I've realized I treat "Methuselah" my ancient computer, like a Household God:
1) Bow to it before turning it on
2) Burn incense to it to mollify its cranky spirit
3) Thank it when I get off for not being too finicky--and hope it'll behave next time.

I treat Methuselah gently and don't ask much of it--some things it just will not do, and I don't push it.

If a visitor asks to use it, I lie and say it's not working, because this is the unvarnished truth--Methuselah doesn't like strange fingers on his keyboard or something--and every time anyone but myself uses it, I wind up having to pay a tech to come to the house to get it working again.

All I want is for the confounded thing to sit there and snooze and not plot mischief while I'm not using it. (Like tonight for instance, when it's being really finicky.) That's not too much to ask, is it?

susil