Tuesday, December 26, 2006

My holiday started with the dreaded Blue Screen

If you have a PC and you've ever had the dreaded Blue Screen, you know what that means.

Bad, bad stuff. Bad stuff for the computer. Very bad.

So, yes, last Friday morning, I got up and came over to my computer to log in and do my daily blog entry, and I had the Blue Screen.

It's a pretty color blue, cobalt--don't get me wrong--but all that unexpected white gibberish-looking error messages told me my computer was very sick.

And it was. Is. Actually, it is. There's no cure for what ails it.

I managed to get my data off (thank goodness), for even though I have a backup system, something had gone wrong with that and it hadn't backed up since December 18. Eeek!

But, the happy news is, I have the data.

The bad news is: I either have to reformat my hard drive (which will be the second time in two years) or...get a new computer. Which is just as much of a pain as reformatting a hard drive (reinstalling everything, setting my preferences, bookmarks [for all the blogs I like to haunt] and other stuff).

But at least with a new computer, I get to have fun with it being new. It'll be faster and cleaner and sleeker.

And my husband, my computer geek brother, and my sister's cool martial-arts-expert S.O. all think I should get an iMac. So. I'm really considering it.

Anyway, that's why I haven't been blogging or surfing blogs since last Friday. Between the broken computer and the holidays, I just haven't had the chance.

But I'm back.

And in some places, my book is on the shelves at the bookstores!! Jaci Burton sent me a picture of my book on the new in paperbacks section at the Borders in Tulsa! Completely unexpected--after all, the release date isn't officially until next Tuesday. (You can see my covers next to Jaci's shoulder and her book, Surviving Demon Island, on the bottom row, second from the left--the orange ones.)

But I'm not complaining!

And sassymonkey tells me she got her copy, which she ordered from Chapters in Canada, last Saturday!

So it's out there. Already. Wow.

But if you're out and about at bookstores, look for Jaci's book. I have a copy to give away this week, signed by Jaci, and I'll be posting about it tomorrow. So stay tuned.

Now...off to check prices on iMacs.

It would be a tough transition. I've been a PC girl forever. I'm pretty computer savvy. But, man, that iMac is looking better and better all the time.

What do you have? iMac or PC? What would you have if you had your druthers?

19 Comments:

Blogger Trish Milburn soliloquized...

Oh, the dreaded blue screen of death. Ugh!

I've worked on Macs at work, but have always had a PC at home. Each has its pros and cons.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 4:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous soliloquized...

I turned up my nose at Macs for years, then about four years ago, I finally had enough with the Blue Screen of Death and the never-ending problems with my PC. I made the switch to an iBook and haven't regretted it once. I can't imagine ever going back to a PC.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 5:25:00 PM  
Blogger Jana DeLeon soliloquized...

oh no - I was hoping it was something you could fix. I have a pc but it's only because I don't want to bother with mac software then converting items for usage with pc (which most everyone else has) and the fact that I work for a web-based software company makes it harder for me to have a mac and work from home.

However, macs have a much, much better operating system with far less flaws and issues.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 6:03:00 PM  
Blogger Lara Adrian soliloquized...

(((Colleen))) Sorry about your computer! I hope you get a fabulous new one (even if it's a Mac :-P).

But in way better news, hurray about THE REST FALLS AWAY!! Great picture, huh? Very cool that it's got nice placement in Tulsa--lookin' good, girl! Out here in New England, they didn't have it shelved yet, so I'm thinking they were adhering to the laydown date of Jan 2 (because they did have other Jan releases out early). I'll keep my eyes peeled, and let you know when I spot it. Can't wait to get a real, live copy of Victoria's fantastic debut! Soon, sooooon!!!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 6:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous soliloquized...

*grin*

I was almost as excited finding your book in Borders today as I was seeing mine there. It's an author thing *g*

Ugh on the blue screen of death.

Let me know about the Mac. I've been a PC users for years but I've had it up to HERE with crashes and the like. My son bought a Mac a year ago and he said it hasn't crashed once. Not...once. He loves it and he says he'll never go back to a PC. So I'm pondering the next purchase being a Mac.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 6:55:00 PM  
Blogger Megan Frampton soliloquized...

