75. HELP WITH MY DICTIONARIES

I concluded blog 64, with “in the end, any product is only as good as the service,” referring to the service I received with my dictionaries. These were not on-line but installed on my computer. Well, I’m afraid there is a little bit of déjà vu. And, as per my earlier experience, I have nothing but praise for the support from eLexico.com. At this point they could as easily have fobbed me off by telling me that my dictionaries were too “old”; but no, they came to my aid.

On my computer I have the Sansoni Italian-English (2012) and the il nuovo Sabatini Coletti (2013). Unfortunately, they are 32-bit versions while my PC is a 64 bit system. To run the two dictionaries I need a Java not newer than Java8. Furthermore, I run Linux because I detest Microsoft and their arrogant ways. I used to run Windows 10 until one day I found that I could not shut down because Microsoft had so programmed it that unless I accepted the latest update I could not shut my computer. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Even though I am a computer illiterate, especially with Linux, I decided to swap systems. Sure it required spending time – about a month learning the basics to use the system, but it was well worth it. I rooted out Windows and have never regretted the day!

My problem started when I upgraded to the latest version of Xubuntu. I was asked if I wanted to upgrade all my installed programmes – unlike with Windows, I decide- and stupidly I chose to update. Everything worked except my two dictionaries, try as I may. Finally, – a week later-- in desperation I wrote to eLexico.com. They explained the situation and suggested that I download and re-install the Java version at their site, which is Java8, and not the latest version. This problem is not new, because I encountered it earlier [see blog 63] but at that time I was not using Linux. Anyway, I followed their instructions and --miracle of miracles! – my dictionaries are once more functioning. What I am omitting is the to-and-fro between me and the support, who were very patient. I repeat, “any product is only as good as the service”, and eLexico.com once again came through!