toadfrog -

I actually use Word97 on my Win98 machine - which is the machine I use most. I'll agree that, if you accept the default settings, it can look pretty miserable.

Every time you "upgrade," you have to turn off all the new trash to get a program you can work with - the way you want to work. (Tools - Options, and "uncheck" almost everything, usually, although with Word97 and later you may also have to disable some "wizards" and shut off some "autocorrect" functions.) I've run into quite a few people who like WP, mainly those who were "trained" on earlier versions. I don't have a problem with that - it's a good program, from all that I've heard. I haven't used it for several years, so I can't really comment on current versions - except to say that the professional word-smiths with whom I deal all hate it once they've learned to use Word. It's apparently a personal thing.

While I do have a LAN set up, and for that reason can't use the "Home" version operating system, my real distaste for the "toy" software comes from less experienced people who "just want to write a letter," or "keep track of their CD inventory," or other fairly simple stuff - that they can't do easily with the "Home" versions.

Maybe I'm the bad influence - because they never seem to think of these things to do until they see that I do them routinely.

SRS - The recommendation I intended was that - if you are getting a new machine, you should look at the one with the best pre-installed software. If you really want to improve things, you need to consider current versions of your "core" software, and it makes little sense to me to spend $600 for a "bargain" machine and $1200 for new software, if you can get the whole deal set up and running for anything less than $1800.

Win2K is a very good operating system, but it is too complex (in my opinion) for most of the people that I deal with to set up as a replacement system and get all the best features working. I'm not sure I'd want to try it for my own use - but that's academic as the only machines I have that could run it already have Win2K or XP Pro (pre-installed).

Even Micro$oft admits that there are no Win2K drivers available for some older hardware, although the situation seems to be improving. Drivers for peripherals come from the maker of the devices - not from Microsoft. That applies even to the drivers included on Mickey'$ installation disks - the peripheral manufacturer supplied them to Mickey to pass on to you. Since Win2K was intended as an "industrial strength" operating system, quite a few "consumer" device makers "didn't bother" to write drivers for their equipment.

The situation is considerably better for XP, since it's a "crossover" system for home and office users (cross-dresser may be a better term for the "Home" in XP disquise). Most peripheral builders have made XP compatible drivers - although you may still find old stuff that quits on you.

With package prices where they are now, I've found it more "rational" to get the new system with the software AND accessories I need, and divert the old one to one of those "backup" tasks (like letting houseguests play FreeCell, or running her 1200 horsepower Bernina stitcher).

No single "solution" works for everyone. The opening posts in this thread mentioned attractively priced hardware for the 'cat server. You can't get server software "packaged" by any discounters I've heard of - and I'm pretty sure Max is not going to be influenced by anything I've said, because he was apparently (3 years ago) "dead-on" for what met his our need.

Your mileage may vary similarly.

John