TY guys...for taking the time to explain in (somewhat) plain speak.

I've honestly never heard a bad thing about Dells unless I was on here, in another thread, and the preference discussion got going. I was always told that the a brand name on a computer is like a personal preference in a car. If you like Fords you'll down Chevy's...and vice-versa.

I take all the advice, insight and personal stories I get here and weight them carefully. I won't ever try to disagree with you unless I know to what I speak.

As to buying a used puter to save money...it's not an issue. It's like life/health insurance to me, to purchase the best and get only what I need. With computers...I don't understand what all the "bells and whistles" are...but if I am going to need them someday I want to have that option now instead of having to purchase more to upgrade later.

I don't want to overspend for no good reason but I don't want less just to save money either. I want to grow with this new computer and I want it to grow with me. I want it to be able to help me as I learn as well.

BTW...Windows ME is obsolete as far as Windows Update is concerned. Vista is the newest of the new. Someday XP will be obsolete as well. Couldn't being new be a good thing too?

I'll take heed of your advice about XP and Vista...but I need to do more research.

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~