Should I replace my old computer with a laptop or a desktop model?
    Ten or so years ago, this was an easier question to answer because desktop computers invariably were more powerful and frequently less expensive (pound for pound, anyway) than their more compact siblings. Today the performance and price differentials are not as striking. So the decision today should be based on how you intend to use your computer.    Obviously, if portability is the most important consideration, then a laptop/notebook style computer is pretty much the only way to go. A tablet style computer might be a good choice. Or even a very "smart" telephone is a possibility. Weight, screen size and connectivity to peripheral devices (like full-function keyboards, printers or scanners, especially to tablets or phones) are all factors to consider.
   A computer that stays on the desk all the time makes the decision a bit more challenging. A laptop-size computer certainly can be used in a fixed environment. But if one wants a very large display and a comfortable, full-size keyboard, a conventional tower-style computer may be a better choice. Also, if one anticipates the need for a high-end graphic capability, a secondary hard drive or perhaps a second CD/DVD drive, most desktop units permit the installation of additional internal hardware to support those needs.
   There are other factors to be taken into account and we can help you walk through all the considerations involved in making the best choice on any new computer purchase.

OK, I've decided on the style of computer I need. Should I get a Windows PC or an Apple Macintosh?
   This is another question that has seen its answer evolve in recent years. The functional gulf between Windows-based software and Macintosh-based software has narrowed considerably since the days of Windows 98 and Mac OS 9. Broadly speaking, pretty much anything you want or need to do on a computer these days can be done on either a PC or a Mac. Many of the files created on one type of computer can be read and manipulated on the other (or, at the very least, translated easily between operating systems).
   Likewise, the raw graphic performance gulf between PCs and Macs to which Apple long held a significant advantage has narrowed considerably. Even the resistance to computer viruses and other malware that Apple has enjoyed historically is diminishing.
   It is still true that the universe of specific software choices is still generally larger on the Windows side of the computing world. This is because the Microsoft business model is largely based on the sale of software (primarily the Windows operating system), irrespective of the manufacturer of the hardware that it is used on. Apple, in contrast, is primarily a hardware company and its operating system runs exclusively on hardware made by Apple. They leave most of the broader creation of Apple-compatible software to others (including, interestingly enough, Microsoft!).
   So the question largely comes down to what an individual user is comfortable with. We are very familiar with both PCs and Macs, and we can help you sort through your own comfort factors and assist you in making the best choice.

As a Gmail user, how do I deal with a message on-screen that my web browser is no longer compatible with Gmail?
    The message about incompatibility is usually directed at Mac or PC users who have not upgraded their software recently. While a bit alarming to see, the warning actually isn't of great concern to most users of Gmail, as the compatibility issues involved usually relate to the implementation of new data management and display features in Gmail but not its core functionality of reading, saving, creating and sending e-mail.
   The simplest approach to resolving the matter is often simply to use the web browser built and given away by Gmail's parent company, Google. The Google "Chrome" browser for Mac or PC can be downloaded and installed by going here and following the easy instructions provided to put the software on your computer. "Chrome" is very similar to Internet Explorer, FireFox and Safari in its approach to web navigation and the installation usually includes the offer to import the bookmarks and the homepage setting of your existing browser. There are no inherent problems in having two web browsers on a computer and actually some good reasons beyond Gmail to have more than one.
   If you don't want to change over to "Chrome" (or can't, in specific cases), it is usually possible to take steps to upgrade your older browser. We can help you decide whether the difficulty of adapting to a new browser (or installing it in those specific cases) outweighs the issues associated with upgrading or just continuing to use your old one.

What do you want to know more about?
    There are still many other topics we could talk about here or in a personal consultation. We welcome your comments and questions for future issues of the OCW Insider. Or give one of us a call or shoot an e-mail and we'll set up an appointment to meet with you!