This computer I bought off ebay is an interesting beast.

Firstly, it would over heat and turn off: Fixed by replacing the crap fan on the CPU

Second, the BIOS went [MD5sum errors and conflicts with other hardware]: Fixed by altering the BIOS and leaving the comp turned on at the mains, but not actually on [naughty I know]

Third, Windows will now for any unknown reason, reboot. Then complain the BIOS is ballsed [WTF is Windows doing looking at my BIOS??]: Sorta Fixed, run Linux all the time [average Windows uptime: 20 mins, average Linux uptime: 12+ *hours*]

Fourth, only started last night. It turns itself on. Granted I leave it connected to the power to keep the BIOS alive, but switching itself on? I can only think its a BIOS power option [which I've found and turned everything off] or the power switch is dodgy and shorting out turning it on. Or I could have virus somewhere [which would annoy me, I don't get virii any more, far too careful]

If it is a virus, its a complete waste. The computer boots to the OS chooser [LILO], and sits there. Doesn't do anything else cept eat power and display a pretty red box with Arch, Lapwing and WinXP to choose from. Ah well.

I'm in a really awkward and nearly never heard of position right now.

There is absolutely no one online in my friends list.

No one.

At all.

Just blank.

What am I going to do?

Download a game and play it aimlessly until someone appears.

Then talk to them lots and tell em not to leave me alone ...

Must be sun stroke, I'm going mad.

http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,19345228%5E15865%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html

If it costs you US$50 a year to pay MS to "protect" your computer [from security flaws in *their* product ... erm ... conflict of interest, anyone?] I'm gonna advocate GNU/Linux again.

So, assuming you want to spend just US$50. Here goes;

1) Goto https://shipit.ubuntu.com/
2) Request an install CD for free
3) Wait for it to arrive
4) Install to your computer
5) Spend a few months with it
6) Wonder why on earth you were prompted to spend US$50 when you got Ubuntu for free
7) Limit Windows use to high end gaming [with no Net access] Ditch Windows entirely

Total Windows spend [yr]: US$50
Total GNU/Linux spend [yr]: US$0

When you're done with the install CD, lend it to your neighbour/friend/relative. You can't do that with OneCare. Need help? http://www.linuxquestions.org and search first, or visit http://lug.org.uk and look for a Linux User Group [LUG} near you and go along.

Within the year you'll be able to use GNU/Linux as or more easily than Windows. Honest, try it

Yeah I've not blogged about the Goo Goo Dolls.

This is because I have only just come out of a GGD haze.

They were absolutely awesome.

I really want them to come back soon and play again, with a larger set [not on a promo tour, but a proper gig set ]

Hell, I'd be really happy if they came back and did another promo tour, I don't care

sparkly_devil has a load of nice pics on her blog, which are closer than where me n steph got.

Ah last night working at snobs.

sam is now unemployed and looking for work. And probably found some as well. [bar work seems plentiful at the moment, in nice locations as well]