I've used the same HP Pavilion 6355 computer at work for the past five years. It was never a technological marvel, even when we bought it, but it's been a little workhorse, possibly the finest computer I've ever owned.

My definition of a fine computer: a computer that is stable and does what I want it to do.

I've had few fine computers in my life. Most of them — whether Mac-based, Windows-based, or Linux-based — are more of a headache than a useful tool.

This computer, though, this computer has done the work, day-in and day-out. (Admittedly, it didn't work that well until I migrated to Windows 2000, but still...)

Now, though, it's beginning to show signs of age. Specifically, a fan (whether in the power supply or on the CPU, I'm not sure) has begun to rattle and drone. This is not only annoying, it's also an early sign that trouble is ahead. Jeff and Nick had this same computer model (purchased at the same time). Though theirs was never a fine computer (possibly because it always ran Windows 98 and never Windows 2000), it's health really began to suffer once the fan went out.

I may try fix the problem, if I can, but it might also be time to upgrade to a new system. Of course, Tony is making noises like he wants a new computer, too, so I'll probably end up just making do, noisy fan and all, until this computer dies.

Maybe I'll be able to replace it with a Mac...

On this day at foldedspace.org

2004 — Hot and Cold   Heating this old house is something of a challenge. We have lots of windows.

2002 — Ramble On   It's beautiful: crisp nights and bright mornings with warm yet chilly days. Few clouds. At lunch we watched as a fellow mowed the berm next to the service station across the way. He was mowing the lawn in December! In Oregon!