Only the first laptop had the malware problem, and based on the absence of protective packaging by the online store I bought it from, the spontaneous rebooting was probably due to damage from mishandling. I never opened the box on the second one, because UPS delivered it with a hole in the box and I didn't want to waste time with it only to find out it is also damaged. With the third one, the main issue was with the network adaptor.

A bunch of people have told me to just get a Mac. But we've got an active thread here about problems that people are having with updates to their Mac OS, so they're obviously not trouble-free. And I really can't afford a Mac, not even a refurbished one.

As for antivirus software, I looked into several of the other popular programs but they all have pros and cons. I've been using MSE for years, since a local tech columnist recommended it. The tech support person at Micro Center who helped me told me that he also uses it. This latest laptop came with MSE already installed instead of McAfee, and I've decided to keep using it.

Throughout this whole experience, I've actually been impressed by sales and tech support people at HP. The people who handle returns for them were far less helpful. My mother and I have used their tech support before for her pc and they've helped her, too. And my old laptop is an HP, and it's lasted for years with no troubles.

I am rather mystified by the Windows update errors, and why the pc would download updates that it does not need and cannot install without errors. I don't argue that Microsoft has its issues.

My next project will be to set up the new monitor and keyboard with the old laptop so I can use it at my office. Due to network issues at work, I've only been in the office a handful of days over the past few weeks, and also wanted to wait for the maintenance people to fix the lock on my office door before I set up the monitor. We're expecting "major snow" tonight (4-8 inches!!! How will we ever survive!!!) so I will have to work from home again tomorrow. I'm hoping that by Wednesday I can get to the office and get everything set up. In the meantime I'm using the new laptop as much as possible to make sure there are no additional problems.