As college students, our places of residence are often so
impermanent and regulated that we can’t put holes in the wall
or even light candles. Throughout the constant uprooting, there are
certain possessions we cling to out of necessity, and perhaps
subconsciously, in an effort to create a sense of stability.
For me, my computer is that inanimate object that feels like
home.
Computers are like serious relationships ““ they know you
really well and have adapted to your traits. When you turn on your
computer, your most important documents and links are right there
on the desktop, with easy access. He knows what kind of music you
listen to and what you’ve been working on recently.
I have come to this conclusion because I recently freed myself
from a dysfunctional relationship ““ not with another person,
but with another operating system.
For over three years, I had been involved with a PC. We started
off fine; I was happy with my brand new Dell desktop, and he was my
trusty companion as I left home for UCLA.
But months before our one-year anniversary, my trusty PC
developed a virus when I opened a seemingly innocent e-mail titled
“pictures from my party.” There were no pictures
attached, only a nasty virus, which my computer deceitfully sent to
my entire address book.
I knew it was dangerous to open e-mails from unknown senders,
but the infected mail came from a friend, so I never suspected
harm. I thought I was protected. Norton Antivirus had been
installed for months, but I may have missed a few updates.
Almost instantly my computer prematurely ejected CDs, corrupted
documents, and alienated me from my friends and family by
subjecting them to possible infection.
I felt angry, betrayed and lost without my electronic partner.
It was finals and I had papers to write ““ how could he hurt
me when I needed him most?
We spent over a week apart as I handed my hard drive over to the
Student Technology Center and sat at the cold and impersonal PCs in
the computer labs.
When my computer returned to me, our relationship was a little
better but we suffered from communication problems.
He later downloaded spyware without asking for my approval. He
must have wrongly assumed we had an open relationship when he
invited other hardware to join us. I probably should have given up
then, but I held on to the hope that our relationship would be
healthy again, just like the good ol’ days.
I called all my PC gurus to come check out the problem, but no
one could cure my electronic ails. Around the same time, I started
getting serious with a Mac user. The more we hung out, and the more
time I spent in an all-Mac office, I realized I was slowly being
seduced into joining the other side.
By the end of summer, I decided that it was time to seriously
consider computer conversion. I wanted a laptop so I wouldn’t
be shackled to my desk in order to work, and I wanted a trusty
partner whose immune system would never be weakened by viral
infection.
I longed for an intuitive operating system and what can I say,
PowerBooks are just damn sexy. A sleek silver body with hot corners
and stylish attachments. I never thought I’d own an MP3
player, but my iPod had me at hello ““ and the rebate helped
as well.
I’m still in the honeymoon stage with my Mac. I call her
“my baby” and get nervous when she is left unattended
on a table or desk. I fear she will fall and suffer memory or
physical damage. I even had a nightmare that someone stole all my
information by way of soaking her in turkey juice.
I took my computer to meet the parents last weekend. And while
they were cordial, asked questions and seemed interested, it was
obvious they just didn’t love her as much as I do. But
that’s OK ““ she’s my partner and not theirs.
Enamored with my Mac, I often think about my PC relationship
gone wrong and wonder how I was so stupid to stay in a
dysfunctional relationship. Everything is clearer with a new memory
card, and I urge you to take the leap if you’re feeling fed
up.
So, PC people, I have some advice. If you start getting
frustrated with your computer, take a break. You can even see other
monitors in this period without feeling guilty. Spend the time to
test drive a different model, or ““ gasp ““ an opposite
operating system.
Bonos is the 2004-2005 managing editor. E-mail her at
lbonos@media.ucla.edu if you’re a Mac convert or you know a
generous Apple representative who can help pay off her credit card
bill.