Max: Variations on a Theme
My new computer has arrived. This is my first post from my new toy. I noted in a previous post how I found it interesting that my latest computer, like my first computer, is a Compaq laptop purchased at Office Depot. I also noted some of the differences between that time and this. One of them was that when I bought my first computer I walked out of the store with it that day while this time I had to wait for this computer to be built and shipped to me.
I remember that they had some trouble finding my computer that first time. The clerks were running around the store, double and triple checking that their computers showed it was in inventory. I think it took something like 20 minuted before they finally found it. This time, I knew where my computer was the entire time. Thanks to FedEx's online tracking, I followed my computer's three day journey from China, through Alaska, to my door.
Back then, I fired up my computer without clue as to how to operate it beyond point, click and hope. I went through the startup process hoping I was setting it up right, freaking out at every setting that warned that my choice was permanent and that all other potential settings would be deleted forever. The idea that reinstalling the OS would undo any bad choices I made escaped me. Hell, it didn't escape. It never even entered the prison. This time, I sailed through the startup, which was little more than a distraction from the episode of Black Adder I was watching.
Back then, the Internet was something that required being tied to a phone line. Right now I am at work, comletely free of wires (including even the AC adapter), surfing on a WiFi connection someone was kind enough to leave open.
So, yeah, I bought the same brand of computer I had bought once before. Yes, I bought it not just from the same chain but also the exact same store I had bought that computer in the past. But I and the computing world has changed more than it has stayed the same. Thankfully. I mean, I am an idiot now. But back then...wow I was dumb. And computers and the online world weren't half as fun.
Well, back to the abuse mines. According to the person who just popped into my ear, "The damn Internet's broke again." Some things never change.
I remember that they had some trouble finding my computer that first time. The clerks were running around the store, double and triple checking that their computers showed it was in inventory. I think it took something like 20 minuted before they finally found it. This time, I knew where my computer was the entire time. Thanks to FedEx's online tracking, I followed my computer's three day journey from China, through Alaska, to my door.
Back then, I fired up my computer without clue as to how to operate it beyond point, click and hope. I went through the startup process hoping I was setting it up right, freaking out at every setting that warned that my choice was permanent and that all other potential settings would be deleted forever. The idea that reinstalling the OS would undo any bad choices I made escaped me. Hell, it didn't escape. It never even entered the prison. This time, I sailed through the startup, which was little more than a distraction from the episode of Black Adder I was watching.
Back then, the Internet was something that required being tied to a phone line. Right now I am at work, comletely free of wires (including even the AC adapter), surfing on a WiFi connection someone was kind enough to leave open.
So, yeah, I bought the same brand of computer I had bought once before. Yes, I bought it not just from the same chain but also the exact same store I had bought that computer in the past. But I and the computing world has changed more than it has stayed the same. Thankfully. I mean, I am an idiot now. But back then...wow I was dumb. And computers and the online world weren't half as fun.
Well, back to the abuse mines. According to the person who just popped into my ear, "The damn Internet's broke again." Some things never change.
posted by Max Dobberstein at 3/12/2005 10:29:00 AM
2 Comments:
I bloody posted a comment yesterday! What happened to it?!?!?
Anyway, Max isn't the only one gettin' a new computer. I've decided I must have one, too. Mine just doesn't do what it's supposed to anymore. I think I'll buy one tomorrow. :-)
I wish I could get a new computer. I have managed to get enough dinero together to buy a "new" motherboard, cpu and memory. Not the newest tech, but hell of a lot better than what I have now. Just need time to rebuild.
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