(no subject)

::whine mode on::

Ugh, computer issues. I hate computers. (except for my new one cause that one hasn't betrayed me yet. ::pets new computer::) Our newer one (the family computer) is messed up somehow. My brother restarted it for some reason and it locks up on the Windows 98 logo screen. It'll only load in Safe Mode (well at least that means the data is safe) so that means some device that loads at start up is the cause. Since my father isn't any better with computers than I am, it's up to me, the "computer expert" to try and fix it. Really, just because I can use the computer well enough doesn't mean I can fix it. Anytime there's an error, I get, "The computer's not working" and then the expectent pause.


So now I have to spend all day messing with things with funny names and file extensions. I'd rather have someone else fix it but that costs money.


Curse you microsoft! I swear, Windows 98 is one of the buggiest Os's ever. I don't think there was a day that the computer did not crash in some way. And combine that with AOL, things get even more fun.


::gives Microsoft baleful stare::


So currently, I'm using our old barely used computer that resides in my parent's room which means I can only go on during the period after my dad wakes up in the evening (he works nights) and before my mom goes to sleep. (I'm on now for online troubleshooting help) I never realized how addicted to the internet I am then when I lose easy access to it. And sound. One of the few problems this computer has is the fact that the sound doesn't work.


I think it's sad that a nearly 6 year old computer with only 48 MB of RAM, about 200-300 MHz processor speed, and running Windows 95 handles better and crashes less than a newer, faster, more advanced one with 128 MB RAM and over 600 MHz running Windows 98. It's pitiful. Stupid Windows 98.

::end whining::

Anyway, I'm amused by this new sim object I encountered, based on the mechanical bull. It's a Harry Potter magic broomstick that the sims ride to gain body points. (look here second object down) I've been trying avoiding HP sims sites because I don't need new sim obsessions but I'm tempted. I already have a good Snape skin that I got at this cool site (along with most of the LOTR skins, except for Legolas, dammit) and I know where to find objects and other heads... Though HP isn't exactly Sim friendly. You have to characterize most of the cast as adults because kids can't do anything (besides go to school, make messes and eat food) so having Harry and Draco pay bills while being able to adopt babies and being Hogwart students is weird. Wait, Harry/Draco? Damn you Sara your slashful ramblings have gotten me used to Harry/Draco that I assume their relationship's existence. You've corrupted me.

(no subject)

Yay!!

I was working on the computer problem.. I was about most of the way through the troubleshooting guide I got from Microsoft's website (getting nowhere) when my mom told me that she had been talking to her friend whose husband works with computers and has a lot of experience with Microsoft and she offered his help. He'd call and help me figure out the problem. So I spent hours with him on the phone rebooting the computer over and over testing different things until finally, since he didn't know what the problem was and with Windows 98 being how it is, he offered to take the computer to his work and upgrade it to XP as a last ditch effort, thus just cirmcumventing whatever is causing the problem.


He came over, looked at the computer over and did figure out the problem (eventually), which was one of the drivers being corrupted. Still, he couldn't find why it happened or even how to replace the file ('cause what it was attached to remains a mystery) so he's still going to do the XP thing.


He took the computer and is now going to install a second drive (moving the current one to the second position so we don't lose any data), upgrade the memory, and install Windows XP professional, Microsoft Works, the full edition all for very little cost (being computer guy gets him discounts)


Woo! And even knowing what the problem is, I would not have been able to find it myself, much less fix it ('cause he couldn't even do that)


And just so I can relate this experience to Buffy, I will say he's like Ted, only without the evil robot thing. And he troubleshooted in addition to giving me cool stuff.


I can even say I'm speechless with geeker joy. Except less geekier cause I'm not that great with computers.


Though bringing up Buffy in what should be a completely unrelated topic...