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After my desktop reinstall farce I was caught bewildered when my laptop BSODed me on startup.  It couldn’t possibly be related to removing the hard drive while the computer was still on during a RAM upgrade.  No, not at all.  Boot CD after recovery disk failed to circumvent the BSOD until I hit up that it could be problems with the boot loader and that I should try another file system.  So I installed Ubuntu (Intrepid Ibix) and the format went splendidly.  Ubuntu was up and running in a jiff with no noticable errors, prancing about digital fields as per its namesake.  Then I inserted the Vista disk and I could see the computer frown “so soon?” it said.  Inviting me with prompt boot time, the freedom of an open source OS that I could cock-up to my hearts content, and really a much nicer default background than Vista.  But alas, I wanted my tablet interface I never used to work, and support for an office suite that I often replace with Notepad, and finally the knowledge that it’s slow but so is everyone elses.

Edit: Looks like the Ibex shit in the punch bowl.  It’s replaced boot loader, and now my computer’s shitting out something about GRUB errors.  It appears Linux can play hardball when it wants to.  I’ll get the best of him, I’ve yet to meet a hard drive that can resist the allure/destructive field lines of a neobdynium rare earth magnet.

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Intel’s Atom processor intrigued, nay, called to me.  A 8 watt draw for a 1.6GHz dual core CPU making it the most efficient dual core processor for the desktop.  I changed the processor in my home server from the Pentium D.  The Pentium D was the least efficient processor ever created for home use pulling in a whopping 133 watts.  Legend has that systems that fluid used to watercool a Pentium D could poach eggs and fish.   Each Pentium D required its own coal-fired power plant and 3 fans to cool.  Mine was slung in a 45 lb behemoth that was 12″ x 24″ x 28″ and could be used as a fall out shelter.  Had I not opted for a four drive RAID array I could have put the entire new server in something the size of 2 math text books.

I’m not sure what to do with the old system.  It still works, much like one’s gas guzzling JEEP but I can’t think of much that could justify its continued existence.  Maybe it’s time to finally try Ubuntu.