Friends,
There is a better way. I had been a PC guy since the early 80's. Without being pretentious, I know my way around a PC and Windows, having worked in the industry for many years in sales, service, and support.
After battling with Vista for a short time upon its introduction, I finally made a move I had contemplated for years and switched to Macs.
I have rediscovered my love of computers and computing again as I'm now free of the kinds of problems outlined in the above posts.
At the risk of being labeled an Apple Fanboy and stating what you've heard before, the Mac system just works. (OK.......I guess I AM becoming somewhat of a Fanboy.)
Check out the Mac. Make your own decision.
Cheers,
dan