The computer is the vehicle of 2000. When my fathers Chevy Impala needed fixing, he pulled out a toolbox filled with jumbled wrenches, screwdrivers and other instruments for operating on his car. The last resort was taking the car to a mechanic. Or as Dad said, "Soulless bastards." I know every mechanic won't rob you blind but when you find a fair one you remain as faithful to them as your virgin bride.

Fast forward twenty years, my laptop wasn't working up to par. I tried to fix it but my skills are limited. Nothing I did corrected the problem. I could have used the recovery disk and started fresh. Instead I took it to a "mechanic". Customer service is no better at Ye Olde Computer Shoppe than it is at the 3rd St Burger King. So after 4 days of bullshit what did they do? Used the recovery disk. Soulless bastards.

Moral of the story: You will save money and peace of mind by learning to be more self-reliant in the manner of repairs. OR Don't pay soulless bastards a cent when you can break it yourself for free.

Lit: "The Pickup Artist" Terry Bisson

Muzak: "Soul Sessions" Joss Stone