Unshaving a yak


Well, Microsoft Malware (Windows 10) accomplished its assigned task speedily. MM is designed to OBSTRUCT all normal computer activity and DESTRUCT the computer. It works better than most off-brand malware.

Back in December I went through a true yak-shaving process to "solve" a "problem" that turned out not to be a problem. I kept the yak (new computer with Microsoft Malware) because I've been in the middle of work and didn't want to gamble on UNshaving the horrible thing. MM was fighting me with every keystroke, taking 5 times as long to do EVERY SINGLE FUCKING THING, and constantly grinding grinding grinding grinding grinding grinding the HD. I tried all the tricks to get rid of the worst parts of the malware, but they kept returning. Nurse Ratched WILL NOT ALLOW you to get around her rules.

This morning the new computer started emitting a CLUNK sound every minute or so. I fiddled with the acoustic foam to see if it was somehow related to the case, but it was clearly coming from the HD. The grinding grinding grinding had done its job.

So I went ahead and UNshaved. Brought the old Win 7 computer back to the desk, switched all the cables over, and copied the backup USB. Strict daily backup discipline paid off. Absolutely everything I need for work was on the USB. There are a few 'recreational' files that didn't get backed up, but if I really want them I can either download or remake them easily.

TREMENDOUS RELIEF. Now the computer is MINE again, which was SUPPOSEDLY THE WHOLE FUCKING POINT OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS. Now everything happens INSTANTLY again, which was SUPPOSEDLY THE WHOLE FUCKING POINT OF COMPUTERS UNTIL WINDOWS 10 RESTRICTED COMPUTERS TO PENCIL-AND-PAPER SPEED.

Online videos run smoothly again, without stuttering and infinite audio echoes. Offline processes like editing text and looking for files happen instantly instead of taking 20 seconds for every action.

It's like walking through deep mud for several months and then returning to clean dry pavement.
  ¶ 10:15 AM