Mag, there are so many choices. You need to know what connection options are available (DSL, cable, phone company via fiber-optics), you can consider how you'll use your computer (what peripherals do you want to attach, like a scanner, backup drive, cameras, etc.) you can consider how much space you have for placing it (laptop versus desk top) and if you'll want to expand (extra hard drives, video cards, tv receiver, etc.). Do you have older software programs that contain data you want to continue to use in that proprietary domain (then don't get VISTA--it doesn't work with old software, but I would tell you not to get VISTA anyway. Stick with XP-Pro).

Send a PM with your email and I can line out a few of those things. 10 years old is way too old to do much of anything, let alone trying to keep data secure. That's the really scary part of using such an old machine. The abilities of that hard drive and the restrictions of that OS mean you can't do much of the new stuff with it. New computers are very affordable, but you can buy them on time if you want (Dell does that) or probably even on layaway (I think Sears and K-Mart do that now).

Meanwhile, I've done a lot of high-tech housekeeping and will still probably go ahead and get a new hard drive. I've also been consulting with the recipient of olddude's generosity. Alas, he has been down with the flu for a few days so is only now getting caught up on his work around the house. Tomorrow is computer setup day. It should be interesting!

I seem to have established a trend here, haven't I?

SRS