Kludges have been a big part of how we got from back there to here. I've often wondered how much tech we've got now was made possible by necessity. You know, those 3 AM sessions driven by desperation, dangerously high intakes of caffeine and hard-won experience. Grabbing assorted mis-matched parts to build something that actually worked .

A lot of geeks would hate the mess I've got for a computer, and love it at the same time. It's a collection of parts from half a dozen defunct computers, works, reasonably stable, does what I need it to. And yes, I have a box of odd components under my bed. A quick glance, several CD-Rom drives, floppy drives, one tape drive (which XP will not recognize.) assorted memory sticks, from 16MB PC66 to one lone 256 DDR2400. Other odds n ends. I had to dispose of the collection of old computers due t space restrictions, I must have had five or six.

Having an old computer or two sitting around reminds me of the guy that has two Ford Galaxies, a Duster and a VW Bug sitting in his backyard- all with grass skirts. Must be time for a Budweiser...

Wonder if having a couple of old boats counts as the same thing?