In some ways, the reset of Windows was a success. It got rid of a lot of junk I’d collected over the years on my current PC, and now I’m just installing stuff as I need or use it, resulting in a leaner, tidier system. This pleases the OCD side of me.
But in other ways, it has not really helped, which makes me believe my issues are either hardware-related, a result of some weird software interaction, or a manifestation of minor and probably bored demons.
- The wallpaper issue, which I was relatively sure the reset would resolve, continues unabated. Sometimes the wallpaper changes to one I used last winter (always the same one, which seems like it should be a clue) and the past two mornings it’s just changed to a solid colour (also the same colour).
- Diablo 2 crashed upon exit. So much for stability! At least it didn’t take down the entire system.
I suppose I should be happy this is all I’ve encountered so far in terms of bugs or glitches. But I am in a position now that would have been unthinkable in the olden days: If I could do everything in Linux–yes, Linux!–I would ditch Windows. But alas, I cannot.
I’d also switch full-time to a Mac, which comes tantalizingly close to doing everything, but still sucks for gaming. It’s getting a little better, though. Good enough for me? Probably not. Plus, Apple locks things down way more than I like.
Anyhoo, I have installed more stuff:
- PowerToys (I started to miss some of its features)
- Vivaldi (which will be my Chromium-based alternate browser for now)
- Stella (an Atari 2600 emulator I’d been mucking around with just prior to the re-install)
- Diablo 3 (I know, I know)
- Diablo 2 (technically it was still installed, the battle.net launcher just couldn’t “see” it)
- EarTrumpet, which allows me to better manage multiple audio sources
Also at the suggestion of a gaming pal, I bumped up my mouse DPI from 1600 to 3200. It definitely takes less movement to do stuff, which is good. I am still overshooting a bit, but will hopefully adjust. I’m still trying new things, look at me! Maybe I’ll get into metal next.
Haha, no.