Silly computer tricks

Okay, we are now coming to you from the laptop. My 1998 Dell desktop machine has a busted power switch. As in, physically broken. This limits access...

If Elder Son wants a free lunch or other amenity, he can wander by and diagnose further or perform magical repairs at his leisure. A jump start that leaves the machine on 24/7 would be a temporary option.

And in _other_ silly computer tricks, I was browsing through internet sources for Apple Imac computers (Coincidence with the Dell failure? I think not...) and noted that the new models don't seem to contain telephone modems.* Hell of a note, that. Some of us do _not_ have broadband and home ethernet...

Grumblegrump.

*Editorial addition -- yes, I _am_ aware that USB modems can be purchased separately. This adds $50 to the cost of the machine, for something that would add maybe $5 or $10 to the cost of the unit if done internally. Plus another widget hanging around back there in the tangle of wires and dust. Don't draw Wife's attention to the dust...

All Hail Elder Son!

Now posting via desktop computer again.

We have a true Maine fix here, a 1/4" hole drilled through the front panel of the case and a 1/4" dowel to shove into said hole to press the power switch. I feel like I'm back in the good old days of army-surplus ham radio.

Problem was failure of a plastic spring hinge, spot welded to the case front and dead of 9 years of use. I'd call it bad design, except that this machine is far past antique in the computer world.

Still contemplating a new Imac, probably the 17" version. But external modems? How 1980s...