Ginny wrote:_ I am just very concerned about learning W8 when I don't have anyone nearby to help with that learning curve. That's a very big issue for me. Ah but you do have huge helpings of assistance really. Here is a link to eightforums where they deal with nothing but Windows 8, plus you can come here for help. Google is also a valuable friend when you need an answer right now instead of waiting for someone to reply on a forum. As Mickie notes above, once the initial screen is gone it is very much like Win 7

Raven, I read about Spicebird on Kim Komando's site and downloaded the setup file to a flash drive using my desktop computer. When I went to install on the Windows 7 machine, it would not install, indicating I had a corrupt download. So I just downloaded Thunderbird directly and used it a good part of today. I haven't quite figured out everything about it, but it is working for me and all three of my web mail programs are working with it. I guess I'll look for a good tutorial and make sure I have everything set up correctly. I think there are some add ons available, too. It certainly beats Windows Live Mail.

Maybe I am just missing something, but to resolve this concern why can't he just create two (or more) user accounts? From the Vista on-board help: .....a separate user account with unique settings and preferences, such as a desktop background and color theme..... And assuming W7 still retains Vista's Fast User Switching and it is similarly accessible: Fast User Switching is a way to change users on a computer without closing programs and files first. Click the Start button , and then click the arrow next to the lock button. Click Switch User, and then click the user you want to switch to. Warning: Make sure to save any open files before switching users because Windows does not automatically save files that are open. If you switch to a different user and that user shuts down the computer, any unsaved changes you have made to files that are open on your account will be lost. DA

Hi, From the outside, the low-E windows in general look darker. This darker look is true of all low-E windows in our area, even Milgard vinyl that they put on newly built homes. They do not look like tint though, at least not to me. Low-E reflects both ways. It reflects the solar radiation away from the interior but also reflects interior radiation from the exterior. This is actually how it keeps warmth inside during Winter months and heat outside during Summer. This reflective property generally makes the window less reflective so it looks darker from the outside. As to whether that will block your views from inside, we have not noticed any blockage. From the inside, there is definitely no hint of tinting. If anything, it cuts out the glare and makes everything outside clear and crisp. In the Winter, in shaded area of our house, it does let in less natural light but we can live with that if it means a cooler Summer and warmer Winter nights. To satisfy yourself, may be you can look at homes with low-E and those with tinted windows or have the shop do a comparison with a tinted window? In the end, you have to be satisfied else it will not work anyway. We do like our windows and doors, no problems so far. Low-E works as advertised, warm in the winter and cool in the summer, good views too. The stained wood interior adds a sense of warmth to our farm house. It has worked out really well. The cladding is strong, while it will scratch if scrapped by a sharp object, it has also withstood frisbee, football, soft ball and accidental encounters with kids' bike tires; no dents, no scratches so far. Good installation is critical. It is best to find the best contractor and just pay them. It is the difference between joy upon completion versus pain for years to come. We had a really good professional crew, they did a top notch job. Hope it all works out well for you!