I usually by mid-grade systems and over the avg. lifespan of 3 years, I max memory and upgrade video cards from time to time.

There was nothing wrong with those systems when we decided to upgrade.

This last upgrade we switched to top of the line/best in class hardware and hope to resist the urge a little longer prior to upgrading.

I really notice very little performance upgrade this past 3 year cycle. What's really new?

So, until I can buy a nCore processor supported by applications and operating systems that will utilize them - I don't see the need for mid-grade consumers to upgrade.

It is a known fact that driving 1 mile in an automobile produces more toxins than a lifetime* worth of heavy smoking. Conclusion of the report is that; In order for cigarette smokes to match the same amount of air pollution in the stated cities, it will require; (from report) * 33 millions cigarettes per person each year * 91,300 cigarettes per person each day * 3,810 cigarettes per person each hour * 64 cigarettes per person each minute http://jarvisjerk.blogspot.com/2009/07/cigarette-smoke-vs-car-emission.html

Honestly, these headlines of recent need to include the word 'jailbroken' - then I wouldn't have to read them. Really, who cares? If you're jailbreaking your iPhone , man up and secure it. It's no different than any other computing device.

At most this should wind up an FDA advisory notice/warning. We DO NOT need anymore legislation dictating how we are to live. Period.

When it comes to Power Point, Steve Lowe said it best: Power Point, the Microsoft tool that encourages people to think and talk like fuckheads. You can check out more in his book "Is it just me or is everything shit?"

Actually, we've found that "making an example" has been the most effective security measure. Call a meeting - "Tom here has decided to do $INSERT_ENDUSER_STUPIDITY, so we're going to take this time to show you what happens.." Then you just grab a hammer and smash fingers. Some people puke others just turn in disgust - regardless we haven't had a user click a fishing email in over 2 years.

Research has shown (the Japanese still practice) that providing an relaxed open environment such as a pub actually increases productivity.

I agree... obviously OP enjoys working harder. Personally, I like to save keystrokes. Why do the whole www.address.com/whatever when chances are your browser opens to google anyway.