Thanks so much to both you and Kenneth. I appreciate your help. Here's what I've done: 1) defrag runs once a week, on Sunday nights, when Windows Live OneCare does its weekly scan and tune-up and downloads updates from Microsoft. I checked anyway and was told the hard drive didn't need defrag at this time, so I didn't. Note: I didn't know OneCare was no longer being made, so I'll have to do something about that. I'll need a new antivirus program, but I'm wondering what else OneCare does that I'll need to replace. 2) I downloaded and ran Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware and it did a full scan of C: drive. Took almost 2 hours and found and removed 342 'somethings'. 3) Then I downloaded and ran Ccleaner and it removed 397.6 MB of more 'stuff'. I also used it to remove some program and program fragments that I could identify as not being needed. It offered to fix some missing dlls at the registry level (?) but I was intimidated by that so decided not to. I have the impression that if the registry gets messed up you can be in big trouble, and I don't like trouble. :-) What do you think? Also the missing dlls seemed to be related to either Google Earth or Netscape, and I don't use either- guess I should just remove them? I'm up to 61 free GB and 164 used, so 16 more GB are free than were yesterday. I guess I'm heading in the right direction, but wondering how best to free up more. 4) Below is the Hijack log. 5) DS isn't around today so we haven't done the MSCONFIG thing yet. All feedback, advice and information are more than welcome. Cynthia Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2 Scan saved at 7:56:07 PM, on 1/20/2010 Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702) Boot mode: Normal Running processes: C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live\Antivirus\MsMpEng.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\lxdxcoms.exe C:\Program Files\MozyHome\mozybackup.exe C:\Program Files\Usefull files\Google\Google Earth\Nero 8\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\Utils\SyncServices.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live\OcHealthMon.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\IoctlSvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\retrorun.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\snmp.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\WMPlugIn\SonicStageMonitoring.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\SMceMan.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\VMISrv.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Video\GPVSvr.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VCSW\VCSW.exe c:\WINDOWS\system32\ZuneBusEnum.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live\Firewall\msfwsvc.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzCdbSvc.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live\winss.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzFw.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\RM_SV.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live\winssnotify.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon IJ Network Scan Utility\CNMNSUT.EXE C:\Program Files\Lexmark 3600-4600 Series\lxdxmon.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe C:\Program Files\Lexmark 3600-4600 Series\lxdxMsdMon.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe C:\Program Files\Palm\Hotsync.exe C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\rapimgr.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157 R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157 R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = :0 R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://www.google.com"); (C:\Documents and Settings\CYNTHIA\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\mfku7tlz.slt\prefs.js) N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csearchplugins%5CSBW eb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\CYNTHIA\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\mfku7tlz.slt\prefs.js) O2 - BHO: &Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll O2 - BHO: Lexmark Toolbar - {1017A80C-6F09-4548-A84D-EDD6AC9525F0} - C:\Program Files\Lexmark Toolbar\toolband.dll O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.1.1309.3572\swg.dll O2 - BHO: Google Dictionary Compression sdch - {C84D72FE-E17D-4195-BB24-76C02E2E7C4E} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\fastsearch_A8904FB862BD9564.dll O2 - BHO: Merriam-Webster Unabridged BHO - {DFB0A387-2DC3-4402-8BC8-1C8C05FAE6EB} - C:\WINDOWS\_MWUTB.0.DLL O3 - Toolbar: Merriam-Webster Unabridged - {D0711285-ABC9-4DFA-81BF-89E6B5A9E0EF} - C:\WINDOWS\_MWUTB.0.DLL O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll O3 - Toolbar: Veoh Web Player Video Finder - {0FBB9689-D3D7-4f7a-A2E2-585B10099BFC} - C:\Program Files\Veoh Networks\VeohWebPlayer\VeohIEToolbar.dll O3 - Toolbar: Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll O3 - Toolbar: Lexmark Toolbar - {1017A80C-6F09-4548-A84D-EDD6AC9525F0} - C:\Program Files\Lexmark Toolbar\toolband.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [test] D:\Setup.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OneCareUI] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live\winssnotify.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IJNetworkScanUtility] C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon IJ Network Scan Utility\CNMNSUT.EXE O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [lxdxmon.exe] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark 3600-4600 Series\lxdxmon.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [lxdxamon] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark 3600-4600 Series\lxdxamon.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FaxCenterServer] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark Fax Solutions\fm3032.exe" /s O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe" O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [] C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/servlet/ProductMessages?module=2007&error=0 &language=en&product=SymNRT&version=2008.0.1.19&build=Symantec&a=00000082.00 000001.00000001&b=00000082.00000010.00000020&c=00000082.00000010.0000002f O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.LNK = C:\Program Files\Palm\Hotsync.exe O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll O9 - Extra button: ComcastHSI - {669B269B-0D4E-41FB-A3D8-FD67CA94F646} - http://www.comcast.net/ (file missing) O9 - Extra button: Support - {8828075D-D097-4055-AA02-2DBFA9D85E8A} - http://www.comcastsupport.com/ (file missing) O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL O9 - Extra button: Help - {97809617-3937-4F84-B335-9BB05EF1A8D4} - http://online.comcast.net/help/ (file missing) O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe O9 - Extra button: PDFill PDF Editor - {FB858B22-55E2-413f-87F5-30ADC5552151} - C:\Program Files\PlotSoft\PDFill\DownloadPDF.exe O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople O16 - DPF: {0742B9EF-8C83-41CA-BFBA-830A59E23533} (Microsoft Data Collection Control) - https://help.live.com/ContactUs/ActiveX/MSDcode.cab O16 - DPF: {18B35742-FEF5-4DE3-8928-8CAA34C1FEEA} (Merriam-Webster Unabridged Toolbar) - http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/toolbar/install/webinstall.cab O16 - DPF: {215B8138-A3CF-44C5-803F-8226143CFC0A} (Trend Micro ActiveX Scan Agent 6.5) - http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/housecall/applet/html/native/x86/win32/act