So yeah, the Dell is dead. Long live the Dell.

And it wasn't even the Ubuntu crash that killed it. The tech at Affordable couldn't get into the BIOS either, which he said indicated some far worse issues than just a OS crash or whatever. I took it in this morning thinking I'd just get the HD replaced and start over, but after confirming that he couldn't get into the BIOS in any way or fashion he said I could probably send it to Dell and they could fix it.

So I thanked my lucky stars I've been flush these last few weeks, and bought another computer, on which I speak to you at this moment.

This one is another Compaq, an Evo N610C. 2gig processor, 40gig HD, 512mg RAM. 14.1 screen. After mistakenly installing Feisty Fawn (where I was looking at 150+ upgrades) I had a Homer Simpson moment and dug out one of my copies of Gutsy Gibbon. I still had quite a few upgrades to chew through, but it's mostly done now at least for the basic system stuff. I have yet to get my extra stuff installed (Liferea, XChat, Zim, Scribus, Open Arena, etc), but I figure I will take those in more piecemeal fashion. I have yet to even config Evolution, but will do that next. Not that anyone ever e-mails me, but it's the principle of the thing.

It set me back $513.

But damn it, I hardly ever indulge myself in anything. I collect USB drives and laptops, given the times is that so weird? And anyway, I only have 2 functioning computers. I know people who at last count HAD 11 FUNCTIONING COMPUTERS at one time.

I might at some point spend the time and money to get the Dell fixed, and if so may give it to my mother or one of my cousins or some other worthy individual.

As I told somebody last night on #boingboing, I collect stray computers. My first IBM compatible computer was a laptop, and I've liked them ever since.

Well, I need to get to work on Evolution and getting XChat up so I can go on #boingboing and lament the day's madness.