Are you planning on suing Bill Gates, then, Topper? Your new friend will be the true hero of the story, no doubt. Interesting thread, though. You didn't mention how old your PC is, or the method of its purchase ... but (for what it's worth), here's my advice about buying PC's and related stuff (and aimed at folk like us ...
ie, techs):-
1) Never buy new (Hannis' Golden Rule)!
- Never buy off the high-street (its only good for "looking", and checking prices).
- Always buy from small PC shops (or off eBay
etc).
- Local PC shops will also help and
advize you! Most important.
- If you're not sure what you want (or what you're doing), buy off eBay and "experiment" a little first.
2) A used machine has already proven it can work (and costs a fraction of high-street prices).
3) If you're up for it (and if not, why not) ... build your own PC.
4) If possible, keep you work, essential files
etc. and your internet connection on separate machines!
5) Build up a collection of recovery disks and utilities - Norton
etc. - (also see the link that Huw gave).
PS:
cheapskate is OK ... you should weigh every halalah!
