Upgrade

Stage one is complete. Late last week I decided I wanted another long weekend (one just isn't enough) so I took tomorrow and Friday just gone off. As part of this I decided it was time to upgrade my PC as it was getting a bit old. Plus I wanted to play Medieval II: Total War and my computer only barely made the specs. So on Tuesday I decided to look into what I'd need, and for the most bang for my buck it was more RAM and a new Video Card. Did some research and found 1 gig of ram from umart for 135 (not sure if it's a good price, but couldn't find the 2 gig I was after) and found a Radeon 9600 Pro for $90 online as well. I currently have a 9600 SE and from the reviews the Pro (with 124 more RAM) is almost twice as good. So for around $240 I've now got a system that runs the game I want. It's good to have goals :) Currently not in possession of the graphics card, but I have installed the RAM. Surprisingly easy, clip out the old one, move it across to the add on bit and then clip in the new one. So that's stage one. Stage 2 tomorrow will involve the new graphics card. I have the drivers for it already (it is 3 years since it was released after all) so it should be good.

There are a lot of other things happening as ewll, but that's the most important thing. I have managed to get addicted to a board game called Settlers of Catan (or something similar) but the best thing about the game is just how even it is. There is always one winner, but if you go in with the right attitude you can take enjoyment out of the game wherever you find it. Lots of fun. Of course, I'm winning a fair bit so that helps :)

Anyway, back to defeating the Scots and the French. I've successfully bankrupted the Scots, so although their capital is still under seige and not technically mine, even if they (somehow) win the Battle of Edinburgh my second armor will beseige them again leading to instant victory. Then the rest of the British Isles will come under my dominion and from that solid base it's time to strike out at the continent....should be fun :)