Geek beatdown

So, there are some things I really love about being a geek. This comes up today as I am in the process of doing a very geek thing: installing Linux (ubuntu) on my old desktop PC. So, first off, I love the fact that I even have an old desktop to do this on. That said... I get all set with my desktop and put my laptop in a position so I can read the documentation while I run the install. Also a cool geek moment. I spend some time trying to figure out how to get the system to boot from CD when I finally realize that the CD I want to boot from is all wrong. Annoying. Anyhow, I get the install started and it goes to look for my network card. I'm sketchy about this because this machine hasn't had good luck with its network hardware in a while (however, I am betting on that being more the result of the OS rather than the hardware) so I am very excited when it finds both my wireless card as well as my not-so-wireless card. I attempt to get the install to configure the wireless to no avail. Thats OK. Might even not be the card. The router has been acting up for months (you should see what happens to my connection when I turn on WEP). While rummaging through an old plastic tub, I find a usb network adaptor! I love that I find the hardware I need randomly. I love being a geek. After a few minutes of playing with the thing, I realize my mistake. Its not a wireless usb network adaptor. I should say its STILL not a wireless usb network adaptor beccause I originally bought it for my Tivo. I am definately a geek, but I rarely read boxes, it would seem. Thats OK. Its fun anyhow. At this point, I want to explain something to everyone who ISN'T a geek. There are two ubiquitous cables in the tech world. One is that power cable that runs from a desktop or monitor to the outlet. Everyone has 12 of the damn things even though they may only have two pieces of hardware. Its the law. The other nigh-omnipresent item is the RJ-45 cable. I want to mention that I've owned several computers, have lived with several more, and have had a cable modem for the past 8 years. I've had a metric ton of these cables. And yet...today... Not a single one (free). Jeez. ***UPDATE*** much work, including replacing the cd rom drive, has resulted in... me not being able to even boot to the BIOS. I am man enough (or lazy enough) to admit defeat. For 200 bucks I can get a desktop twice as good as this thing. I've already wasted that much time. Thank you, TigerDirect.com Tags:Linux unbutu geek