One of those funny things about being a computer enthusiast and also a computer engineer by training is that for a while, everyone around me concluded I was a 24/7 tech support person! You name it, I did it. Sorting out virus issues. Swapping harddrives. Trying to restore a dying harddrive. Transplanting a system to another desktop case. Swapping motherboards around.
I should add though that I enjoy working with computer hardware, and being able to to assemble my first PC from parts 15 years ago has turned into one of the most therapeutic hobbies I’ve got. It’s my equivalent of not being able to work on larger mechanical things, like cars (I have no clue on cars).
The caveat though is that I’m most at ease fixing my own computers rather than someone else’s. Two reasons. Firstly, it’s always risky working on computers I don’t own or have background info on. E.g. if the computer had already been demonstrating subtle nuances that’s indicative of imminent failure. Secondly, fixing someone else’s computer often means I end up having to provide further tech support for it. =(
In any case; I haven’t tried working on notebooks yet as those things’ innards are a lot more fragile, intricate and complex… until yesterday afternoon. I installed an Intel 320 series Solid State Drive into my desktop PC in May this year, and it worked so well I decided to do the same for my Dell XPS with an OCZ Vertex 2 SSD. Some of us are already aware that heat is a huge factor that determines the reliability and longevity of compact computer systems like notebooks, and the Dell had been getting real hot from stressed use.
Thing though is that my Dell XPS doesn’t have a swappable hard drive bay, unlike other notebook models. Replacing a hard drive means removing removing the very large notebook chassis underplate.
Thankfully, the swap itself was pretty easy and I didn’t need to poke around the insides too much. A short 10 minute operation later, the SSD-equipped Dell now is a lot more responsive, and best of all, runs a lot cooler now. =)
One guaranteed way to ensure killing any free time you might otherwise have is answering “yes” to the following question: “Do you know what is wrong with my computer and, if so, can you fix it?”
Haha.=)