The CD tray slammed shut with a crack. Suddenly, the room smelled of ozone and melted plastic. Mateo’s prized collection of Limp Bizkit and Shakira mix-CDs began to smoke inside their jewel cases.

The Ghost in the Burner

Mateo, breathing heavily, pointed at the smoking crater of plastic and circuits. “Nero… wasn’t free.”

“You are the 1,000,000th visitor! You win a free laptop!” “Download Accelerator Pro required!” “Warning: Your PC has 4,582 viruses.”

Or maybe 2005. Time moved differently when you were stuck with dial-up internet and a PC that sounded like a lawnmower.