18 January 2008

This is Me Saving the World

I bought a computer. The laptop I was using at home, before I purchased the one I'm typing on now, was created in 1997, so it seemed about time to update. I'm currently disgruntled with both Apple and Microsoft, though, so I bought a Zonbu. It's an energy-efficient computer that comes fully loaded with open source software. I've got Mozilla, I've got OpenOffice, and I've got a smug expression on my face for shunning The Man and keeping us all one tiny step further away from a future that resembles the novel Feed. I'm way off my blogging game this week, but if you want some good (and amusing) information about the joys of open source, check out this post from Miss Nemesis.

I almost thought I'd have to send my little Zonbu back, because there were some configuration difficulties. I was sitting at a table in the library (off duty), muttering threats and curses at my new, special computer friend. I was preparing to find our hammer, smash the computer, throw myself on the floor and weep over my foolish purchase, and buy a Mac, when I had a moment of sanity and called one of our systems guys to come look at the demon computer. He took it away to a secret computer area of the library and did, I imagine, some sort of white magic and chanting. When he was done, I had a fully-functional, world-saving computer. Ta da! I, of course, agreed to name my first child after him or possibly just give him the kid outright if it looked like it would be unattractive or a whiner.

I don't have my dinner party dream list done yet, but it's coming. And I still want to see your lists, so feel free to keep adding to yesterday's post.

Happy 3 Day Weekend!

6 comments:

Nemesis said...

WOW.

You are pretty much the hottest person I know. What operating system are you using? Is it Ubuntu?

MBC said...

As far as I understand, the operating system is something Zonbu came up with specifically for this product.

Chou said...

You just made my mac feel all sad and self-conscious 'cause it's not saving the world. It'll get over it as soon as Ben gets out of bed and goes back to giving it love. But for now it wishes it were a Zonbu.

MBC said...

Chou-Be kind to your Mac. It can still do things my Zonbu can't.

CK Rock said...

Yay! Linux is awesome! Beware though, Linux is the "Red Pill" of computers. Once you take it, you can never go back. :)

Nemesis: I did some research and it looks like Zonbu is based on a highly-customized Gentoo running Xfce. Also it seems that you won't be able to install new software, although updates/upgrades are available.

MBC: If you have any Linux questions, let me know!

MBC said...

Thanks, Chris! Once upon a time in grad school I actually kind of knew stuff about Linux, but now I'm a little lost. Fortunately, we have computer guys at work and they've got me and the Zonbu up and running fine for the moment. (Fingers crossed.)

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