The last few days I have been trying to buy a little camera from the internet. Not a big challenge is it.

My first order was declined. How annoying, surely I can’t be overdrawn! Checked the online banking, plenty of funds as I’d thought. Went back onto the website and re-entered card details (in case I’d mis-typed a digit or something), re-submit order.

Again declined. Fair enough, must be a site problem so tried a different one. Got an email from that site saying they’re ‘having dificulties’ processing payment.

Looks like a bank fault then, oh dear… double checked the statement, funds still there. Oh no I thought, it’s call centre time. Not the best way to spend my lunch break sat on the back of a sweltering coach near Piccadilly in Manchester (engines have to be off so so does the cold air!) calling the Lloyds TSB call centre (sounds Welsh, a bit easier to communicate than the Mumbai ones, isn’t it boyo) for 20 odd minutes. Guess it could have been worse.

Turns out they did a security check and put a fraud block, which has now apparently been lifted (hopefully). No idea why as there was no fraud taking place, I keep my details secure all the time. And it’s not like I’m a stranger to either internet shopping or simply paying by card in shops (I’m like royalty, never carry much money).

That itself is not a problem, should be glad they worry about me (or worrying about their money lol). But could they not have called me to check, or even sent me a letter (as it’s been like it a few days so plenty of time even for Royal Mail to bring one), so I could have my account ‘fixed’ as soon as possible? Would be easier than waiting for me to figure out what’s up, chase them up (and pay the call costs of course!) and finally sort it.

I’ll give it another shot later, hopefully the payment will go through. Good job I haven’t been shopping yet, having  a card declined in public for no reason will be a little embarrassing I should think.

Remember your bank seems to keep tracks on when/where and on what you spend. If you get any unusual activity (whether actual fraud or random blockages like me) phone the bank ASAP. They might not phone you. Of course I don’t need to tell you to always keep your details safe and all that…do I?

Take care folks.

Finally Windows Vista is back on and back working. At least the system is entirely clean now, and I’m not going to try and dual-boot anything again! Making good progress setting it up again, and at least now my important files are now on a separate drive they are no bother (moving them around is so time consuming).

Just ordered myself a USB modem so I can get my Macbook online easier. I have been using my Nokia N73 as a modem for months, which works fine, although there are a few probs with that. 1; the T-Mobile network is not the strongest (downstairs at home is poor, upstairs is top notch, same at Nicola’s house) and it’s easy for signal to drop. 2; obviously using the bluetooth modem on the phone draws lots of power out of the battery. 3; if I get a call or something the connection can drop. 4; as it’s bluetooth, if I leave the phone in my pouch and walk too far away the connection will drop.

So went to the Three (3) website and ordered a free USB modem, which is the best deal of the three that offer it (3, T-Mobile and Vodafone). 3GB allowance for £15 a month (the other networks charge £20 and £30 plus possible modem fee), which I think is brilliant. Would also be a good back up for at home if Be Internet ever goes down (although they’re very reliable).

I know that Three aren’t the best network in the world, but at least their 3G signal is strong and the Turbo 3G sounds good. Wouldn’t use it for my phone network again though, nobody out there can beat T-Mobile’s Flext for value. Speaking of which I’m due an upgrade shortly so need to decide on a nice shiny new phone to ask for.

My internet connection was switched today. Switched to Be Unlimited as they have fast internet, unlimited downloading and a good price. Initial speed seems to be about 10mbps, much better than what it was, at 2mbps.

My ‘Be box’ modem/router arrived yesterday so that was already plugged in so was just a nice hassle free switch.

Quick tweak to the network settings, job done. I like it when things go well. Just need to get the Macbook sorted out, later. Too busy catching up on the Lost finale.