Understanding and using new software programs (or any new technology) does not come easily to me. It took me a long time to learn to use some of the Excel features, and I still have to take the 'long way round' when I need to do a task that I don't often have to complete. I have learned to do what I need to do with the MS Works Suite, and am inclined to stay with it, even if I have to pay for it. But I didn't know there was free antivirus software available, or that good photo editing programs were available as freeware.

What is a middle-of-the-roadish processor speed for Pentium and also for AMD. Is a dual core processor worth paying for if I'm not interested in gaming or significant multimedia applications?

Janie