Admit it right now: All is not perfect in your relationship with technology.

It isn’t for me, either. Not even a full time IT person is immune from the periodic delays, frustrations and breakdowns. So what do we do? Can we survive the continuous onslaught of new devices, upgrades, iterations and speed?

Yes, we can. Here are some suggestions to help you keep perspective and avoid your next techno-migraine.

• If you don’t turn it on, it won’t ring. It is OK to turn off your cell phone or beeper.

• Check e-mail two or three times or less per day. And, turn off the sound that notifies “you’ve got mail.”

• If it says retry, they don’t mean it, close it or reboot.

• Don’t assume compatibility between machines or with tech support.

• Yes, all those wires mean something.

• When in doubt, don’t open it, it could be something very bad for your machine and network.

• Productivity enhancements begin the day you erase solitaire from your machine. Play games somewhere else.

• Put a list of all your passwords in your safety deposit box or personal safe. Update the list each time you change passwords.

• Have a backup plan for when technology fails you. It will. It is only a matter of time. The more critical the equipment, the more exacting the plan should be.

• Protect critical, private information. Unfortunately, there are people who would steal your identity or publish your trade secrets. Firewalls, anti-spybot software and other security measures are not luxuries but required equipment.

• Remember, technology exists for us, we don’t exist for technology. You are in control.

• Cell phones, pagers and PDA’s are to help us be more productive. What do you do with the time you save using these time-saving devices? More? That’s the most common answer. Why not less? Relax and enjoy calmness instead of the rush of adrenaline?

• At birth, you came with no technology. At death, you will take none with you to your next level of expression. In between, keep a perspective of technology’s relative importance.

Remember the advice of Prince Sidharta, “moderation in all.”

Tim O’Brien writes continuing-education courses and presents seminars on stress management.