I like building computers from "scratch". Ok, that's not to say that I go out and melt sand to make chips. It does mean that I am always on the lookout for spare components to build various "Frankenstein" machines. Typically, these are so underpowered as to be useless, but I can't help myself.
I finally let some moths out of my wallet and purchased two new half machines. While the immediate goal is to speed up our two main computers, my hidden agenda is to build two more Frankenstein machines out of the decaying hulks that will be left over after I finish stripping their carcasses for parts. One of these will probably become a server for Allison's piano keyboard software; the other may become the new modem server or perhaps a Linux machine.
The room where I am assembling these beasts looks as if Armageddon had taken place, except not that good. There is bubble wrap, anti-static bags, opened cartons, screws, half disassembled cases, tools, flashlights, boards, and random software everywhere. Each task takes three times longer than I think it should, and I've shed more than a drop of blood on sharp edges and soldered pins. I swear softly every time Windows forces me to reboot when it doesn't recognize the hardware, and more loudly when it forgets what a CD-ROM drive is and yet asks for files from it.
Overall, I couldn't be happier.
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My kingdom for a rant.