I'm really sick of my 10 year old 'puter which is still on dial up; I think it's time I upgraded; I can't even get any folk shows anymore.

What does anybody recommend?

Can I get a laptop from a box store 200 miles away and use it at home? What is the best (cheapest) way to get broadband in my home? How easy it it to shift everything into a new machine?

Or can I haul the whole thing to a (good) shop and get them to do it for me?