently, it is intended for multiple user office use.  I did not know that at the time.  It has many functions and setting designed for office use and you almost have to be an IT person to understand them.  Just getting it to merely print seemed like an insult to it.

I succeeded (sometimes, after struggling), but never knew why.  A few days ago, I wanted to print out my vaccine record (flu, covid and others) from a govt website.  I could NOT make the darn printer print.  I searched all over the commands and settings, to no avail.  

But I noticed one setting that said "network".  I unclicked it.  IMMEDIATELY, it printed out my document. Glory and Hallelujah,  all I had to be was just "myself and no other users".   Two years fighting with it and one click solved it all!

2.  I have a really nice keyboard (dasKeyboard).  The letters seem slightly embossed.  I wear out certain letters on standard keyboards fast, so I appreciate that.  But it uses 2 ports and I struggle with that.  I have an added multiport connector

Not this one, but one like it...  Even that didn't allow all my cables.  But it works for devices not used all at the same time.  So I unplugged the 2 port keyboard from the direct computer connection and moved it to the multi-port.  Obviously, it worked.  And I even (somehow) have a free port.  I haven't figured out the "why" of that yet.

But Yay!  😎

Two problems solved in one day.  Now, if I could get Safari autofill to work, I would be thrilled...