Nerd alert!

As many of you know I am studying for my next certification exam, which will be in networking. I am reading a textbook that is over 600 pages in length, and I have a set of CD ROMs with 12 hours of lectures on the subject... I actually enjoy this stuff!

Anyhow, I understand the logic behind networks, and how they work, but I have no hands-on experience. It's all been theory to me so far. So, yesterday (after months of wanting to do this) I went out and bought some equipment. The first thing that I was excited about was the fact that I saved a bunch of money by shopping around. I did some research on the internet, and then drove all over east Phoenix looking for the best prices. I found them (the best prices, that is) at Fry's Electronics. The router I bought alone was $20 cheaper there than at other stores I had looked in. With the money I saved I bought some additional equipment and $92.00 later came home feeling like a kid at Christmas.

I sat down and read all of the manuals (like the anal retentive guy that I am) and then set it all up. The good news: I got both of my computers on line simultaneously using one NAT IP address, and was able to send/receive and browse the internet. The bad news: I have yet to get my two computers to see each other and communicate. I'm sure it's something simple that I forgot to do, and with a little research I'll get it figured out. But in the meantime I'm thrilled.

The router I bought also came with a wireless access point, so I set up a wireless connection with my ooooolllllddddd laptop (a 2000 model Sony VAIO which originally came loaded with Windows 98, and only has 192mb RAM). The darn thing worked, too! I was amazed. When I was a computer tech half of my calls were from frustrated people who couldn't get their wireless connections to work- I got mine up and running on the first try. That actually surprised me.

So, for those of you who may have been concerned that I wasn't doing enough "geek" stuff lately, rest assured I am getting closer and closer to putting tape on my glasses (I don't even wear glasses) and buying a pocket protector!

Happy New Year everyone.