You know when you turn your computer on, and you may hear a *beep* as it 'wakes up'? Well, recently, mine didn't. Screen stayed black, no *beep*, nothing.
At all.
Rather sucky, yes? Especially since I had all of my past dA stuff on it, including things I had taken down,, and stuff I was actually working on. So, yes, I lost it ALL. Including my desktops (now, THAT hurt!). What to do, what to do...
Well, after using library equipment  for a time, I decided to just research a new one. But, even though my job's going well, I wasn't able to shell out lots of money for something, so I broke down, and looked at reconditioned ones. Luckily, my somewhat-local computer store deals in reputable gear, so I checked into them. And, LO! Here it is! Pre-loaded Windows XP, 40 GB, Pentium 4...maybe not top-of-the-line, but I'll take it.
Keyboard & mouse included, for $70.
Not bad, I'd say...