Infuriated by Microsoft

 

When I logged on to my computer after the last update to Windows 10 the screen was filled with a Microsoft Edge window, with buttons telling me where to put files of various sorts, and an incitement to explore the alleged wonders of a new version of Edge.

The buttons that ought to have closed or minimised the Edge window had been disabled, and I had to resort to summoning Task Manager with ALT&Ctrl&Delete to close the offending disutility.

I find Microsoft's tendency to try to tell me how to organise material particularly infuriating. I have devised a filing system that arranges material where I can find it easily. When I get a new computer I copy the accumulated material onto it and I don't want any interference, yet still the operating system tries to put downloaded files to places where I can't find them.

My Website

 

I've brought several pages of my website up to date, so those eager for enlightenment are invited to look at

http://jrt.org.uk/ and follow the links on that page to garden and books.

Praising Quadratic Equations

 

It irritates me when people who know little mathematics refer to quadratic equations as examples of very difficult mathematics.

I still remember when I was taught how to solve quadratics by completing the square. I was twelve years old  at the time and was most impressed by the ingenuity of the method. I think that was the first time I found Mathematics exciting. To me those who shudder at the mere thought of a quadratic are identifying themselves as intellectually pre-adolescent.

Quadratics are the key to solving polynomials of higher degree and thus to finding the eigenvalues of a linear transformation - at the heart of quantum theory- and to solving the differential equations governing electrical circuits and the oscillations of the wings of an aircraft. Quadratics are wonderful, and they are also easy.

Paperless Frustration.

 

Yesterday I tried to check recent contactless electronic payments to various shops.

I sorted out accumulated receipts, found my bank account on line and started to check. After just a few minutes I was automatically logged off. Having made three attempts, and vainly tried to persuade the bank to increase the five minute  limit for reading the account I decided to download.information and check it offline.

 Paperless banking is less delightful than we are led to believe.

 

Poor Timing

I thought it strange that examinations boards adhered to the original dates for publishing A level and GCSE grades. Those dates were chosen to allow time for examinations papers to be marked. With no examinations the estimated grades could have been published earlier, leaving time for any appeals to take place before universities allocated places.

I interpret the confusion as yet another example of incompetence in high places.

A Ton of Water

 

After a wet spell I now have five water butts full of water. Each holds 230 litres, so I have rather more than a ton of rainwater to quench the thirst of any needy plants.

I don't recall ever hearing anyone else boast of having a ton of rainwater, so perhaps I'm the first.