Well, all is still not well in computer-land. The computer is still up and running, and I can perform a variety of basic tasks like downloading and DVD watching, however the video card's fan came loose somehow (before the reinstall procedure) and while a makeshift solution is holding it more or less in place it's not cooling the card adequately. I'm running at 97-98 degrees Celsius at more or less idle, which is, oh, a good 30-40 degrees higher than it should be. I don't believe this is hot enough to cause any serious damage, but actually stressing the card quickly causes an overheat shutdown that takes some hours to recover from. (something which has happened once and I don't intend to repeat if I can avoid it.)
I don't know any repair services in the area, so that's probably out. The warranty expired months ago. (and the makeshift would likely have invalidated it anyhow.). I was worried I'd have to get a new card (I could, granted, get what's likely a better card for 100-200 less than I originally paid for this one, but that's still 200-300 dollars I'd rather not spend, thanks.).
Fortunately, I had overlooked a less costly solution. There are third party coolers for video cards (designed to supply better or quieter cooling than the stock cooler) that can be had for under 50 dollars. Actually installing them is more complicated than installing a CPU cooler, and quite probably beyond my limited technical skills, but my friend who helped me initially may well be willing to do the installation, in which case I should hopefully be back up and running in full by next weekend (the delay both to replenish my funds and reach a day my friend has free.).
I don't know any repair services in the area, so that's probably out. The warranty expired months ago. (and the makeshift would likely have invalidated it anyhow.). I was worried I'd have to get a new card (I could, granted, get what's likely a better card for 100-200 less than I originally paid for this one, but that's still 200-300 dollars I'd rather not spend, thanks.).
Fortunately, I had overlooked a less costly solution. There are third party coolers for video cards (designed to supply better or quieter cooling than the stock cooler) that can be had for under 50 dollars. Actually installing them is more complicated than installing a CPU cooler, and quite probably beyond my limited technical skills, but my friend who helped me initially may well be willing to do the installation, in which case I should hopefully be back up and running in full by next weekend (the delay both to replenish my funds and reach a day my friend has free.).
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I've actually read the first issue of Y: THe Last Man. It was pretty good, although the author seems like he has some women issues.
The rest sound really good. I have a lot of reading ahead of me.
With Sandman, I cracked Preludes and Nocturnes and I really didn't like the art. Does the artist change up or is it the same guy for the whole thing?
I have to get a 1 page guide to choosing graphic novels written up, so I'm doing a lot of research. It's proving highly entertaining.
After all, I didn't like the art on league of Extraordinary Gentlemen, but the story was enough...so far.