Corinne wrote:

Thank you so much for this helpful info. I have received lots of good
advice, but don't want to bore this group with thanking each one
individually, so later I will send one to everyone together. Great
group, but you asked a question so I will try to answer it.

My computer is eight years old, and I love it. My thinking is that I am
still using Windows 98, and Microsoft (as you know) is no longer
offering free updates.

Several people have told me that this opens me up to getting viruses,
and thus, passing it onto others, which I definitely do not want to do.

My first plan was to purchase Windows XP Home Edition and install it,
but a friend told me this machine is not capable of doing that. Plus,
he felt it was a waste of money to purchase Windows XP HE when I could
buy a new machine with it already installed.

So, I am in the market for a new computer.

From what I have written, do you still think it is smart for me to hold
off for another year or so.

Thanks again.

Corinne

Windows updates are probably about as reliable as having windstorm
insurance..for sure, have a firewall and antivirus. Eight years is
pretty old for a hard drive and if you have artwork you don't want to
risk losing, might be a good investment to buy an external hard drive
for backup. They are not expensive.