Hi everyone, It's me again with a laptop computer question. Background: Family CURRENTLY has a Dell desktop computer (purchased circa 2000 or 2001) running Windows XP (don't groan - entire family is used to it by now). We're happy with this Dell (and we're coping with Windows - we were a Mac family prior to this purchase and don't ask why I have a PC because the answer would take all day). There is a high school senior in the family and a brand-new middle schooler doing some high-school level wok in a specialty program. Because both girls NEED the Internet to do their papers/projects, and because I don't want folks up till all hours trying to do homework and projects and papers, hubby and I are planning to purchase each kid a laptop computer. Situation: We're *probably* going to go with Dell laptops for both girls BUT I don't want Vista on them because I want seamless integration with all of their previous work that was created in XP, plus all of their school work (e.g., they start the work in their respective schools - that are NOT running Vista, believe me - and then are expected to complete the work at home). Further complication is that I want an operating system that will get said high schooler & laptop through next four years of college - will Microsoft support XP through 2013??). Are colleges & universities running Vista? Now I know that the platform is becoming less and less relevant, and I can't wait for that day because then the whole family is migrating BACK to Macs (desktops & notebooks). But we're not there yet, and I need some advice so "Santa" knows what to order for these two kids, and where to take the presents to get Vista OFF and get XP (or something) ON. Help!! Sharon in Woodbridge P.S. - While you're at it, I'm thinking of installing a wireless hub (is that the correct term?) in my home so that these two laptops can wirelessly communicate with our DSL (through Verizon) and our printer. Any suggestions on an inexpensive, SECURE way to set this up & run/maintain it?
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