grr. argh. computers.

[rivendellrose]

The brief version, because I'm at work:

My computer and keyboard are no longer talking. For some reason, attempting to use the right shift key gets me a cedille (C with a tail), while the left shift key, depending on what letter key it's used with, seems to either close individual programs or (to my great horror) shut down my whole computer.

Current theories are that this is: a) a problem with my new keyboard, b) a problem with my drivers, or c) my computer deciding to give up the ghost in the most creative way possible after six long years of loyal service. If anyone has other theories, insight, or commiseration, I'd be grateful.

I stayed up until 2am last night backing up as many files as I could. A few other quirks might have been either computer error or me panicking.

As of this moment, I'm trying desperately to find a good desktop computer option that doesn't require my also getting a "free" new flat-screen monitor (which I already have) and assorted other unnecessary peripherals. Not to mention Vista. Ugh.

In other news, I hate hormones.

Comments

[lacrimaeveneris.livejournal.com]

get a mac ;) In all seriousness though, good luck on that. Desktop shopping can sometimes be a pain.

Hormones suck.

[althenesanguis.livejournal.com]

I second the Mac suggestion. They can be more expensive, but I've found that their operating systems are much more user friendly than pcs. Also more forgiving when missteps occur.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

And you're probably completely right about that - I've never known a Mac user who wasn't totally happy with them. I'm just an old-fashioned PC girl - it's not that I think they're better, just that I'm used to them.

Better the devil you know, and all that. :P

[lacrimaeveneris.livejournal.com]

although the high customability does occasionally elicit a "OH MY GOD WHAT DID I JUST DO... oh." response ;)

I love my Mac.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

I actually found a great deal at Dell's outlet site, so... *crosses fingers*

I have nothing against Macs in principle, but I'm very used to PCs, myself.

And god yes. I almost cried when my computer kept acting up last night. Very embarrassing.

[tonsai.livejournal.com]

geek friend. trip to fry's. muttbox! hell, you might be able to find something on a site like newegg or even ebay, but ebay is decidedly shiftier.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Actually found a fabulous deal on Dell's outlet site, on the recommendation of one of my bosses at work. So... *crosses fingers* Hopefully everything works out.

(I've had bad experiences at Fry's... they have the absolute worst customer service I've ever experienced. Makes me less than eager to give them money.)

[tonsai.livejournal.com]

oh, fry's does indeed have awful customer service. i never use them for anything i can do myself. they are good for ok-priced parts and an excellent return policy, though--thus the suggestion to coax a geek friend into building a muttbox for you. :)

but if you can find a dell that doesn't come with vista, more power to you. definitely easier!

[pussreboots.livejournal.com]

It's most likely the keyboard. Have you tried turning it upside down and giving it a good spanking? It might dislodge any sticky crumbs. Then there's always the air in a can to blow the thing clean. If that doesn't work, get a new keyboard or at least borrow one long enough to make sure it's the keyboard. Then if it is, get a new one. Freecycle is a great source for keyboards.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

The keyboard is actually brand new, so that's unlikely to be the case. Plus, it's doing waaaay more than the usual random keyboard issues. And having eliminated viruses as well... I'm pretty much down to "old computer is on her way out."

Just spent loads of money on a new one online, so now she's behaving perfectly, of course. Trying to give me a major case of buyer's remorse. :P

[kleio-the-muse.livejournal.com]

Oh, poor you! My old desktop is dying as well, though it's already had nearly a 7-year-run and has been showing mortal signs for quite some time. And just like you, I'm completely at a loss as to what to get in its place. I mean, all those strings of numbers and letters attached to computer ads all sound terribly good to me, so I have absolutely no idea what I should get, nor how much I should be expected to spend on it.

And isn't it amazing how they (computers) always seem to come back to life the minute you start planning for new one? Often, when the bastard is starting to misbehave, I state rather loudly that "perhaps it's time to replace this old thing", and what do you know, but all the error messages and blue screens of death are suddenly a thing of the past:)