hi Stagger,

I am not sure why you would need a new computer.

I think I'll list the advantage of an internal drive and an external drive

internal DVD burner drives are usually cheaper. And they are linked right into your hardrive(you just have to connect it) thus making it slightly faster than an external drive. If you are NOT afraid to open up your computer(which most puters these days are easy snap opens and no screws) you can put one of these drives right in.

the reason why I prefer an external drive is because IF you were to buy a new puter, I just unplug and replug. The driver is easier to update if you need to. And they come standard USB 2.0 now so it is almost as fast as an internal drive. (Sony tried to do the firewall connection but failed to appeal to the mass population, but I don't want to confuse you there cause you don't have a sony)

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I am not familiar with Picasa but have read up on it, it is a google product. I love google and they are the most computer friendly company in the world. So even though I don't use Picasa, I am thinking that it will be easier like Jo suggested. I just checked the specs on Picasa, they DO support AVI files.

avi, meg, dvd, vob, dvi, all these are just some of the different format each competing dvd compatible companies have come up with. each is fighting to be the ultiimate "IT" product. Just like VHS and Beta from the olden days.

Since Picasa supports avi files. Try what Jo suggested.

I still prefer to use Nero but that is because I have used Nero all these years and I am most familiar with it. They do support both meg and avi files.

I think trying different softwares and using the cheap 4.5 DVD- (Negative) discs will be to your advantage. And it can be quite fun.

And maybe in the near future, you'll want to get into video editing.

As far as Win XP Sp2.

Are you looking looking for the upgrade disc? Or are you looking for the complete disc?

I like Amazon still for this:

this is the old version builder

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wind...3287650&sr=8-3

(you can also check Tiger Direct)


this is for upgrade:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wind...3287650&sr=8-4

this is the full version:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wind...3287650&sr=8-1


now you might want to also check "Buy.com" for the same things, they compete with Amazon and can save you a buck or two.

If you have a Staples Rewards card like I do, I'd check Staples and earn the bonus points.

anyways, good luck!