Esoteric Drifter

I recently had a problem with my Mac Mini. The problem most likely came from the Bootcamp partition I made, I wanted to install Windows 7 but the copy I had purchased was an upgrade, not the full OS. So I left the partition blank.

When I restarted my Mac, It went into a blank screen and asked for a boot drive followed by a keystroke.
So my machine would not boot the OS from startup and did not recognize my keyboard.

I called apple care and quickly found out I knew as much, if not more, than them. I thought I reserved a time at the ‘local’ Apple store (60miles away) and headed over as soon as possible.

When I arrived at the store, with a neatly packed Mac Mini and a case # I was told by an associate that they would not be able to help until tomorrow at the earliest. I was miffed.

I knew what needed to be done, so I asked for a monitor & keyboard, and announced that I would fix the computer myself.

I was very surprised my demands were met, immediately. The associate brought out a monitor and mac keyboard and I was able to load the OSX install disk and delete the delinquent partition within 15min.

Im not perfectly happy with my experience, but like any story, its the happy ending that matters.

How do Political Parties help our country?

Its seems to me that they only serve as a means to divide us, by constantly creating divisions within our communities on issues that are of no concern to that particular community.

It is difficult for an individual to associate themselves outside of their own geographical status. It is nearly imposible for most. And yet people flock in droves to large political parties, why?

I’ve finally installed my Linux (Ubuntu) Virtual Machine (VM) using SunMicrosystems Virtual Box.

It was very simple, just pop the disk in and it runs! Ubuntu also has a partitioning installer and it runs as a live disc, So the VM is not even necessary to try it out.

The VM software works well. I havent tried to stress it, or my Mac, but for its current purpose It is at least functional.

I tried to get a copy of Windows 7 for $40, but ended up with an upgrade license. I’ve bid $5 for a copy of XP on ebay, and will hopefully be able to install 7 on that.

Ive spent some time downloading the right software for my new mac, I still have some to try out but so far here’s the lineup…

Did I mention all the following are free…

The Browsers:
There isnt much to say, Im under the impression that everyone uses these already:
Firefox
Chrome

The Office Suite:
This small package, maintained by Sun Microsystems, includes some very useful apps;

• a Word Processor
• Spreadsheet
• Presentation
• Database
• Drawing
• Mathematical Formula

These are all more basic than the Office Suites you might consider paying for, but, the average user will be more than happy using these.

The Image Editor
GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP, works in the same manner as its costly competitors. Its a couple years behind Photoshop, but for anyone who wants to do some crazy photo editing for free, this is your product.

The Extras:

Skype:

A must have free VoIP and Video messenger.

Divx:

Quicktime doesnt like .avi files, and I have a few movies in that format.

ClassicFTP:

A very simple FTP client.

I stopped into an Apple store yesterday to get a MacMini, the cheapest possible Mac.

First Impression
The plethora of sales associates were constantly making themselves available with the consistent and overused “Do you have any questions?” or “can I help you with anything?” The monotony was not, however, in the desperation of a commission sales person.

The Team
The Sales team at the Apple store seemed to work together very efficiently, and in my time there I was helped by at least four different representatives all who effectively communicated to the next, and showed no hesitation to help each other out.

The Associates
Their communication with me was pleasant. I know significantly more than the average Joe about computers and often become frustrated with uneducated salespeople. The Apple Folk were able to keep up with me and proved they knew their products very well.

The Bonus
While purchasing the new computer, I mentioned I had been having troubles with the ‘home’ button on my iPhone to a random associate (I always try really hard to have a question for everyone who asked me for one) And before I knew It I had an appointment at the ‘Genius Bar’ where the next associate quickly assessed my phone was completely out of commission, still under warranty, and in need of immediate replacement. I was very happy to hear that, not because of the button, but because the battery was quickly going down hill.

The End
I walked out of the Apple store with a new computer, that was $50 less than I had expected, a shiny new phone, and a free printer (will be on craigslist soon)
In the end the Apple Store experiance was incredible, a nice welcome to the mac owners club.