Many local governments (city, county) in the US offer subsidized compost bins to their residents. I've seen the Biostack, Earth Machine, and at least one other model offered. Sometimes you can even get a worm box from these offers! Prices here in the Bay Area for subsidized bins run approx. 1/3 of retail price, give or take, so definitely check it out. I think the Biostack is retailing for $99 to $129, depending on where you want to purchase it, so $200 should get you some nice goodies, even if you have to pay full prices. Enjoy! Cynthia H. El Cerrito, CA

We have not experienced scratching with our GE smooth top. However, it is not the white, and is the speckled grey/black finish, so perhaps we just do not see the scratches. Use a razor blade and CeramaBright to clean. The key to smooth top cookware is a very flat machined bottom -- and smooth to avoid scratches. Aluminum or copper bottom is likely going to be less abrasive. And the cookware flat surface has to match the diameter of the element used. No use in putting a small diameter on a large element, or the element will just cut back in output. In other words a large diameter high output element is useless unless you use a matching diameter pan.

I wasn't saying anyone needed to buy a set -- I have such a mix I'm certainly the anti-set type, but form someone who is looking to replace cookware for a high BTU output cooktop or range, I would recommend those brands and type. The OP asked about a recommendation of a line -- suggesting they were looking at a set or replaceing most of their cookware. You do get better pricing on some sets and for the basics, it might not be a bad way to start out. Set or not, which one or a mix -- all the buyer's choice. I am likely to make jam in a pot I also use for popcorn and boiling pasta water, so I have replaced most of my disc bottoms so that everything I have works for as much as possible. You can use the disc bottoms (I still have a few I have kept in the rotation), but if they are limited in their use, I wouldn't go out and buy new ones. I'd buy the multi-ply that can do anything I need -- I haven't found them limiting for anything, although they might heat less quickly for pasta. They do tend to be pricier. The All-Clad seconds sale, Marshall's, TJ Maxx or a great sale find (again the best sales are often on sets) make them more reasonable. I do have a couple of non-sticks -- definitely for eggs. And I have a couple of huge pots for canning, chili-cook-off, etc. that are not tri-ply. CP, this is the second forum I've seen the All-Clad seconds sale mentioned on. I'm trying hard not to look. I think I have my needs covered and I don't want to find out I'm wrong. LOL

Junita, Please comnsider easing into this. By your description, your new system is extremely powerful and has an abundance of available rsources. Could it be that your haste and concern in paring all your targets is a byproduct of your previous system? I personally tended to act that way when I purchased the new one. I haven't read any reports of great concern with the Vista firewall. It is bi-directional and apparently works adequately. I left my Windows Defender enabled and update it regularly. Again from what I read it performs more than adequately. With a new quad core system resources and power are more than plentiful to run it in the background. I took Norton off the first day. If you feel it is indeed necessary to modify your startup below are a few links which may assist you. http://www.answersthatwork.com/ http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php DA