Why the fuck do I fix computers?

So I fixed a coworker's computer. I did a decent job:

• tested the power supply, replaced it.
• Swapped the processor for a nicer one I had lying around.
• Did a lot of tests. Put a jumper on the power switch, then pulled it off to start the box. Yes, the on switch had fried.
• Set up the BIOS to start the box from a keyboard command.
• Replaced the RAM, got it to sing a CD-based Linux tune.

Then I found out the hard drive got fried by whatever fried the power supply and the on switch. That Soyo motherboard is a damn truck, I tell ya.

Total investment of money: $50 for a 300-watt power supply, $140 for two sticks of 256-MB RAM. The other CPU was lying around.

Now I have to go back to the owner and update yesterday's news with "You can either pay me for the parts and tell me to fuck off, gimme the box and call it even, or have me pop in a hard drive and get it running. I had no idea the hard drive was shot until last night. I can sort it all out, but I need cash to start the next part."

This is turning into a business. I feel weird doing this -- I'm good at it, and I'm still getting better. I stand in the shower once a week and think about opening a business. I couldn't pull off a full job from this because there isn't enough need for P2 & P3 resurrection.

Is there?

I feel a very visceral reward from fixing a computer. My heart heals. I feel like I did something. I can say "that box works!"

-you break 'em I heal 'em so am I a priest yet?

Per haka's request: a questionnaire

I have to admit I didn't plan to post one of these. I worry I'll get no responses and then I'll avoid LJ for another week. ( Time to face whatever happens: )