Hello and best wishes to all that venture in to the wonderful world of these contraptions called computers.

     My name is Jay Lacher and I must admit that I have never bought a brand new computer. My first computer was an Atari 400 that I bought from my mother when she wanted to upgrade to a stronger machine. She called me one day to come over and look at her "new toy". She showed me a game called Star Raiders and I was lost to the real world from then on. Once I got her original system I began to play -- and I literally mean play. Computers quickly became things to play with and see how I could make them do what they weren't supposed to be able to do. This was well over thirty years ago. On this first machine I didn't even have a floppy drive. My storage device was a cassette tape deck.

     Then I discovered the fact that I could make changes to the system that I had. I thought that I was lost before,� now I knew I was. Since that discovery I have been building the perfect computer and figure that I will still be doing so thirty plus from now.

     We'll skip over a quarter century and then some to what I am doing now,� which happens to be the exact same thing. I still strive to find ways to make these mysterious boxes do what they are not supposed to be able to do. I am now retired but still like to help others.

     I was awarded Microsoft's MVP (Most Valuable Professional) status in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Not too terrible for someone that is 100% self taught.

     I truly hope that I am able, in some small way, to make your experience with these strange boxes an easier and more fulfilling one.

Click the arrow to meet Steve Boots.