We're just about to switch from PC to Mac...just tired of all the concern about virii. And I want the iPod to truly communicate with the computer, and those two speak the same language.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 11:02:00 PM  
Blogger Sparky Duck soliloquized...

yeaaa more contests!

booo the blue screen, no matter how soothing it may look

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 11:41:00 PM  
Blogger Stacy~ soliloquized...

OH, I think my next one will be a Mac.

I planned on stopping @ the bs tonight - I'm glad I checked your blog - I'll be looking for your book!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 7:47:00 AM  
Blogger Zeus soliloquized...

I am so excited for you! That must be such an amazing feeling to have your book out there. I can only imagine what that must be like!

I hope you had a restful and happy holiday regardless of the computer illness. I am sure with the official release coming quickly, you'll need all your wits about you!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 10:48:00 AM  
Blogger Carl V. Anderson soliloquized...

I'm a dyed in the wool PC man...but then again I play PC games, many of which don't come out for the MAC.

That is so cool about your book and that picture makes me feel very nostalgic as I lived in Tulsa for 11 years (moved to KC in 98) and have been in that Borders many times! Congrats, so glad your book is getting out early!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 11:41:00 AM  
Blogger Angela/SciFiChick soliloquized...

Hope you had a great holiday!

Macs are so much better! I have 2 at home, an iMac and Powerbook. I have to deal with a PC at work and hate it.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 11:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous soliloquized...

(((Colleen))) about the computer but WOO HOO about your book being on the shelves!!! :)

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 12:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous soliloquized...

Oh go for the Mac. I am thinking about the same thing myself. Eyeing up the new MacBooks.

Congratulations on the book being out. I can't wait to pick up a copy.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 1:15:00 PM  
Blogger Heather Harper soliloquized...

I would love to have a Mac, but they are sooo expensive. I'm a PC girl, but maybe, just maybe, one day I'll be cool enough to hang with Justin Long.

He's the real reason I want one. ;)

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 5:02:00 PM  
Blogger Jackie soliloquized...

WOOT! Your book looks SO terrific -- congratulations on the early release! Can't wait to get my copy! ((Jackie glares at empty mailbox))

And me, I'm a Mac gal through and through. I LOVE my Mac. I have a Mini right now, but I'll probably have to get a laptop for when I start traveling. (Hey, will you be at RT?)

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 7:01:00 PM  
Blogger The Cosmic Kid soliloquized...

Sorry to hear about your PC, but after all, it's bound to happen. My family has been fully Mac for about 4 years now. Our bussiness is 80% run with Macs, and I inhereted my dad's Powerbook G4 when he passed away, and it's still ticking almost 3.5 years after being purchased. Switching from PC to Mac is super easy once you get your settings the way you like them and such. After the first few days, it'll be smooooooth sailing. I will never purchase a PC again, and I try to preach their goodness wherever I go. My family has helped 10+ people/families make the switch, and no one has complained once to us.

Their now 99% compatible with PCs, and you can even run Windows on Mac now. And with those new Intel chips, their smokin' fast. GO FOR IT!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 8:41:00 PM  
Blogger Booklogged soliloquized...

I've owned and used Macs for years. The computer I have now is a PC. Give me a Mac any day!

Mac's old Clarisworks was one of the best programs ever, unfortunately they changed it to Appleworks a few years back and I don't think it is as good.

It's pretty thrilling to see your book on the shelves of bookstores. I haven't had the chance to tell you how much I enjoyed it. The Rest Falls Away held my interest until the last page. Can't wait for the next 'blue' cover to come out. You have written a winner, Colleen.

Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:31:00 AM  
Blogger MJFredrick soliloquized...

We have two iMacs and an iBook. Our first computer was a Powerbook. I heart Macs.

I saw your book at Borders, but not Jaci's!

Thursday, December 28, 2006 8:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous soliloquized...

How exciting to see the book in stores!!

Sunday, December 31, 2006 12:34:00 AM  

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