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Comment by kop316 | Hacker News Reader

That was my reaction too. Maybe I just work much more in hardware, but if I came across that issue, I would have just pulled out the wires for the switch and soldered a new one on there.

Is there something I am missing?

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Well the part you're missing is that if these folks were anything like me and just pure software people they probably pronounce it "soul-der" and would look at a soldering iron with deep concern and confusion.

Seriously, I have no idea how to solder so it wouldn't even come to mind.

This is why I think CS degrees should require at least EE 101 or Computer Engineering 101. Soldering is such a basic skill that is super valuable. And it's not hard:

1. Plug in soldering iron

2. Wait

3. Touch tip of iron to metal you want to fuse with 1 hand

4. Touch solder to tip of iron with other hand

5. Remove iron once desired amount of solder has melted into place

It only takes an hour or two to go from solder noob to pro.

It wouldn't help me very much lol, I have a philosophy degree.

Let your degree define what you can do. Never let it define what you cannot do.

I'm a mathematician, doctor of philosophy, and my mom taught me to solder at around age 10. I've done some embedded systems work that involved etching my own PCBs and soldering circuits...

I agree with the other comment! The best time to learn is now. You're never too old.to learn about how all of this works.

Oh I agree, but I've never really been a hardware tinkerer though... that's not what I get enjoyment from so I don't really think about that stuff too much.

I'll probably pick it up eventually... maybe.

Side note, Soul-der is the correct pronunciation in the UK (and I believe also AU/NZ).

I know a guy who used a machine with case off, and turned it on by touching the power button legs with a screwdriver...

I did that for a couple of days when the power button cable was just too short to reach the header.

No solder needed, the front power switch plugs in to the motherboard using a typical DuPont 0.1" connector.

The odds of knackering something else on an irreplaceable machine while you're in there. Yes, it's small. No, it's probably not worth the risk.

Just that it's funny

Fair enough. I should probably just enjoy a story for a story.

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