I know I've been moaning a lot lately about the sad state of my computer, but I do think it is literally on its last legs now. It crashed multiple times last week. I spent more time rebooting it, and trying to get web pages to load than I actually spent online. I love technology when it works, but when it doesn't it can be exasperating. So I have once again fallen behind in emails and blog reading (I apologize if I owe you and email--I'm truly not ignoring you!). In order to get my posts ready to go I've stayed a little late after work or come in a bit early to use the public machines in my library, though this has spoiled me. It's amazing the contrast between an old, past-its-better days, sluggish machine and a new, top of the line machine like we have at work. I've discovered I can practically cut my computer time in half using a nice, new, fast machine!
So I have been working on getting all my files saved to other places, so when I do get a new computer I'll be ready to go. I'm dreading the switchover as I haven't really saved as much as I had wanted to pay for the new computer (I was hoping my machine would last for the rest of the summer), plus I hate the idea of reloading all my programs on to a new machine. This is where I ask for help. I've never had to replace a computer. At the moment I am using Windows XP, and from what I understand it will be nearly impossible to get a machine with XP loaded on it rather than Windows Vista. Is anyone using Vista, and what do you think of it? I'm afraid some of my older programs might not be compatible--my digital camera for example. I think I can load new drivers for my printers and scanner. And here is my next question. When I have my new computer, do I use the original CDs to load everything again (my printers for example) and then go to the manufacturer's website to update the drivers? My internet is through Qwest and I have a broadband box--will I just hook it into the new computer? Or do I have to do the dreaded thing and call them (wade through many menus and then wait until I can talk to a human?) in order to make the switch? And if I want to use Firefox along with IE, where do I go and how do I do it? And I've bought Norton anti-virus online, so how will I move it to the new machine?
I'll admit that I am lazy. I want to be able to come home and plug it in and have it ready to go, but it is going to require several hours (I'm guessing) work in order to get it loaded with everything correctly. I'm not a techie sort of person, so no doubt it will take me twice as long to get everything ready to go. As you can see I like to have everything straight in my head before I jump in and do something. I've been planning this for a while, and I think I'm ready to get it done finally. In any case I don't think I have much choice. I've pretty much milked this poor machine for all it's worth. It worked much better this weekend, but I don't want to be lulled into a false sense of security! I know there are readers out there who are far more knowledgeable than me, so any help you can offer would be very appreciated! 
And of course I've been trying to read up on how to do things, but other people's experiences seem to be much more valuable!
One small reading note (since I can't quite keep away from the topic of books), I've been listening to Katharine McMahon's The Alchemist's Daughter and I'm really, really enjoying it. I'm glad I found an audio book that works as the last few have been duds for me (not the contents mind you--particularly since I didn't get far in them, just the reader's voice--I'm very picky). At first I wasn't sure as the woman who reads has sort of a high voice, but it really works for the character and the more I listen the more she grows on me. The story is narrated by a young woman who is the only daughter of a widowed man who happens to be an alchemist. He trains and educates her. It's set in the early 18th century and there are lots of interesting details. I like it so much I may have to buy the book and read it later as well. I'll let you know how it turns out as I expect to actually finish this one!