<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/PC-bought-2009.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5040" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/PC-bought-2009-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>My reliable PC has been serving me since I retired over 8 years ago and it is getting to the stage where I have to switch it on several minutes before I need it use it. I tend to use my Samsung Tab 3 for email and web browsing and I use the PC for photo manipulation and updating this website.

I mentioned to Clive that I'm getting to the point of upgrading but I couldn't face the hassle of setting up a new system and <a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NUC-computerjun18.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5043" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NUC-computerjun18-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>starting from scratch again. Before I knew Clive, generous as always, ordered a new mini computer (Intel NUC) for me. It has arrived courtesy of Amazon (where else) and is about one tenth the size of the current PC. I've been persuaded to load it with Linux instead of Windows and over the next twelve months I will learn how to use Linux with the intention of abandoning Windows altogether. Ever since Windows 8.0 arrived I've had my concerns that Microsoft is heading in the same direction as Apple - prescriptive, restrictive and programs (or should that be Apps) only available from the Microsoft store.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/desk-layoutjun18.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5042" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/desk-layoutjun18-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>I had doubts there would be enough room for both machines on the desk however I need not have worried because, as you can see above, the Intel NUC takes up very little space. Once I've added a new screen then it will require some desk reorganisation and it gives me a good reason to throw out or find a new home for some of the junk that sits there for no real reason other than I cannot be bothered to move it. Watch this space...

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/dead-washing-machinejun18.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5041" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/dead-washing-machinejun18-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>And my final piece of tech news concerns the Siemens washing machine. It was first purchased in 2006 and has given great service until last Friday when the drum didn't start. The laundry is piling up and I had to make a decision as to whether I try to get it repaired or buy new. If I buy new then what do I buy? I'm not good making decisions like this on my own, never had to in the past, anyway after some deliberation and reviewing Which? magazine I decided to buy a Samsung machine from AO.com. It will be delivered on Wednesday so I'll soon be walking around in clean underwear again ;-).