Ramblings, rumblings, grumblings, and rambling grumbly rumblings.

I was right: it was a hardware problem, specifically the video card.  I've never seen a capacitor "pop" before: there are seven on the card, the size of pencil erasers, and five of them blew their tops out.  Wow, guess that's a problem.

I have ordered a new card.  It ought to be here by Thursday: this one has a fan on-board, so as long as the power supply on my IBM can handle it (and I've no reason to think it can't) I should be back in business.

On to work.

Work PC died this morning. I'm reasonably sure it's a hardware problem, but lack the facilities to diagnose or fix that.

Late Edit: Rejoice with me, brethren. A PS2-USB adapater was found. My keyboard has come home.

I'm grateful that I have a job, doing something I am competent to do, and sometimes even enjoy doing. My job - or, more accurately, one facet of it - causes me some mental and emotional pain. There is a pervasive attitude, mostly on the part of the CFO, that if the doors are open, we should all be there, regardless of the amount of work that needs doing. Leaving early is discouraged (though that doesn't apply to him...long story).

( Courtesy snip... )