Arrr! It has seem that I have run into some "technical" problems with my computers. As such I won't be around for a while, probably.
The Problem*Cue Dramatic Music*My main computer (the one I use for teh work and teh gaming) ran into some "hardware issues". To put it simply, the processor broke, it "exploded" if you will. I shall not speak more of this matter.
My secondary computer (the one I used to use for teh work and teh gaming but now use for small LANs and as a server more than anything now) just plain broke. T'was working fine a few days ago, but alas, soon after the main computer broke, so did mein secondary. It'll turn on, but nothing happens. Monitor is still dead and such.
My tertiary computer (the one I used when StarCraft came out and currently only use as a secondary storage/computer for the parentals) was formatted. Yea. There's 32 gigs of free space <3 happening on this thing. The monitor also sucks (it's dying very slowly, me thinks) as everything is all dark and stuff. I'm also too lazy to change monitors.
The... Goal?Or Maybe "Solution-In-Progress"My current main goal is to get the secondary computer up and running, as at least I can have some form of entertainment (mainly NS, WoW, teh music, and IRC). This is the current primary concern
My secondary goal is to replace the CPU for the main computer, but alas, this is not cheap. To get a replacement would cost me about $280-$350 CAD. However, the likelihood of this happening in the near future (couple days) is EXTREMELY unlikely. I do not foresee much opportunity to replace the CPU (P4 3.2C). It has been suggested I just go and get a better one, and I was considering this, but then I'd have to go out and grab a better mobo/ram sticks. But I digress, this is besides the point. Switching CPUs/grabbing a better one is basically out of the question (it would simply cost too much, and I'd have to get all bothered about shopping around and deciding on a new chip, which would probably be an AMD).
The So-Called "Twist"But Not ReallyHowever, on the flipside. I have been rather neglecting academics lately in pursuit of entertainment, fame, and general asshattery. The lack of a "fully fuctional" computer has given me the opportunity to redeem myself of this. At a pivotal time as well. Exams approach and will occur on the last week of January, IIRC. I might be wrong and they're on the third week. Meh. So I'm left now with the ability to significantly rectify the current academic situation.
The OthersI Like To Call Them "The 5th Wheel"I happened to acquire a PS2 over the holidays, and have been playing that as well. While I do find it entertaining, it does tend to get VERY boring after a while. However, while it is not boring, it gets extremely "addictive" and burns up all the time I SHOULD be using for schoolwork. And when it gets boring, no longer do I feel that I have the "energy" to do said schoolwork. I also only have 3 games for the PS2 currently. Not that big of a problem, as two are RPGs. One being Star Ocean: Till The End Of Time, which was fun, until I got to the point where it's basically "open" (I can travel "anywhere". Yay?) and everything was kinda easy and didn't give good rewards (that's not to say the bosses weren't easy beforehand <_<). The other RPG being Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. Rather bland RPG for solo-play. I much prefer using it for when I'm entertaining a solitary guest, but even then, it gets tiring. The final game I have is Soul Calibur 2. Fun game, to me, it's like DoA for the PS2. Simply because you see teh panties. However, this too got old very quickly as the "Weapon Master" aspect of the game is really bloody hard now. I use it when entertaining solitary/multiple guests. Let them beat the game for me. Everybody wins.
Plea For HelpOr A Desperate Cry For Attention. Or Something... Or Maybe Where YOU Come InI'm rather at a loss for a solution here. I could do one of several things.
1) Get the new CPU going. Lose Lots Of Money.
2) Fix the secondary computer and use it to tide me over until otherwise.
3) Don't do anything and "concentrate" on schoolwork. (Though this is unlikely as I'd probably just end up watching TV all the time. *shrugs*)
4) Other.
Other is if you have an alternative solution. I myself have an alternative solution. Fix the secondary, and do the whole school thing. As I've done before (before WoW and HL2 came out, I had quite the schedule going). Also, if you know of any fixes I could use, please tell me so. My only current possible way of replacing my broken CPU is to wait for some kind of sale or go hunting on RFD for a used one. And the latter doesn't happen very often, if at all.
Cliff NotesYou Lazy Muh...1) My Primary AND Secondary Computer Are Broken.
Primary Computer: Broken CPU
Secondary Computer: Doesn't Boot. (I turn it on and the monitor is still dead. Yes, everything is hooked up correctly AND yes, I've tested this using another monitor AND another video card and a combination thereof. ¬_¬)
2) My Tertiary Computer Is NOT "Fully-Fuctional" As A Means Of Entertainment.
3) Possibly This Is All A Blessing In Disguise? Exams Approach In Either The Third
Or Final Week of January.
4) Or Not A Blessing. I Have A PS2 With "Addicting" Games That Leave Me Too "Burned Out" For Schoolwork.
5) I Need YOUR Help, Whether This Be
a) Knowing Of Any Ways Of Obtaining A Replacement CPU For "Cheap" (Cheap Meaning Cheaper Than The Price Range I Had of $280-$350 CAD)
Or
b) Knowing Of A Fix For The Secondary Computer.
6) No Profit
What Say You?