OK. You need to focus on getting windows up date working first before anything, The next thing to try is running System file checker, To run the System File Checker, complete these steps: 1. Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box. 2. In the results area, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator. You will be prompted to type the password for an administrator account. Click Continue if you are the administrator or type the administrator password. Then, click Continue. 3. At the command prompt, type Sfc /scannow, and then press ENTER.

I don't understand your comment about another computer help forum being the competition??? I work on many of the computer tech help forums on the internet, have never ever heard any thing like that before. we all work to help people fix their pc and aid them in finding solutions to their problems, there is nothing for sale so how can it be competition? We divide our time splitting it between many help forums, for free. I have put links many times to other tech forums when referencing technical information for aid in clean up of infection or security issues, being sure to name and give credit to said forum, person, etc. ?????

There are lots of things that can slow your computer down. If I'm not mistaken, the "hourglass looking thing" is the icon your computer displays when it is loading a page. The hourglass represents the idea that the process you are initiating will take some time on the computer. The hourglass is an automatic icon that shows up on everyone's computer when it is taking time to "think" so to speak. Now, the real question is why is it taking so much time. There are lots of things that can "gunk" up your computer memory so that it takes a lot of time to execute functions. Pop up ads and spyware are some of the things. Running a lot of programs at the same time is another. An anti-virus program can also slow you down (aske me how I know, lol!). Defragging and eliminating programs you don't use are good ways to free up memory so that it can be devoted to loading and displaying Web pages. Also, if your computer has a small memory, you might want to consider a memory upgrade. Also, some Web pages have a lot of features on them that use up memory--like videos, photos, and other animated features. The problems that you are having with your clock and calendar might indicate a problem with the battery. The battery went completely out on a laptop I had once. This should not affect page loading speed when the computer is plugged in, at least I don't think so. It is possible to have more than one thing wrong with your computer at once though!!

Cynic- I was searching forums to read what people were saying. I've since read more. A number of people were saying their system crashes all the time with Opera. Then others agreed and advised against mixing the too. The funny thing or frustrating thing, mine is freezing up constantly with IE7. I've only been using it for three days now, but was also having that problem recently before the switch. I have DSL and, as of three days ago, have a brand new and MUCH faster desk top. So I'm not really sure what the problem is. My connection seems fine. Of all the reading I've done (which really isn't all that much) there really seems to be an equal number of people that either prefer Opera or FF. With a scattered few that still really like IE7 (compared to IE6). I'll keep doing my homework. Thanks :o)