some things I’ve learned recently

1. Upgrading your operating system is never easy. My computer won’t start up anymore. 🙁
2. If you mount solid tantalum capacitors backwards you will get leakage current. The amount of leakage current is dependent on the voltage applied, the capacitor value, and the temperature. And, since they don’t have the same failure signature as electrolytic capacitors (loud pop and black scorch marks) it may take you a REALLY LONG TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT’S WRONG. So don’t do it.
3. If three fingers on your right hand are totally blue because your pen leaked and you didn’t realize it, people tend to take you less seriously.

3 Comments

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3 Responses to some things I’ve learned recently

  1. Peter

    Vista? Please say no . . .

  2. intrepidhero

    Vista? Heck no, I was upgrading from Edgy to Feisty Kubuntu. The upgrade got stuck somewhere in the middle and blew away my bootloader, graphics, and wireless drivers. I managed to reload everything except for the wireless driver last night.

    Now I was pretty ticked off at my favorite operating system after this happened but normally my experience with Ubuntu has been very good and I still recommend it to anyone wanting a free alternative to Windows. They even will send you an install cd for free. http://www.ubuntu.com/

  3. neal

    sorry to hear it. especially about the caps… if its any consolation, i feel your pain 🙂

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