MicroSuck

Yes, the software Nazis of the world are at it again. However, I am no longer a Bill hater. Bill has turned over a new leaf. Actually, he and his wife (Melinda or Mrs. Gates if you prefer) continue to donate hundreds & thousands of dollars to charities & organizations in effort to help those who are less fortunate. Not a bad turn around for the guy who virtually monopolized the computer OS software industry many moons ago. Anyways, here's an interesting article about the current/future state of Microsoft compliments of The Guardian.

Here's some interesting, geeked out tid bits in home PC history....specifically mine.

Commodore 64 (aka C64)
Released: 1982 for $595
CPU: 6510
Coprocessor: VIC II
RAM: 64KB
ROM: 20KB
Built in BASIC - in other words...no actual OS software installed
Drive/Media: Cassette and/or 5.25" floppy (double-stacked drives if you were really cool)
This machine was generally used for gaming but also had a broad line of educational software. Electronic Arts & Broderbund were two key software suppliers for the C64. Broderbund kicked out the infamous Print Shop for all your graphic needs. Electronic Arts aimed at both educational and recreational software. They (E.A.) went on to become one of the most popular suppliers of gaming software (specifically sports) across both PC and video game consoles. Personal note - this was the beginning of a infinite, dysfunctional relationship with this damnable machine commonly referred to as a PC. Countless hours devoted to the C64.
Most commonly used line....
LOAD "_______" ,8 ,1 (insert the game of your choice in the blank)
RUN

Apple IIgs
Released: 1986 for $999
CPU: Western Design Center 16-bit
RAM: 128KB
ROM: 128KB
OS: GS/OS, ProDOS, DOS, Pascal UCSD
Drive/Media: Built-in 3.5 floppy, and I believe you could hook up external 5.25" floppy drives as well. I was 10...cut me some slack.
This was primarily used for business or professional purposes. However, I still managed to spend countless hours on this funky machine. Most of my gaming was very generic and raw. Commands were all typed out. Graphics were minimal to non-existent. I don't recall a whole lot about this PC at the moment except from the fact that it had one of the first word processors I ever used and the screen was blue. Exciting isn't it? I do recall playing a strange game called Keef the Thief a lot.

The Windows revolution came shortly thereafter introducing the mouse, desktop icons, and the art of double-clicking. Typing actual commands to run programs became obsolete with exception to DOS. Tech-frickin'-nology.

Enough about damnable computers. I'm going to do a little John Cusack High Fidelity bit here. If you've seen the movie, perhaps you'll understand. Otherwise, go watch it for crying out loud. He will be my husband someday. At any rate, top 10 songs that apply to my current situation...

Ever Fallen In Love - The Buzzcocks
Only - Nine Inch Nails
Special - Garbage
Kissing A Fool - George Michael
Face Up - New Order
This Is A Low - Blur
What Is It Now? - Badly Drawn Boy
Who Needs You? - Queen
Another Way to Kill Me - The Vestals
What Do You Want From Me? - Monaco

Don't forget to come out and enjoy the parade and Pridefest activities this weekend.