We have to replace our computer. It is 8 years old and is quite annoying at times. So we've made the decision.

Because Alan really can't walk or travel, it's all up to me and the easiest thing for me to purchase right now is a laptop.

So I know that any laptop I get will be better than the stupid computer I have now. There is one at Staples, that is a Toshiba that is 4 gigs of ram, and 640 gig hard drive. MORE THAN I HAVE NOW, believe that!!! lol

It has a Intel Pentium B940 processor (i don't even know what this means)

I don't like to buy things without seeing them in person, so I'll take the bus there when this heat is not so intense.

So here's my plan. And I want to run this by you guys so you can tell me if my plans are correct.

I want to replace the computer I now use with the laptop. I gather I just take out the ethernet connection and dsl connection from the back of my NOW computer and put these in the correct ports on the laptop, right?

I am certain that this laptop (or any laptop I get) will have a dvd rom thing. I'm not planning on burning anything but I do want to play dvds.

I need to connect a printer. I am sure the laptop will come with a built in webcam right.

So how many usb ports do I need to see on any laptop that I get?

I will be connecting my printer.

So when I disconnect my NOW computer and put it in another room, and I connect the new laptop, I should be ready to go on the internet right? I connect the correct ports, open the laptop, click on the internet icon and that's it?

Or do I have to set it up? See, I know NOTHING about laptops.

Does one have to reconfigure it or something when it comes out of the box?

I really hope not. I just want to take it home, and go on the internet.

Now, when I'm all set up, THEN I want to go into the other room and try and re-format the hard drive of the old computer and see if I can do this. Which will essentially wipe out everything and have it back to factory settings? Am I right in this? I don't have any backup cd's of the operating system, but I seem to remember that if one presses F10 (or some F key) that one can re-format a hard drive to bring it back to where it was when we first got it.

Can I do this??

then, if I am successful, I'll get a router, attach it to the modem where the laptop is, and once I know what I'm doing, I can use my newly formatted OLD computer to get on the internet (when Alan is on the Laptop).

Now here is where I get confused. I want to copy some files. I was told to get a flash drive. I need to copy some Microsoft word documents (yes, I know that the laptop has to have Microsoft word on it). If it doesn't I think I have the cds for word.

What I really need is to copy my wordpad files. If I can't copy microsoft word files, at least I can copy my worpad files right?

So here is what I need to know.

Exactly how does one use a flash drive. Let's say I want to copy all of my wordpad files. I plug in the flash drive into a usb port, right? THEN WHAT HAPPENS? Am I prompted to go to wordpad? I've never even seen a flash drive in my life. I presently have XP and any new laptop will have Windows 7.

So if I got all this right, can you please go through my questions and let me know if I was on the money? And explain how flash drives work.

I can't see myself buying another desktop and reconnecting all those things.

a laptop sounds easier.

Thanks much

Melody

Look at this and thank god, I'm reading all the specs. it says it doesn't come with a modem port. So I can't get this one, right?

http://www.staples.com/Toshiba-Satel...product_331468

And I hate touchscreens so I have to use a mouse. So exactly how many usb ports should I see?

I am really new at this.

Thanks much

I really thought I could just go and buy a laptop and connect it to my modem.

You shouldn't need the modem connection on the laptop - you would use the Ethernet cable (bigger wire/cable & connector) to connect your dsl modem into the laptop.

check your dsl modem for a bigger plug-in opening - that would be the Ethernet cable plug in.

I plug my mouse into one of the usb ports.
and for the other part time use things - get a usb hub.
it plugs in to the other usb port but allows you to hook up multiple things with out have to change your connections in & out all the time.

a video about some extras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkk6ACjzNq4

my suggestion is to make a list of all the things you need to connect and any extras you have questions about.
The sales person at the store should be able to show you & explain all of it.

basically you should be able to plug the laptop in and start it up and go online right away. you might need to put in your modems Verizon ID & password but I don't think so.
I've hooked up & changed operating systems on many computers here and laptops and they just connect without much trouble at all.

Now you still will have to import any files, favorites/bookmarks from the old pc but that is where the flash drive comes in very handy.

I'll locate a website or video that shows you how easy it is in the morning...



for the old computer -

I'll have more time tomorrow to go into the old computer and if it can be reset & how to do it. Unless someone has a HP and has that info already.

See how stupid I am. The verizon guy recently put a separate dsl line in for my computer. THAT line goes into my modem. I have a yellow ethernet cable that runs from the modem into the back of my computer. So THAT one will go into the laptop right?

And I'm rethinking getting a laptop. I went online and viewed all the desktops and I can get a desktop with 1 terrabyte hard drive. 6 gigs of ram. dvd, all the bells and whistles and a 23 inch monitor for $600.

Now THAT is a good deal right? It's for a Dell Inspiron.

you see any thing I get has to be bigger, faster and just better than what I have now.

Oh, my husband and I always use headphones (plugged into the monitor) whenever we use the computer. It just so that when we watch movies or listen to music, it doesn't bother the other person in the house.

Do all the new monitors have headphone jacks?

Thanks much and I'll be interested to learn about flash drives.

Look at what I'm learning about at my age!!!

So Cool!!

No sitting in a rocking chair with knitting needles for me!!!!

lol

Melody

I was looking on Amazon and they have a thing that helps you select what you want it a computer-
http://www.amazon.com/Desktops-Compu...F8&node=565098


oh and they have these all in one computers too- here's just one of them-
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AZ3100-U3...2216797&sr=1-4

Hi. The All In One sounds divine. I gather I would need to buy a router to hook this up. And does it have a headphone jack. That is the most important feature of anything I buy. We need anything we buy, well it has to have a headphone jack. We live in an apartment and sound travels in the walls to the other apartments. The reason I'm a great tenant is that I'm considerate of others.

I have ALWAYS used headphones and with the newer headphones, it's no problems. I put them on low, I don't have to crank them up and the volume is just fine for me. Alan is hard of hearing so his doctor TOLD HIM to use headphones.

so if you can ascertain if this has a headphone jack, that would be great.

and thanks.

Melody

Acer website for more info -
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/PW.SET02.004

It has audio in & out so head phone would be plugged into the audio out.

Thanks very much.

I am starting a thread about my not being able to access my facebook wall.

I have no idea why this is happening.

Meody