DSN@Home : offline due to Unbuntu 7.1 updates (some 199 in all), no fix in sight ...

URL, for now
-- http://hireme.geek.nz/dsn-at-home.html

Computer project is running on:
http://www.thelinuxstore.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=1432&zenid=4sjdpp6q4h2v9m8jvp5diomo00
-- The computer is fine, however minimalist its design.
-- It is the software that is kaput.

Even though I have been Unix and Linux off and on for years, there is no Unbuntu or Debian related fix (editing a *.conf file) for this update problem.

I have no idea what update killed the network connectivity.
-- Network cards recognized OK, USB is OK.
-- DHCP seems to work.
-- The effects of more than one update can kill network connectivity.
-- Booting in autoconfig mode helps but does not fix the problem.
-- USB or Ethernet, no connection seems to work.

My last www connectivity problem was resolved by swapping USB net connection, as the Ethernet connection that should have worked just did not. WWW connectivity lasted until I updated the PC with the required 199 updates. I have not had connectivity (beyond 127.0.0.1) since.

Upgrading to:
http://www.ubuntu.com/testing/hardy/beta
... may actually be dangerous in this case.

+++ There is no CD/DVD-ROM on my MiniPC.
++ I have ZERO (1gb, 2gb or 8gb) FLASH memory cards.
+ I know of no utility to install *.iso (image files) to FLASH cards on my Vista PC.

================
Doomsday option
================
I have to consider trading my CPU for a new Mac OS X CPU.
It must have the Apple Care package.
HOWEVER, I do not have any spare cash -- and I can't afford Apple products.

== Bills ==
My current CPU has absorbed 3 months of liquid cash.

I have student loans equal to my current CPU cost. I also have other expenses nearly equal to my current CPU cost. Don't worry about these debit expense streams, I can pay them off by Fall 2008.
-- In essence buying another CPU is off, plain and simple. It cannot be done.

== Project rescue option ==
Is there anyone in Puget Sound that is interested in buying me a Mac for this project?
-- http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/index.html?q=98115
I don't believe any local Apple store in my region is interested in providing support to the distributed computing movement.
-- I considered the Mini Mac for the project, but (700 + 150) USD was way beyond what I could afford. Some memory upgrades would have added to the cost.

You can get my current CPU in return.
-- Future Unbuntu OSes probably will work fine on it, when upgraded with a FLASH memory card.

I am now convinced that you are on drugs mate
Hey, but good luck with that