Computer says No...

Although I enjoy it building a computer can cause a few anxious moments when something goes wrong and it does either of the following:-

Doesn't Work
Damages a component on the computer
Both of the above

Fortunately the 2nd and 3rd items didn't occur but I did have problems with the computer failing the the POST, not recognising the data drive and trouble copying the old data from the PATA drive to the SATA drive. New Spec can be found here

All of that said it's working now and WoW it's quick!!. admittedly I don't have all of the bloat ware that I usually have on the computer yet but it is still a significant performance hike on the previous configuration. The old bits will be used to build a better spec pc for the loft to replace the one that is there once the graphics card arrives that I have ordered from ebay.

Although the operation has gone quite smoothly there have been a few occasions where I have been late for meal times and going out as a result of "I'm just going to load this software..."

We have had the chance to go out too and went to the Mall on Friday to do the Sales - enough said I think.

The next post will be next year and it has been a year since I started my Blog (with mixed success I think) so look out for a retrospective of the last year and a statement of what I intend to fail to do this coming year. (BTW started thinking about holidays again...)

Happy New Year

Tis' the Season To Be Jolly

Well it certainly has been this year as we have been free of relatives for Christmas Day. I went to see my Mom on Boxing day as she didn't feel up to coming down to WSM.

It was good though a nice steady day with lunch at the time we wanted it and plenty of time to relax and play with my presents which included amongst others :-

Cash - for some computer bits

Audi TT Challenge - Micro Scalextric (to add to the Mini Challenge set from last year) makes a good sized circuit in the Conservatory

DAB Digital Radio - a BT Aviator 10M which now keeps me company in my computer room

I ordered the bits for my computer upgrade on Holiday Tuesday and they arrived on the following Thursday. I still manged to start the computer upgrade during the evening (see later Blog).

Back From Cuba - To the Cold Weather

It's only been a few days since we got back but already the warm weather seems a distant memory. The holiday was great and just what we both needed as things had been quite hectic up to the time we went.

The Country was a little different to the typical holidays we have had before, made more so by the culture of the place and of course the communist regime. Although only 80 miles away from America at the closest point they don't like each other much and this is quite evident from talking to some of the people we met. Food was basic but satisfactory and it was good to get back to the junk food when we got home. Took lot's of pictures and they are here if you care to take a look.

On a more mundane note it's christmas soon and for once we seem reasonably well prepared having got all of the presents before we left for our holidays. Next week I buy Christmas from Marks & Spencer and then we are sorted - I think. So 1 week at work (London mostly) then another holiday - yipee.

Progress is slow but steady with the electrification of the garden shed but now that's complete I can start building a bench in there with the benefit of heating and lighting.

Squash is suffering at the moment with working away so much and I am due to play my first game in around 4-5 weeks today - ouch.

There have been a few partes and the inevitable drinkies and many more that I have had to refuse - the perils of being popular I suppose.

Waiting for Santa to arrive now though to see what goodies I have been bought...

Holidays Soon!!!

Only a few days now until we fly of to Cuba and I can't wait. It seems to have been a long time coming as we booked it up quite early in the year and by now most people have actually had their holidays - but I am sure it will be worth the wait. The guide book paints a picture of a country that has significant poverty but little crime and where the architecture and culture has changed little over 2-300 years. Expect there will a few interesting photo opportunities.

The more we travel the greater the desire to see new places becomes and we find ourselves at an age where we can afford to travel in more comfort and more frequently than in the past but young enough to still be actively involved in exploring the country. So it is probably around Xmas time that we will be thinking about next years holiday. It's difficult with so many interesting places to choose from but I am sure that we will find something that takes our interest.

On a more mundane note work and the nasty weather has prevented me doing much in the evenings and weekends although I have made some progress with my new garden shed and freeing up some space to create a mini workshop. With electricity available now I should be able to work in there quite comfortably. The next project is a work bench which will probably be started when I return from hols.

On that theme I have been ebaying recently and picked up a set of Thule roof bars for the Vectra so that I can lug bits of wood and stuff around more easily. Interestingly they also do a kit to fit the TT but alas not the rag top - I'm sure Carol isn't too concerned about that!

Also I have bought a "ball head" no it's not a reference to my previous posting but an accessory for my camera monopod and fortunately it's arrived before I go away. Thought the monopod would be a little more portable than the tripod.

The concert list continues with Robbie Wiiliams joining the line up for next September at the new Wembley Stadium and soon we will be going to see Martyn Joseph in Bristol (mid December)

As Christmas approaches I wonder if I will get any suprise pressies - not expecting too much as I am still due to upgrade the computer in the new Year. One thing that definately (unfortunately) be on the list is a new Telly. I have been lusting over the new HD plasmaa TV's but not quite ready to buy yet as the HD content is limited. Only Sky will be transmitting in the near future and then only selected stuff. Come on BBC pull your finger out!!! I believe that what will kick start this particular revolution is the increased use of video upscalers. They are still quite expensive at the moment but I expect prices to fall as demand increases (apologies to Adam Smith) So perhaps this time next year I will have a 42" er in the lounge?

This weekend is busy catching up on jobs and packing, I shouldn't really be writing this blog (for the seond time, as I lost the first version) so I'd better go now....

Barry