Today was a relaxing day. I engaged in one of my favorite hobbies: building computers. Using the spare parts I have hanging around the house, I decided to rebuild my home network server. Basically, it acts as a file repository and print server, and since I’ve rebuilt the network to allow all our machines to have access to my broadband connection, there’s no reason not to have a server on it.

Except maybe one. The parts I have won’t allow me to build a very powerful server. Most of the components are very outdated, and I suspect this will cause me problems when I try to upgrade the hard drive to hold the MP3 files I’ve ripped from my CD collection. My wife likes the variety of being able to set Winamp to shuffle mode while she’s playing on the computer, and with network access to our MP3 files, she could go all day without hearing a repeated song. One way or another, though, I should be able to make the BIOS recognize the hard drive, even if the size is larger than the BIOS will allow.

I have a few words to say about CompUSA. For the last few years, I have boycotted the store. I was even boycotting them due to a lousy corporate business policy before they were taken over by one of their major shareholders. Over the years, it seems they lost interest in supporting the computer hobbyist; they stopped selling motherboards and components and started hiring warm bodies at bargain basement prices to police the sales floor. Sure, I’m exaggerating, but not by much.

Oh, how times change. Today, I went into a CompUSA with a full wall of components, including cool aluminum cases with see-through sides and sound-activated neon lights inside. They had plenty of case fans and power supplies for me to choose from, as well as motherboards. I had to restrain myself to keep from spending money I really don’t have one a new motherboard for the server. The salespeople on the floor seemed to have some genuine knowledge, and the whole attitude of the store is different. I applaud the makeover.

Speaking of makeovers, I tried out the keyboard on the new Handspring Treo 300. (Well, I tried the keyboard on a 270, but it’s the same keyboard.) I was surprised to see how quickly I could type on it; I certainly couldn’t match my regular typing speed, but I could easily match my Graffiti speed. I might just have to get one if I can come up with the extra money. (6/9/2004 Note: Got one. Love it, except for the flip cover, which has a tendency to break off. Now I’m jonesing for the Treo 600.)

Tonight I heard from my friend Jim, a guitar player I used to get together with regularly. He’s had a hectic schedule, and we haven’t been able to play together for about two years. It looks like that will probably change in a couple of weeks, because we’re going to get together and jam at my house. I look forward to that very much.