!Broken! iBorked!

Okay, here's a geeky story. So, I was called to try and figure out why this person's computer would not start up sometimes. And when it did start up, it would only run for a little while before it shutdown. Normally, when you get something like this the steps for checking stuff out would be:
1. Loose connection on the power cord
2. Loose connections on the inside of the computer case
3. Very dusty (dust causes lots of problems)
4. Bad power supply, test it or test the motherboard with a different power supply
5. ... Start guessing.

Well, I got to step 2 and 3. I noticed a lot of dust while I was searching for loose connections. Then I noticed something:



Do you see it? Yes, these are blown capacitors (flux capacitors, if Noelle wills). In fact, I'd say these capacitors have lost their flux right out of the top. They don't capacitate anymore.

I was actually able to get the computer to run in Windows for about 5 minutes before it shut down. That is truly amazing. If you see a capacitor with a bulging top or stuff coming out, the piece of hardware is dead (unless you are good with a soldering iron and can acquire the correct capacitor(s)... but it's likely still dead.)

Here's another picture at a different angle.

Help

Countdown timers

Well, I added a countdown timer to my sideboard. Right over there --> see it? Anyway, if you follow the link and create a timer for yourself, you'll have to be able to read the mess of javascript, because the guy's page creates it incorrectly. For instance, when I grabbed this bit of code, I set the timer for 2010, but the javascript showed 2011. And the thing is, the mistake is in there twice.

mo=11&da=02&yr=2011

Also, this site has some really cool timers, even one I liked with the Statue of Liberty, it just didn't fit in my sidebar (it was too wide). But perhaps it will work for you.


MySpace-Countdown-Clocks

Warranties

What's this? A blog post? And on my birthday, no less.

Well, anyway, my bro-in-law mentioned a deal he gets with his Discover card that doubles the warranty on anything he purchases with that card. I hope it works out for him. But this also got me thinking to those little perks we get in unexpected places.

1. Did you know that most surge protector power strips have a warranty on equipment attached to it. If a device you have attached to a power strip breaks due to a power surge (even from a lightening storm) you can file a warranty claim with the power strip's manufacturer. I had a friend who's laptop died in this way. He was able to get a few hundred dollars from it. They'll warrant up to $10,000 in many cases, but it's a deprecated value (i.e. if your device is X years old, they'll depreciate the value of the item and pay you that amount.)

2. Many credit cards have automobile related perks. One of which just might be insurance for a car rental. I.e. don't get the rental company's insurance plan, just utilize what is already on your credit card. (Check your card's details, YMMV).

3. Again with your credit card. You may have an amount of life insurance to your name with the card. Not really a benefit when you kick the bucket, but something of which your family may take advantage.

I know this is a small list, feel free to leave a comment on others that you are aware. Sometimes these "deals" aren't worth the hassle. (i.e. replacement watch if your $15 timepiece ever dies... but you have to ship the old one back and pay $24.95 for the shipping and handling of the replacement. ... Yah, I've seen that.)

Getting into the Christmas spirit

For the past several years, Christmas has come and gone for me. Sort of like my birthdays. It's a nice holiday, but so commercialized... blah, blah, blah. Really, though, it just sort of sneaks up on me.

Well, I've started a little early this year. From assisting the stake's production of Savior of the World - His Birth and Resurrection to going to the Messiah sing-along, I'm getting a little bit of a head start. Perhaps it won't surprise me like most of the other holidays this year.

In any case, here's a cool video! (Somebody has a lot of time on their hands ;^)