New Stuff on the Horizon?

I may have to seriously curtail book buying for this month, which is definitely cause for mourning.

I had a computer diagnostic done on my computer last Friday. The guy running it said I need a back-up drive, especially since my computer is over five years old. I nodded.

I also need an Ethernet extender, since my computer is on the other side of the house from the cable source. "Your Internet speed will nearly double," he said. I nodded vigorously.

"And," he said with a sigh, "you'll probably need a new computer soon."

I didn't nod. I was too terrified.

Anyway, I've decided to go ahead and order this Ethernet extender kit, which looks pretty easy to install.

I'm thinking about ordering this external hard drive. I have so many questions about just what an external hard drive can (and can't) do that I may delay this purchase (dangerous as that may be) until I can get some of my bonehead questions answered:

Do I need back-up software? (I don't think this particular product comes with it.)

If I get a new computer, can I back up (and use) information/applications from both hard drives? (Will I have to re-install stuff like Zone Alarm, etc. on the new computer or can I transfer it from the external hard drive?)

I'm so confused...

And a new computer? I break into a cold sweat just thinking about it. Can you even get a new computer with Windows XP and not Vista?

So many decisions....

Maybe I was born in the wrong century. Paper and ink are suddenly starting to look real good again.