I too had to get rid of the "free" Norton software that came with the most recent computer. I think that the success of Norton and other ultra-hyped software of similar nature is the result of "tests" done by PC Magazine, PC World and similar publications. I just searched PC Magazine's Reviews for "Norton" and it produced a lengthy set of values, comparing the magazine's ratings with those of readers. Many of the magazine's ratings were in the 4.0 to 4.5 but those of users were anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5. The magazine also bestowed "Editor's Choice" awards for many of the Norton products. So who do you trust - the printed hype that gets ad dollars from the software company or readers?

Selecting a computer is like trying to hit a moving target really. I assume you will buy a factory built machine. Decide what you want to do with the computer. If you intend to do photo editing or play high end games then a huge amount of memory or RAM (RAM is memory) and a better quality video card would be great. If you intend to download lots of music then a bigger hard drive is better plus surround sound. For simpler games, surfing the net, modest storage needs and chatting etc then a more modest setup will be adequate. You know your budget ans any limitations so decide on a figure and look around. Do you need a monitor, keyboard, mouse or speakers? If your existing things are good then there is some cash saved. Scan the Sunday flyers online at the link below to get a feel of prices and what is offered. Here is a link that might be useful: American Sunday flyers

I picked the easy way out and bought for under $100 a USB turntable that connects to my computer. Software made by Cakewalk came with it as well as Audacity, but the Cakewalk software is very easy to use. I can save in different formats, burn to CD, etc. So much easier than any of the other methods I have read about. The turntable I bought is made by Audio-Technica, although there are several different brands available. I found mine by doing a search using Google, and after I decided on this brand, I searched for the best price I could find. I bought through an online merchant for a price much better than CC or BB for the same model. Sad to say, I haven't done very much with it as yet, converting only a few albums to digital, but I listen to the albums just for the fun of it. By the way, it has a dust cover, so I have it sitting on a little table next to my computer desk.

Probably Yahoo messenger is the main choice of an instant messenger for most of your friends. It does video very well. You would need their yahoo Id or email address to request them to add you to thier yahoo messenger list. Its really quite simple. Takes a few minutes to download and install. If you feel certain the bulk of your friends use 'yahoo' messenger you can install it from the link below. If you want to check out your webcam alone, or with a friend, and not install anything you might go to http://www.mebeam.com/ilmbg... assuming you have flash player and jave installed and see/hear yourself and/or your friend(s) on cam from a simple webpage. Here is a link that might be useful: messenger.yahoo.com