John,

Trouble with buying pre-installed software in a new computer--upgrading to a better operating system frequently eliminates access to the software. My dilemma, becase the old Windows ME (remember that stinker?) was so guttless, kept crashing all of the time, etc., was that in switching to Windows 2000 Professional it wouldn't recognize my software to run the CD burner or to play DVD's on that drive (though it will read CD's). I put in a dual platform to keep the stuff that operates my drives and I do my burning of CD's and viewing of DVD's over on ME. The rest of the time (and where the default is set) is spent on the NT (Win2000) side. But as you say, buying the individual programs, even at the academic rate that I get through my university employer, gets expensive.

I'm thinking about building a computer for the kids. Has anyone done that lately? I have a Fry's Electronics nearby, with all of the cases and motherboards and drives you could possibly want. The other option is to buy a package HP (I have one already and like it) at CompUSA or at Sam's. Any thoughts? (By the way--you can take an unopened system with the receipt from wherever you bought it into CompUSA and they will sell you an extended service agreement. I have used mine, and find it one of the few "extended warranty" packages I am willing to purchase.

SRS