RTFM

I've been noticing that complex instructions are putting me off more than they used to. If I'm trying to figure out how to do something, and if the instructions mention more than a few steps, each of which mentions other things which I don't understand and would have to read/learn more to make sense of, I start feeling a sense of dread*, and that it's not worth all the trouble to study so much just to figure out how to do what should be a simple thing. I get annoyed, thinking that surely there's an easier explanation; or a simpler way of getting the result I want; why can't they explain that, or why isn't it just intuitive to begin with?

It's as if I'm turning into one of those people who isn't willing to just RTFM. It always somewhat annoyed me when Forestfen would ask me how to use her new digital camera or digital navigator or what-have-you, when she had an instruction manual which she hadn't even bothered to take the time to read. But now it seems that I'm starting to become like her in that regard.

The dread seems to be related to a fear that even if I do read all the complex instructions, I still won't understand... a fear of not being smart enough to easily learn whatever it is that needs to be learned, as well as a laziness of not wanting to have to expend much mental effort. I don't remember feeling this way when I was younger; I had more confidence that I could understand anything, no matter how complex, as long as it was explained logically.

cellphone internet

Q's got a new Boost cellphone, and I've been looking up how to install Opera Mini on it like I did on mine.

I ran across a thread on tethering, which is connecting your cellphone to a computer and using it as a modem in order for the computer to connect to the internet. This is supposedly possible with Boost phones, and if you're paying for a plan which includes internet access, it might even be allowed by Boost's TOS - I found conflicting reports about it. I found a section in the TOS which seems relevant, but it isn't totally clear to me whether it disallows tethering or not, especially if you only use it once in a while, not as your main internet connection:

Specific Terms & Restrictions On Using Data Services
In addition to the rules for using all of our other Services, unless authorized by us, you can’t use our data Services: (1) with server devices or host computer applications, or other systems that drive continuous heavy traffic or data sessions; and (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections. We reserve the right to limit, suspend or constrain any heavy, continuous data usage that adversely impacts our network performance or hinders access to our network.

Of course, the internet connection from Boost is rather slow. But hey, it could be better than nothing, right? And if for some reason using the browser on the phone doesn't suffice for something, being able to connect it to a laptop would be cool.

Opera 10 was recently released with a Turbo feature which speeds up browsing on slow connections by compressing the data that is sent to the browser. I think I'll try connecting my laptop to my phone, and try it out!

Yo ho, me mateys!

~Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day~

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