More computer blues... My computer ranting continues...

I've finally reached the point where I'm coerced into using Microsoft OS, so that I can install Hysys for my design 2. I also wish to use powerpoint and adobe photoshop for my FYP presentation and poster, because in this case powerpoint and photoshop are indeed more superior to the open source Open Office Presentation and Gimp software.

BUT....... Sigh, I always find that we consumers are at the losing end. Even though we have freedom to choose our purchases, the business world is just evil and unethical... Companies paint an image for themselves as being fully supportive of their products, but really could care less about customers needs.

1. I was not given the ability to freely exercise my ENTITLEMENT of my copy of Windows Vista. I've paid fully for the laptop, which includes 1 Windows Vista license. BUT, when Widows Vista crashed and refused to startup because I installed Solaris Server on a seperate parition, I had NO CD with me to reinstall.
2. The much hyped back-up function, which was supposed to be an answer to the lack of an installation CD, FAILED.
3. When I called COMPAQ, was shocked to find out that the software warranty was ONLY 6 months. I was only told upon purchase that 'the warranty' was 1 year. Apparently that's just for hardware.
4. I'm told that I should have made a CD image upon inital purchase. NOBODY told me to do that. (And why must I bear the cost for the blank CD, time and effort when they could have simply included the installation disk?)
5. I am advised to bring down the laptop to COMPAQ for a reimaging of my hard disk to intial state at my own COST. Anyway this 'advice' really meant that I was going to LOSE all my current data, and the person didn't even bother to POINT OUT THAT IMPORTANT FACT.
6. After surviving on Ubuntu for 1 semester, I now find myself needing Windows OS due the above mentioned softwares I would like to use. The Windows emulator (WINE) doesn't seem to cut it... SO now I've finally installed Windows XP, and after much trouble got it to dual boot with Ubuntu. Windows is so idiotic that it readily overwrites the GRUB boot loader, so that my entire Ubuntu partition actually became inaccessible (scary!).
7. And now finally I realise, that I am unable to find a working XP driver for my Atheros AR242x 802.11abg Wireless PCI Express Adapter, which means I have NO wireless acccess whilst using XP. HP only has drivers for Vista.
8.Congratulations! (until I miraculously find a driver)

Conclusion: Laptops are sold to you to be used ONLY in the EXACT state you recieve them in. If you try and do ANYTHING at all, you are an idiot, and totally on your own. You can try and PAY someone to do this for you, but chances are they might concluded that it's not recommended / can't be done, and recommend another PURCHASE as an alternate solution. Microsoft, especially, loves to embrace this ideal. The only way out is to BUY their new product, simply because they MAKE the old one (or other software) obsolete, even though it is PERFECTLY FUNCTIONAL.

1 whole day wasted...

(This is what I think the route will be based on the crappy official route description)

OCBC route is out. Well, the route for the 40km category doesn't look too encouraging... It goes through the ECP PARK CONNECTOR! Those are roads designed more for 15-20kmh... And unlike the 50k category, the route goes through other roads which look to have potential side / cross traffic, which makes me suspect the presence of traffic crossings. I sure hope there won't be todlers, kids, joggers, skaters, cyclists etc at ECP between 7-8am on a sunday morning, or else some crashes may be inevitable.

Oh well. Guess I can't expect the same treatment since I'm paying $43 vs $125. But anyway as it stands now I'm just going there to be eaten alive. The start timings make it possible for the 50km guys to finish their ride, rest for 15mins and then do the 40km.