Well knowing what linespeed you are getting is useful. I get 6000 and above but my issues arose when I saw I was getting even less than your 1246kps.

So based on the info in the posts above, I guess I'd be looking at a full backup of all key docs, erasing the HD and going through the usual process of reinstalling your OS and key apps.

My personal preference for Antivirus has always been TrendMicro having originally worked with it in a government health network context. My experience with the PC version on laptops and stand alone machines has had a similar consistency and reliability in performance with no software incompatibilities with Microsoft OS's. The user interface is better than some of the others as well (especially McAfee). I'm sure other people will differ but that's how I see it.

On the other hand, I also have a long history of Mac owning and use so I have a good basis for comparison. The Mac wins hands down when it comes to not being sabotaged by viruses and trojans and wasting time troubleshooting peculiar OS behaviours or trying to recover/recreate key documents.

That's not to say there aren't any bugs targeting Macs and you still need to use some sort of virus protection. I am useing Intego Virus Barrier X5 (although I hate the design of the user interface as well), it seems to do the job. The main virus infections that it picks up are those attached to documents sent to me from people working on PC's. Fortunately they don't affect the Mac OS but just like safe sex I don't want to pass on anything to other users.

That aside from the perspective of a comparison of operating systems and ease of use and maintenance, your son is right, the Mac is definitely a better option.

You'd need to weigh up the costs in terms of additional software though, depending on what work you do and whether or not you need main stream Office or Adobe type software or are happy to go the open source/shareware route.

If you were in Australia I'd be happy to lend you a Mac to try out, I have a few spare ones lying about. Do you know anyone in your area/country who could lend you one to work with for a while?

Anyway, good luck with finding a solution Barbara.

Cheers,

Andre

PS: PC's and Macs each have their own pluses and minuses depending on individual computing needs and I'm not going to buy into that tired old debate with other 'catters reading this thread.