I have a Sony 5-CD Changer (carousel style). When the unit is unplugged and I tip the unit forward the tray falls open. When I put CD's in it they will play, but the moment I try to open it to put in a new CD it won't let me. The thing is about 7 years old. Is it worth it to try to fix it or is it just a pile of metal to throw out?

Betsy, thanks for the rec. for Process Explorer. I like it.

Wolfram, thanks for the rec. for Gaim. I don't often launch an IM app., but I am more likely to now. I couldn't remember the password that went with my old AOL screen name , so I couldn't use that, but the process of generating a new ID was surprisingly painless.

beathen, sounds like the machine is ripe for tinkering/experimentation/dissection (and if it's lucky, you'll do it in that order). Best case, you find a better work-around than unplugging it and tipping it every time you want to change disks. Worst case, you have to replace it anyway.

So, talked to the IT lady today (we're a small company, we have two IT people), and she said that no, I couldn't use my flash drive with Windows NT. The good news is, I will be able to use it when we upgrade to WinXP. The bad news is, that's not planned for at least six months. But she did suggest that I could use it on a coworker's laptop...of course, if I had a laptop, I wouldn't NEED to bring files between there and home.

So what makes GAIM better than Trillian again?

I think GAIM works with Linux and Trillian doesn't.

eta: Perhaps with MAC as well, but I have Linux, so paid more attention to that. See info at [link]

Another multi-IM alternative is Miranda [link] Unlike GAIM, it's a native Windows application so may perform better on older hardware.

Support for various IM protocols can easily be added [link]

So what makes GAIM better than Trillian again?

Just from personal experience, Trillian always seemed to have trouble with some of the protocols especially Yahoo but also AIM. Since I've used GAIM, only once have I had to download a newer version to fix a problem with Yahoo and never had a problem with AIM. And it's going on 7 months now.

Thanks for the advice, dcp. I mostly want to tinker/experiment/dissect it (which is why I have it). I've called around to shops in my area and the cost of professional repair is more than what it's worth. Oh well.

A modem/router question:

I've just cancelled my Verizon DSL service, which has been fraught with account mix-ups and outages and what not. I've subscribed to Comcast cable high speed internet service--the cable guy is supposed to come this Saturday to install the modem & what-have-yous.

One thing I did like from the Verizon people was this elegant all-in-one modem/router they provided me with, called Westell Versalink 327W--a small, sleak black device you plug into your phone jack, and it serves as a modem AND a wireless access point. I'm wondering if there is an equivalent one-in-one device for cable? 'Cause I'll be renting a modem from Comcast at $5/month, and I need to buy a new wireless access point/router anyway, so if I can buy a device that can fill in both capacities, then I don't have to pay the rent for the modem to the cable people.

Quick internet search is not giving me any love, unfortunately. There *is* this device called SMC 8013WG cable modem/router that looks similar to what I'm looking for, but no one seems to carry the damn thing (well, I found one at eBay, but I'd rather buy it locally so that I can return it in case of difficulties.)

Vonnie,

we have comcast. Do you have a Best Buy near you? We got a comcast cable modem for free (after rebates) if I promised to sign up with Comcast. I called and scheduled the appt, then 2 days later went to Best buy and "signed up" for service and got the rebate.

We also got a rebate for a router.

Is this a doable activity for you?