A lot of people who have been upgrading there operating software to the new XP be very careful if you are into gaming on the net. Microsoft staff has a problem with it for any kind of gaming on the net. It also seems to be a battle of who is responable for getting the problem fix. Dosn't matter if you have a Dell or not, just keep this in mind.

Ron, of course I will use the new computer for travel postings. If you read my first post (which was deleted) you'll see that one of the reasons I want a home computer is because I love this forum. I have posted travel questions and answers here on the U.S. forum since 1999, under another name.
As far as the latest on the computer saga, before I could ship up the laptop, I received from the tech people a revised cd and floppy and when I loaded it this afternoon, everything worked. I am not on the new laptop b/c I am still not hooked up to the internet.
Some of you asked why I didn't go with Dell. Price. Maybe I've made a mistake, but for less than $385., I have an operating laptop, albeit refurbished, heavy and clunky. In the original post, someone referred me to MySimon. Many reviewers said Dell's tech support has declined.
I have a great computer at work, so I mainly needed a home computer to email family and surf the web. I'm not into burning CDs, graphics, or anything remotely advanced.
Regardless of my choice, I truly appreciate the many posters that offered advice. That's what I love about Fodors. Now Danny, please don't get out you censor wand.