ivex/hcImpl.cab O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/vc/bin/AvSniff.cab O16 - DPF: {49232000-16E4-426C-A231-62846947304B} - http://ipgweb.cce.hp.com/rdqna/downloads/sysinfo.cab O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/FacebookPhotoUploader.cab O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/ muweb_site.cab?1183125152843 O16 - DPF: {745395C8-D0E1-4227-8586-624CA9A10A8D} - http://webcam.atomicmods.com//activex/AMC.cab O18 - Filter: x-sdch - {B1759355-3EEC-4C1E-B0F1-B719FE26E377} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\fastsearch_A8904FB862BD9564.dll O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: lxdxCATSCustConnectService - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\\lxdxserv.exe O23 - Service: lxdx_device - - C:\WINDOWS\system32\lxdxcoms.exe O23 - Service: MozyHome Backup Service (mozybackup) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\MozyHome\mozybackup.exe O23 - Service: MSCSPTISRV - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\MSCSPTISRV.exe O23 - Service: My Web Search Service (MyWebSearchService) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~2\bar\1.bin\mwssvc.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: Nero BackItUp Scheduler 3 - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Usefull files\Google\Google Earth\Nero 8\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe O23 - Service: MaxSyncService (NTService1) - - C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\Utils\SyncServices.exe O23 - Service: PACSPTISVR - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\PACSPTISVR.exe O23 - Service: PLFlash DeviceIoControl Service - Prolific Technology Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\IoctlSvc.exe O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe O23 - Service: PnkBstrB - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe O23 - Service: Retrospect Express HD Helper (RetroExp Helper) - EMC Dantz - C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\rthlpsvc.exe O23 - Service: Retrospect Express HD Launcher (RetroExpLauncher) - EMC Dantz - C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\retrorun.exe O23 - Service: SonicStageMonitoring - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\WMPlugIn\SonicStageMonitoring.exe O23 - Service: Sony TV Tuner Controller - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\halsv.exe O23 - Service: Sony TV Tuner Manager - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\RM_SV.exe O23 - Service: Sony TVTA Manager - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\SMceMan.exe O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service (SPTISRV) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\SPTISRV.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment TV Device Arbitration Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCs\VzHardwareResourceManager\VzHardwareResourceManager.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-AppServer) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\VMISrv.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (HTTP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-HTTP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (UPnP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-UPnP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Gateway Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-Mobile-Gateway) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\VmGateway.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Video Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-AppServer) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Video\GPVSvr.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Video Server (HTTP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-HTTP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Media Video Server (UPnP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-UPnP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment UPnP Client Adapter (Vcsw) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VCSW\VCSW.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment Database Service (VzCdbSvc) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzCdbSvc.exe O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment File Import Service (VzFw) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzFw.exe -- End of file - 15706 bytes -----Original Message----- From: Personal Computer Hardware discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 12:56 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] novice level questions re upgrading 5 year old vaio desktop Slowness usually has more to do with maintenance than the need for an upgrade. You may have accumulated problems over time that can be corrected, but there's no easy fix. There are some ideas here that will help: http://www.ehow.com/way_5283570_troubleshooting-windows-xp-slow-performance. html Defragmentation will probably help, and a spyware scan is probably in order. Use Malawarebyte's software and delete anything it recommends http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php Ccleaner will help with cleaning up unnecessary files: http://www.ccleaner.com/ If you post a Hijack log, we can probably identify unnecessary programs and services: http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html Your HD is getting fairly full and that's not helping. Ccleaner will help, but you may want to look into removing programs and files you don't need or use. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [PCBUILD] novice level questions re upgrading 5 year old vaio desktop From: Cynthia Kammann <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tue, January 19, 2010 5:38 pm To: [log in to unmask] Let me say right up front that I don't claim to know much about computers, but I do have a 19 year old son, who perhaps thinks he knows more than he does, but is very helpful. ;-) My computer is running slower and slower and I think it may be because it needs to be upgraded, or perhaps I just need to scrap it for a new one (?). So I'm looking for advice. If its worth upgrading, how would I go about doing that? Its a Vaio Pentium 4, 3.40 GHz, 1 GB RAM, and 225 GB HDD (with about 50 GB free), and a RADEON X300 series graphics card. Windows XP Media Center, 2002 edition, service pack 3. It has a nice, Sony large flat screen monitor that came with it, so is also 5 years old. I use it mostly for email (Outlook), internet (Firefox), creating documents (WORD), EXCEL for spreadsheets, photo storage and some photo manipulation with a Nikon program, watching my library of knitting instructional videos (using ImgBurn to rip them and daemontools lite to watch them), watching tv through Comcast (sometimes recording a program to watch later), and watching the occasional movie online at Netflix. Oh yeah, and backing up my PALM phone and downloading podcasts from radio (Creative Central) and syncing them to my Creative Zen. I use Windows Live OneCare for virus protection. I remember when it responded to commands faster than I could snap my fingers. It no longer does that, which is why I'm thinking it may need a faster processor or more active memory. I don't even know it its advisable or even possible to do this, so that's my question. Any and all advice would be appreciated. Just please use novice-speak, or I won't get it. Cynthia Visit our website regularly for FAQs, articles, how-to's, tech tips and much more http://freepctech.com