The Cheapest Computer is the One You Already Own!

If you are like I, you haven't yet set aside the cash for a NEW COMPUTER. So, the only way you would be able to obtain one is if -

a. You go into Debt. But this is a bad idea, as debt is what is contributing to our current economic crisis. Why continue to feed this unsustainable Machine?

b. Someone gifts it to you. While this is a great idea, it doesn't hurt to save some money up (details coming below.)

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So, here is my quandry. I'm running a machine that was custom built in 2001. Since then, I've had to change the memory once (still running Sdram here) - and the Hard drive failed once (because of my bios, it stopped booting the computer, and I had the drive ghosted to a new drive).

Future Plans? Upgrade memory to 512mb (that's the max this machine will hold). And leave the operating system somewhat what it is (Win 2k Pro). While the upgrade of memory comes first, I am also saving up for a newer Computer - Internet Only system, to tie to this computer via my router.

P.S. - I STRONGLY advocate a non-wireless router - such as Linksys, because it runs ZoneAlarm separate from the computer. I don't believe firewalls are best on the computer, they are best before the bad stuff hits the computer - and this also saves computer resources.

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Current problems and work arounds? IE isn't really supported for systems below XP anymore, so my best IE browser is version 6. A LOT of websites are not really developing for this browser anymore (I am having problems with EBay for example). Solution, download Mozilla Firefox. This browser is NOT tied to your operating system, and the add ons are great. Plus its FREE. Downfall, some released plugins (like Media Player), are not supported for systems below XP.

Another, which came up over the weekend (and halted by writing) - Anti Virus Support. I tried the free McAfee, which comes with my Internet provider for free - and my system slowed to a crawl (that was Anti Virus only - and a few years ago - don't even want to try it now). I had loaded System Works 2003, and later upgraded to Norton AntiVirus 2005. Now, Symantec has stopped supporting systems below XP and Vista also (can you say, everyone wants you to buy a new computer? In this economy?) So, they allowed me to purchase a subscription to 2005 - BUT - they sent me 2006 (which caused all sorts of Havoc on my Computer).

Later, we removed the 2006, I was refunded my money (we'll wait to see how that turns out) - and downloaded 2005 (which later it turned out we didn't need to do - I already had a copy on my hard drive). Now - apparently - we have a corrupted file somewhere - because it will no longer let me download the Trusted Application List (needed for Internet Worm protection - which I wasn't running - due to system resource hogging again).

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So, with a little research - came up with some GREAT freebies for Anti Virus. AVG free IS available (version 7 is better) for win 2k via Cnet downloads. Also, Avast supports many platforms, and has some great reviews via Cnet. Now, I also visit the websites to see what they have to say - and I've chosen to try Avast. Haven't installed yet - but am looking forward to it (lets see if I need the pro version). AVG has been noted as having FALSE POSITIVES, but that's the newer version 8.

So, we have FREE web browser with lots of functionality (love it much better than IE, looking forward to try Google's offering), not targeted by scammers, spyware, etc., because its not linked to your operating system. Free anti virus tools not targeted by trojans, etc - because they are not mainstream (Norton is the MOST attacked system out there), supports multiple platforms, and use less resources than those that are most common AND cost money.

Also, save up for a new computer - look at options like Dell Outlet for refurbished items. Bet by next Jan, Feb - the prices will go down.

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The Credit Scandal - Lehman goes Poop - WaMu Reassures (not me though)

Let's just say I and WAMU had a falling out over SEVERAL ways they messed with my disability direct deposits, how it was posted, and the way they calculated overdrafts for PURCHASES FOR THE SAME DAY.

Whew, long sentence. I have since moved on to a Local Credit Union. NO overdraft protection, and I can use my Savings Account for Overdraft if need be - something WamU would NEVER LET ME SET UP.

But enough with the ranting. Awhile back - MarketWatch told a story of not if, but when WaMu would fail. Along comes the mortgage crisis (hasn't it been here for awhile anyways?). They were part of it. They benefited from it. And now - they may sink because of it.

