Installing Manga Studio Software Into a Netbook

Daughter wanted the Manga Studio software installed on her Net Book.

I love all kinds of technology, even though I cannot fully grasp it.  I know that this Japanese comics software, Manga Studio, was what my darling daughter, Iris, wanted.  I struck a deal with her.  I would buy it, but she would pick up a few more chores.  The deal was so simple.

A few weeks later and the pots and pans were habitually dirty.  It could have been my fault.  Most parents will start with asking a child to show how much he/she wants that latest toy.  Not me!  I had to do something about it.

The problem started when we thought we knew how to install the software that she so coveted.  Her Netbook has no CD drive in which to put the physical shiny circle.  We knew this going into the venture.  I could have bought the software online, but the website greatly encourages you to buy some insurance in case the download goes wrong.  I had spoken with my oldest son, Gabriel, who assured me that he could download it onto my last desktop computer and then transfer the software to Iris' Netbook.

Sounded easy, especially since I wouldn't have to do it myself!

Here's the problem: 

The software was installed into my old computer that runs on the Windows Vista operating system.  It did run successfully on that computer but when Gabriel tried to install it onto Iris' Netbook, it wouldn't work.  Her Netbook runs on the Windows XP operating system.  

Incompatible operating systems equals not being able to see through a dirty window.

Gabriel knew the solution.  He had to install the software onto Rafael's computer, which runs on Windows XP like Iris' Netbook.  He was sure it would work.  Iris did not press Gabriel on the matter, though.  I think she had become disappointed that it had not worked the first time around.

In order for my pots and pans to get washed, I had to act.  

I asked Gabriel to do the work required for Iris to be able to use the Manga Studio software.  My hubby prepared the hot water, and Iris busied herself with the chore.

There were several steps Gabriel took to bring about the desired outcome:

1. He downloaded Manga Studio onto Rafael's computer.  The software went into a folder which was moved into a USB drive stick.

2. He also had to export the registry files and place them in the USB.  He explained to me that those files are like a register at a hotel which tells who is situated in which room. 

3. He also had to find and download an .exe (executable) file. This would allow Iris to use the software without having to use the shiny circle called a CD.  He inserted this file into the USB, as well.

4. He installed all 3 components into the Netbook.

5. He created a shortcut for the software onto the desktop of Iris' Netbook.

Gabriel set up the software before Iris had finished washing the pots and pans.

I knew Gabriel could do some interesting computer stuff.  Interviewing him to see what this all entailed blew my mind.  I was curious to know why he had learned how to use software without requiring the physical CD.  He related how he wanted to play some games without the actual CD because the CDs were getting scratched with overuse.  Another reason was that two persons cannot use the same physical CD at the same time when playing a two-person game; hence the need for the .exe file for those particular games.  

He wanted to be able to play computer games with his younger brother, Rafael.

I asked him how he's gone about finding those .exe files.  He said he's tapped into Yahoo! Answers and Answers.com to find the files for his games.

I must say that I am proud of my son.  He has taken initiative to find answers to his questions.  He has researched when he did not know the answers.  My younger son says, "He knows more than you, Mom, about computers."  Yes, that is true, but I am glad that someone in the family can handle the technology in our household.

How about you, my friends?  Are you computer savvy?  If so, do you help your family and friends when they need computer help?  I hope you or someone you know can help when computer problems arise in your home.

God bless you all with His peace and wisdom.

This has been an entry for Technology Tuesdays.  I hope you enjoyed it.

Why I Bought a Graphics Card for My Son's Computer

New graphics card for my son's computer tower.

 The Plan:

For this year before we actually received our income tax refund (which is often sizable but usually applied to outstanding bills), we sat at the dinner table after supper and drew up a plan for how to spend it wisely. My oldest son, Gabriel, wanted a new tower and graphics card for his computer. He had calculated that it would be cheaper to buy those two components and still keep the flat screen monitor. After we filed our tax return, he went into frantic cleaning mode to kill time. This he did without being asked.

The Teachable Moment:

We bought the tower, but he kept cleaning--even the toilets and grimy microwave. That's desperate! I decided to use this event as a teachable moment. I determined he should write a persuasive essay about why I should buy him the graphics card. It was awesome to see him create the sentences, paragraphs, and final draft for the essay.

Writing the essay meant sitting down with my son. I asked him to make a list of reasons--whatever he could come up with. I then sought for the three main reasons within his list and helped him convert the new sentences into paragraphs for the body of the essay. We used graphic organizers to create the paragraphs, dealing with the topic sentence and then the details. Towards the end, I helped him create the introduction and conclusion paragraphs, as well.

The End Result:

The end result was a dry final draft. This was our first real attempt at bringing a good essay together. I had to be content with leaving out transitional words. I was elated that he did the essay in the first place. We could do another better essay later.

I took the time to explain to him my purpose for having him create a persuasive essay.  You see, in real life, an individual will have to do a lot of persuading. Creating an essay can help to organize one's thoughts. It can also train you on how to persuade.  Being able to ask for something, in an articulate manner, will make all the difference in getting what you need and want out of life.

As you can see, he did get the graphics card for his computer. I must admit that I just needed convincing to spend the money for it. I did think he deserved it for many reasons. This is my dear child who was my little companion when he was a toddler. He is now my techie geek who has learned much more about computers than what I know.

My son could barely hold his excitement.

The investment into my child's interest is worth it. With his computer, he is practicing his own brand of artwork. He is creating his Gmod comics. He is practicing writing short skits. He is also practicing creative thinking, as well.

Those are all skills that a growing teenager needs. Am I spoiling him by buying him these bits of technology? Maybe. He does not, though, do drugs or disrespect me or the rest of the family. He is also very appreciative of what we have provided for him.

How about you, my readers? What ways do you use technology? Do you use it to reach and/or educate the children in your life? I hope you consider it. 

My beloveds, may God bless you all with His peace.