This problem has been *already* been solved. Many times over. Since computers were invented. By NASA, by the Military, by safety critical industries. Seek education in their solutions.

OK, I'll "bite". "C" is quite the most disastrous so-called "language"[1] ever to become popular. Why? It's total lack of marshalling over record boundaries in memory have cost the globe at least several 100 trillion dollars in viruses, damages, fornicate-ups, interminable repairs/patches, Trojans, injuries, deaths, et cetera. That alone is enough to relegate this incurable abortion of a syntactical nightmare to the bit-bucket, if not Spandau prison. Have at it, you "C" devils. ___________________________ [1] Designed for punch-card use, brevity & conservation of card-space were essential. It thereby became an impenetrably terse & line-break free mess. All calculated to save IBM punched cards. And the syntax is dangerously ambiguous, all over the shop. Don't get me started on the monumentally bone-headed notion that CASE statements should cascade through without a BREAK clause! I mean. What total idiot "thought" that this would be a great idea?

I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiment about perversely curt languages. 1) Your 'FORTRAN' = example is highly flawed. It would read: IF (X.EQ.Y) ... No assignment confusion at all. 2) VB.NET is the answer to most of your woes. Not C#, as it suffers far too much from the legacy of the dreadful C & C++ abortions.

Laying it on another side will not harm it, nor materially affect the sound. The only thing that you might take into account is to mechanically isolate it from hard surfaces, using either stick-on rubber feet, or placing it on a sticky mat. (It will vibrate itself from a piece of carpet or suchlike.) You can even place it under a sofa or bed without detracting from the audio.

Utter Silence. No-one can hear you scream in white-space.

CDC3300

Australian English FORTRAN IV

SQL Server

I vehemently disagree with the "4 screens is pushing it". I have 4 x 24" screens, and find myself wishing for two more, because I can be far more productive in Visual Studio. The more screens, the merrier!

The best way to stop being interrupted is to be self-employed. This is a SERIOUS response, by the way. If your "boss" is giving you shite, then start your own firm. Simples.

I find that anti VB.NET zealots are useful: 1) I know not employ them. 2) I can use VB to make and sell successful products without their "competition". 3) They give me great amusement in their twisty attempts to justify their biogtry!

Submit your resumé.

Would have been obvious in VB.NET.

Been doing it since 1978. Old news.

Good. I don't need the competition.

I very reluctantly tried VS2012 on a test machine, and after half an had decided that I adored it. I installed it on my development machine, and have no regrets.

Another good reason to buy SQL Server, or ORACLE, etc. Anyone who relies on MySql to run their vital business infrastructure deserves no less than burning at the stake.

Slacker habit, is my guess.

Hewlett-Packard Rocky Mountain BASIC.

FORTRAN IV, 1972