Late Thursday the nation's largest savings and loan institution releases 3rd quarter guidance and says it remains sufficiently capitalized as it returns to profitability. (via CNN - the following are excerpts)

After its stock price dropped 46% earlier this week, Washington Mutual sought to reassure the market by saying it has sufficient liquidity and capital to see it through these tough times.

The bank "continues to be confident that it has sufficient liquidity and capital to support its operations while it returns to profitability," it said Thursday in a statement revealing part of its third-quarter performance.

Investors fled WaMu earlier this week, fearing the bank might need a new capital infusion beyond the $7 billion it received from TPG, a private equity firm, in April. The share price dropped from $4.27 at Friday's close to $2.32 at the end of Wednesday, before recovering somewhat Thursday to finish at $2.83.

Retail deposit balances at the end of August stood at $143 billion, essentially unchanged from the end of 2007. The bank has been offering high interest rates in hopes of attracting more money.

Note: the Federal Reserve releases money to banks to enable deposit accounts. This portion is not related to the investment/corporate interest of the bank. Assets important to investors include capitol from Freddie and Fannie holdings, along with other investments held by the bank.


After Thursday's announcement, Fitch Ratings downgraded the company to BBB-, with a negative outlook, citing concerns about its ability to maintain its capital levels. "WaMu's most significant operating constraint in the intermediate term is maintenance of capital levels at sufficiently high levels to be considered well-capitalized by its regulators," the ratings agency said. "Fitch believes WaMu's ability to keep capital ratios at acceptable levels will largely hinge on how well it executes on previously announced expense saves and modest balance sheet reduction initiatives."

WaMu also holds preferred shares in Fannie and Freddie, The preferred stock was valued at $282 million on June 30th, 08.

WaMu announced it had entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Thrift Supervision, which was concerned about its risk management and compliance functions. The bank will now have to provide regulators with a multi-year business plan and forecast for its earnings, asset quality, capital and business unit performance.

BIG NOTE: Now is the time to rethink your priorities folks!!

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Lehman Brothers is for sale as Wall Street and financial regulators rush to salvage a once-thriving brokerage firm that's threatened by a potential exodus of clients and trading partners.

The Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve are helping with the sale, the Washington Post reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Nothing is finalized and there are several potential outcomes, but a deal is expected to be unveiled this weekend before Asian markets open Monday morning, the newspaper added.

Lehman shares slumped 42% to $4.22 on concern any sale of the firm will be at a knock-down price similar to the Bear Stearns bailout, which was brokered by the Treasury and the Fed in March. Lehman stock slumped another 18% to $3.45 in after-hours action.

The Treasury Department, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox and senior SEC staff are monitoring markets and are in contact regularly with market participants, a spokeswoman and spokesman said. They declined to comment specifically on Lehman. A Federal Reserve Bank of New York spokesman declined to comment.

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Another failure from the Mortgage Crisis? Or is this because the Stock Market is basically unsound on Principle?

Well, lets take a closer look here - re both WaMu and Lehman. Both are Corporate Entities, relying on profits to return to investors. Now - with a slumping economy, someone's bottom line has to go. But why these folks? Well, it doesn't really matter.

Once upon a time, we had a fixed standard of cash. But with a growing population, that would not be very prosperous (think of the booming 50's here). So the Feds deregulated money (especially during the Nixon era), and walla - we create money to fulfill the needs of deposit accounts.

Over the long term - this leads to excess cash. And, as it so happens, the top 1% have more cash than the bottom 15% of the population. However, to keep that top 1%, they need the rest of the population to FEED them (i.e., consume goods and services in some way). However, the gas prices soared (heaping the profits of otherwise top Corporations into the Oil Companies), and the dollar continued to devalue (since you can print it endlessly - this is bound to happen).

So we can't afford to feed them so much (i.e. the Mortgage Crisis - folks can't afford the homes, prices go down in the market, China and Russia pull their money out - the risk of using foreign countries/companies to hold your debt, and we have a self-perpetuating perfect credit storm).

As this progresses, other investors will pull out of different Markets (snarky comment - Walmart may be the last to go). Hank Paulson may try his best, but CHANGE is coming - I hope they can adjust as much as they wanted the general population to adjust to their investors' needs.

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