So I have spent a good hunk of the last two days trying to fix computers. Namely, our iBook(old Mac laptop) that we’ve have since 2003, and our 2006 MacBook (new mac laptop-thanks Dad). The first sign when something is wrong is when a dark grey screen descends and your computer tells you to restart in 5 different languages.

So I go through the usual restart thing, try to book into safe mode, single user mode, from an emergency startup disk. Always the same evil grey screen. Even booting into target disk mode( basically making the computer into an external hard drive) so I can try to copy the info off, causes the evil grey screen to happen on whatever computer I plug it into.

So this is hosed, must go to backup, (always backup your computer) Oh look, my back up is a month old, guess the lazy person. So off to the MacBook to restore my files onto it. However it seems to have this thing where it decides to shut down randomly, with no warning. One second running a software update to bring things up to speed then click, all off.

Pull up third computer to search Apple.com/support to find the cause, Oh need to upgrade the firmware. Which would happen if I could just run the Software Update, but oh yeah it just keeps crashing and turning off.

Just in case, I pull out the department’s spare laptop(yes 4th computer) and begin to restore backed up files to it, USB hard drive, “estimated time remaining 2 hours and 23 minutes”. Great
look at support pages again find another option for iBook, doesn’t work. Look in apple support again, find solution for MacBook, download firmware restore, burn it onto a CD. However a disk recovery/repair CD is stuck in the drive of the MacBook and can’t get it out since when I try to start up the computer it just keeps shutting down again. Figure that out, put in Firmware Restore CD run that. then Upgrade Firmware( which is what was causing the random shut downs), get that back up to speed. Look at the clock it’s time to go pick up McKelvey from school, I have spent 5 hours on this(plus my 3.5 hours last night)

After picking McKelvey up, I restore the backed up files onto the MacBook and then have to tweak the settings for the Dial-up internet and email to get them working again.

So we have the MacBook up and running, files duplicated on the work laptop(mental note must erase) and the iBook which has only one trick up it’s sleeve, and that is Frustration I mean the grey of complete evil.

Time to sell things on ebay so we can buy a new Hard Drive for the iBook.

Or just beat it with a stick.

I’ve started playing around with the Legos that Jon sent for Christmas(yes I make sure the kids get to play with them) I have started a lego version of the Thomas Jefferson Polygraph machine. It is a mechanical device to copy your writing as your are writing. ( think I could have said that better) The original can be viewed here. It is from the Monticello website.
I’ll post a picture when I get it finished. It’s a nice diversion from all the work I bring home.

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A funny look at Science Fiction integrating current Science fact.

Blogged with Flock

I have a picture of mine posted as the Rig of the Day: Newton at work. It is part of The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).

Boy am I geeky or what?

I’m falling in love with my iPod again. Now when I first got it in August, I immediately put it in a protective case. Some rubber thingy I got from Radio Shack. I got quite used to it. It’s been the only way I remember the iPod. But I took of the rubber sleeve on a whim a week ago and it’s a whole new ballgame. The feel of it is very different. with the sleeve gone the size is smaller in all directions and fits into the had really well. The tactile sensation of the smooth plastic is so much better than before.

So if you iPod is locked up in a case, let it roam free for a little while. You will both be happier.

I’ve just started using a windows computer, for the first time in years. Like since the last century. It’s different enough from Mac to be confusing.

I’ve jumped into the windows world because I’m trying out a Tablet PC, through a program at my University. It’ll be interesting to see how it works for drafting and drawing. But right now I’m just getting used to navigating around.
I’ll keep you posted.

So the external hard drive that I used to store all my stuff on went on the fritz. So now I am recovering the data and burning them onto CD’s. 100GB’s worth. What a pain in the butt. So this means you-make multiple backups and do it often.