There are times I say to myself "if only we had personal computers when I was in college. Writing papers would have been so much easier." But most of the time I think, "what a pain".

Microsoft decides to add features to my email while my computer is being repaired. Now, I find I have double email features that overlap and don't add one thing to my needs. I write a feedback complaint. For them to even begin talking to me I have to add enough technical detail to qualify for engineering school. I decide to let it pass and see-saw between the two email things.

I buy a new computer and pay for a hard-drive transfer from the old computer to the new one. I do a lot of writing and I don't want to lose a bit of it. The orders are clear: make no changes. Just move it from one location to the other.

I've never had to transfer a hard-drive, though I do know what it feels like for a hard-drive to fry and lose everything. Not a good feeling.

There is no depression quite the same as depression by computer. Software, hardware, techs, all are part of a grand conspiracy to bring you down.

The techs transfer the hard-drive, and tell me everything is fine. No, its not. Half of my documents are lost in some Phantom Zone, and the others can't be accessed. Oh yes they didn't tell me I'd have to purchase a whole new version of my document system to fit the new computer as I was moving from Windows XP to Vista. It took an act of God to even get me to purchase a new computer. Just the thought of transferring everything scared me to death, and the fear was clearly justified.

Sometimes I'd indulge myself with one game I like to play. Command & Conquer. For some reason, the game had failed to play in my old computer and so my other motive was to increase memory and power to run the show. Even here my desires were thwarted. The new Vista wasn't really compatible with the game and despite the voluminous directions for lining it up, nothing worked. So I have problems getting to my documents, even with writing new ones, and my game relief is not in sight.

My choice is spend a lot more money to buy additional software or try to make the old system work. I still had the old computer. Never throw away the old until you are absolutely sure the new is good. There was a time limit on my choice. I had two weeks to return the computer or no refund. The time was drawing near by now.

It turned out my

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