After more than 5 years of service, I've finally decided to give my MacBook a rest. It is now a secondary "work station", as I have put together a new PC. Yes folks, I'm back to using Windows.
Why didn't I just get a new Mac? Simple... it's because I miss handling computer hardware as much as I want to figure out it's software. And PCs give me more freedom to do that. So I decided to build a computer instead of buying a new Mac.
Here are the parts:
- Tower: Antec, Three Hundred Illusion, 4 fans (2 intake, 2 exhaust)
- PSU: Xigmatek, ACXTNRP-PC402, 80 Plus BRONZE certified, 400W (Max)
- Motherboard: Intel, DH67CL, w/ B3 stepping
- CPU: Intel, I3-2105, Dual-core, 3.1 GHz, w/ Intel 3000
- RAM: Crucial, CT2KIT51264BA1339, DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600), 8GB
- HDD: SAMSUNG, HD103SJ, Spinpoint F3, 1TB
- CD/DVD Burner: ASUS, DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS
- LCD Screen: Acer, S201HLbd (ET.DS1HP.001), DVI, Wide screen, 20"
- Mouse/Keyboard: Microsoft, 5MH-00001
No speakers yet. Waiting on Logitech's Z-5500, 5.1 system. After I get that, I'll use my Logitech Z-2300 for the new computer, and hook up the new Z-5500 to my TV. It's going to kick ass!
I installed Windows 7, 64-bit version in the system. It took less than 5 minutes. However, updating the OS, and the drivers took about an hour and 20 minutes altogether. Still not bad!
I'm using Intel's integrated graphics through the CPU instead of a dedicated card. At least for now. Will upgrade later (if needed). Caroline and I don't play games on the computer, so this build is more than sufficient for the work the both us do.
I'm happy with this build. Still playing around with it. Trying to get acquainted with Windows 7. It's a decent OS. Apple still makes better Operating Systems, so I'm stuck with Microsoft's "best" (for now). But that's the price I have to pay if I want to mess around with hardware.
Overall, I'm really pleased with how smooth everything went. (:
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
School's Almost Out
In 2 weeks, I'm going to be done with my first year of teaching. The little scholars never fail to remind me why I got into teaching in the first place. There's something wonderful about a person's face when their minds are being opened up as learning takes place... especially when the subject is Music. It's just wonderful. The kids get it. They can't hide their excitement like adults can. They just get it... they just do.
A few years ago, I wouldn't have thought that I would be going through cancer. It was definitely no laughing matter when I was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although, I can say (at least for now) that I have the last laugh. The support that I received from a lot of people was really comforting, especially from my family and Caroline.
Now that I look back (even though it was only a couple of months ago), I can't imagine going through a disease as such without someone being beside me. The fact that Caroline was physically present to hold my hand and give me encouragement as I woke up everyday gave me the fighting will to keep on working and living. If she had gone to Illinois University for her Masters, I would have been stranded by myself facing an illness that is not as easy a task to be cured from. Even though she says that if she had gone, she would hold school off just to be with me. But the reality is, she never went. She stayed at Eastman. And it was a blessing in disguise, nonetheless.
I remember our Pre-Cana. We were a "mess". Tears were flowing down our cheeks as we read our assignment to each other, which was to write a love letter to our future spouse. I only have one word for that assignment - AWESOME. Both Caroline and I never knew how to start that love letter, and to be frank, we both started in a very different direction. She started off her letter without addressing the cancer-issue because she thought that our lives at that point in time was so focused on the illness. On the other hand, I started out with how I was already infatuated with her since my freshman year of college (I just never did anything about it). But as we read what we wrote for each other, truths came flying out that reached the deepest depths of our hearts. (Sorry... I sound sappy, but the occasion was just so moving).
We decided to keep those letters. It'll help us whenever we need a reminder of the love that we share with each other. It'll be nice to show our kids too.
In other news: I recently just installed my first mod! A K&N intake for my Chevy Cobalt. Adds about 4-6 hp, and increases torque by 5-7 lbs. Not bad! Took the silencer out as well, and I think my engine just breathes way easier than it did before.
My parts for a new PC build is also here! Going to work on it during the weekend. I hope it goes smoothly. Even though it usually does not. There's always something missing, and some parts could be DOA, or it could break on me after a couple of months. But regardless of the anxiety, I'm still looking forward to this build. I haven't built a PC in years, ever since I switched to a Mac! But it'll be fun. (:
A few years ago, I wouldn't have thought that I would be going through cancer. It was definitely no laughing matter when I was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although, I can say (at least for now) that I have the last laugh. The support that I received from a lot of people was really comforting, especially from my family and Caroline.
Now that I look back (even though it was only a couple of months ago), I can't imagine going through a disease as such without someone being beside me. The fact that Caroline was physically present to hold my hand and give me encouragement as I woke up everyday gave me the fighting will to keep on working and living. If she had gone to Illinois University for her Masters, I would have been stranded by myself facing an illness that is not as easy a task to be cured from. Even though she says that if she had gone, she would hold school off just to be with me. But the reality is, she never went. She stayed at Eastman. And it was a blessing in disguise, nonetheless.
I remember our Pre-Cana. We were a "mess". Tears were flowing down our cheeks as we read our assignment to each other, which was to write a love letter to our future spouse. I only have one word for that assignment - AWESOME. Both Caroline and I never knew how to start that love letter, and to be frank, we both started in a very different direction. She started off her letter without addressing the cancer-issue because she thought that our lives at that point in time was so focused on the illness. On the other hand, I started out with how I was already infatuated with her since my freshman year of college (I just never did anything about it). But as we read what we wrote for each other, truths came flying out that reached the deepest depths of our hearts. (Sorry... I sound sappy, but the occasion was just so moving).
We decided to keep those letters. It'll help us whenever we need a reminder of the love that we share with each other. It'll be nice to show our kids too.
In other news: I recently just installed my first mod! A K&N intake for my Chevy Cobalt. Adds about 4-6 hp, and increases torque by 5-7 lbs. Not bad! Took the silencer out as well, and I think my engine just breathes way easier than it did before.
My parts for a new PC build is also here! Going to work on it during the weekend. I hope it goes smoothly. Even though it usually does not. There's always something missing, and some parts could be DOA, or it could break on me after a couple of months. But regardless of the anxiety, I'm still looking forward to this build. I haven't built a PC in years, ever since I switched to a Mac! But it'll be fun. (:
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