OK, thank you all beyond measure!

I've taken it all in (well as much as my addled brain allows) and in the end I think Jon's advice is a good one about leaving it be for the moment,and letting my friend know what I've discovered...especially about Window ME, since I agree that it's time for him to consider upgrading to either XP, or (I would love it) Linux.

And thank you SRS and John and Sigurd for being so patient and offering so much good information! I adore Mucatters!!

..xx..e