3 months ago, I said something about building a new "master pc". Well, it’s built, and the name of the beast is "master bater". Yes, folks, that is what my new beast is called. The specs (for those that care):

Processor: Intel p4 3.20 HT processor.
Not quite the top of the line, but it’ll get me by
Memory: 2.0 gig ddr400
Drives:
1×80 gig Seagate
1×100 gig Western Digital
1×200 gig Maxtor
I think I got a bit of storage in there;)
DVD/CD Material
3x DVD+RW drives (would get -RW, but they don’t work worth a shit in my boxes). 2 of which are DL drives, 1 of which is a lightscribe drive (which currently isn’t reading on my board).

Video card:
GeForce FX5500 256 meg DDR AGP card.
I haven’t moved to PCIX yet, but that will be my next move, with my next board I think. Hopefully, NOT for another couple of years!

This thing is a piece of art, literally. My first attempt at this failed, and miserably, because one of the standoffs was off. Usually this wouldn’t matter much, but somehow, it did, this time. The first board fried, completely, and I’m lucky the processor didn’t as well.

All in all, parts (processor, memory, drive, fans, etc) ran well over $450. I’d be more than happy to do it again though, because I have the satisfaction of saying "this is MINE", and knowing that I built it from the ground up.

Aside from that, what else is new?
I’ve recently gotten into Everquest 2. Originally, I purchased the first game 3 years ago (plus packages, etc) for $50. I was so unimpressed that I let the subscription go for the first 30 days and just cancelled. There was no way I was getting into that one again.

When 2 came around, I was little more than curious. I mean, 1 was a huge flop in my mind, but then again, I HATE grouping with people to level shit. Leave me alone to kill my stuff, and I’ll be fine.

I picked up the "trial" download (about 1g) of eq2 and put it on the old beast. Not too shabby, in fact, it was decent enough that I could get my crafting skills up to 7 in no time flat, and my levelling the same. Unfortunately, that’s where the demo ended.

Figuring I’d test it out, I did. I went to BB, picked up the dvd package (for $20) and brought it back home. The next week was spent immersed in EQ2 crap, and I’m just NOW coming out of it. The game is just damn good!

Sure, there’s issues that need to be resolved, but overall, I’d say this is one damn good game. It has to be, in order to get my business, yet again. I’m a pretty tough RPG customer, mind you

The 6th marked my 3 year aniversary on webhostingtalk, which, of course means that 3 years ago, my company (www.linux-tech.net) was founded, or at least conceived. While the domain wasn’t purchased until October, I started doing business with individuals a few days after signing up for WHT. 3 damn years, talk about incredible. I’ve been self sufficient for those 3 years, for the most part, as well. My god!

3 years ago, this November 11th, I decided that enough was enough and quit my job with the city of Cedar Falls. I remember the day, because it was my birthday. In fact, it was a birthday present TO myself. No notice, just "I won’t be in tonight", and turn in my keys. Talk about a shock, right?

To celebrate, I’m very seriously considering going to see Zakk Wylde in either St. Louis, or Chicago on my birthday this year. Why? Because I’ve never seen ‘im play, and his music just kicks major ass!

Now, why all the fuss about 3 years? Simple really. A small business has one major hurdle to pull through, which is getting past 3 years. Once you’ve survived those first 3, you’re in good shape, seriously, for the next few. Of course, you have to know how to manage, and plan, and all that, but it’s been done.

Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with some REALLY awesome customers, and they’ve completely stood by me over the past couple of years. Theres nothing I could have done without them.

I was popped with a notice for a "surprise inspection" Wednesday afternoon. So, me, being the slob that I am (yes, folks, I’m a slob), I started in a panic to clean up. Halfway throgh this, I realized that I needed some stuff, like an entertainment center, and bookshelf.

Well, knowing my excellent (yea right!) skills at putting shit together, I called Tony up, and we got shit done. We went up to WM, picked up the bookcase and EC, got back to my place, and Mike was there. So, figuring, what the hell, we called Jonah and told his ass to get over here.

3 hours later, I had more mess in my living room than I did to begin with (cardboard, etc), and one put together EC, and bookshelf. I take NO credit in the assembling of shit, like I said, I SUCK in that department. I couldn’t have done it without the other 3. Thanks guys, you rule!

So, around 6am yesterday, I pinned a note to my door, said don’t disturb until 1pm (they were supposed to start around 10:30 am), and went to bed. The front room had been cleaned, the cats litter had been changed, the place looked (still does) pretty damn good.

I get up around 11′ish, still leaving the note on the door, and just lay down for a bit on the couch. When I went out to check my mail, I found the door was unlocked (Not a surprise), but my chain was still in place. Apparently, they’d chosen to ignore the request and simply go and try to get in themselves . I was up at one though, and no requests for an inspection, so they missed out, not me;) . Like I’m going to let them in my apt. when I’m sleeping? Good GOD, no!

What else is new? Not much of anything. I’m about to lay down and watch a movie, so I’ll let this entry lie here for now. I’ll try not to make it so long before the next one, but no promises, ehh?

-=T=-