When you buy your Mac just remember, Google is your friend. Try Googling 'Mac tutorials' and you will be amazed at the wealth of information available to you. Same with specific issues, simply Google or even look for a Mac forum, there will be plenty about. Just lurk on a few so you can register on one that has a civilised membership and not a load of arrogant bozzos who enjoy harassing folk.

Owbist - I have finally made up my mind to stay with the old pc. I just don't have the stamina anymore to start learning a new system at my age. Besides, I will have to learn all this wireless stuff now and I have no intentions of changing forums as I do adore all of you. Thanks and I do try to google a lot. One of the oldtimers - Paul - taught me that. Usually double check with you guys for security, though. Debbie.

Chalk one up for the PC crowd, ha ha. I do own a Mac but it is on the floor and has not been used in ages. It was given to me fully loaded, I tried it for a while but was not impressed. Perhaps that was because I did not really want to change format, it was not the fault of the Mac for sure.

now if you could please tell me where to go to find out how much I need of the ram, hard drives & video cards on this new thing. Is there a chart or something out there somewhere ? Thanks so much as always, Debbie

You can find out exactly what is inside your computer by using a program such as the free one linked below or Belarc Advisor.

If you then decide you need more RAM or a different video card you could try a local vendor or in America you have either Fry's or Newegg, both have excellent reputations

Here is a link that might be useful: SIW - System Information fo Windows

Thanks again Owbist - I actually have Belarc & always forget about it. Also found a great article on CNet that helped a lot. Thanks for the advice. I'm sure you guys will be hearing from me again once I get this laptop. Debbie.

@lidebbie, I went from nearly 20 yrs on a PC (WordPerfect 4!! back when WP was IT!) to a Mac mini about 3 yrs ago. I was still using a PC @ work..windows xp/Microsoft all the way. It was interesting (!) to learn to be bi-lingual but doable and after my retirement, both dh and I got new Macs. He kept running into sooo much of a hassle with security issues on his laptop that he really really is happy with his new mac. No constant virus updates.

We both miss, in different ways, Outlook. I tried using the Mac version but it was too much trouble. We now can both sync our Ical calenders and all our contacts, email accounts etc with our Iphones also.

For me some of the initial issue was space and both the mini and my current Imac solved that issue. We also have an Apple store in our city and the free help is great plus dh bough the yearly One-on-One ($250.) because his Mac is for his work. It's a fantastic investment.

I just purchased the new Macbook and I couldn't love it more. It is beautiful. The screen is so clear and it's so fast. It's easy to learn Safari. I will never go back to a PC.
Donna

Thanks everyone but I chickened out & ordered another Dell XPS. I got the M1530. It's a different service dept. from Canada (I think) for the XPS and so far it has been great with my regular pc. As usual - I really tried to research what I needed but probably messed it all up. Anyway - I am now trying to figure out this wireless stuff with cards & routers, etc.
But I really do want to try the Mac someday. It just seems so great. Maybe the next pc. Thanks again, Debbie.