All For Not?

That is the question.

How many times have you sat down and devoted yourself to doing something very complicated and time consuming only to find out later that the original reasons you initiated the task may no longer exist? I understand when it is bad planning. I understand when it is just due to inexperience at achieving a goal. But when you sit around investing yourself because you just got bad information from another party- it just is a bummer.

I recently spent over a month fixing a computer that essentially is nearly obsolete, BECAUSE... the school through which I'm taking a distance class with told me I could not use Windows 7 with software they will be using. In fact I'm still tying up a couple loose ends with the repair, but it is essentially working again. It had some virus that would redirect any web browser, typically when you used Google and clicked on a link. And of course the sites it took you to (typically faux search engines) would also occasionally infect the computer with new viruses given the opportunity.

So imagine my surprise when the class administrators want us to use Windows 7- when before they were all "Oh no... don't upgrade to Windows 7 or get a new computer. Uh-uh-uhh!"

They do have a web based feature that would still allow me to use my old computer (now working well but not giving me confidence). A coworker who is taking the course with me is getting a more extensive version of the software- and I think I'd like to do the same, which of course now means I need to get a new PC.

I was going to get an imac, but I'm leaning towards just getting a cheaper- mid grade laptop with Microsoft office installed and an upgrade to Windows 7 Professional. I can still keep my old computer operating for the time being although I'm anticipating decommissioning it and putting the laptop on a stand and just hooking up the existing monitor and keyboard that I have. The laptop would give me a portability that the imac will not have, and I won't have to fool around with Parallels and invest in Dual software (specifically Microsoft office) to run on Windows. I'd still like to do that eventually, but I just can't see my self messing around with it now with the course starting.

So... do I risk the potential of my existing PC failing again mid-course and just use the web-interface "On-Demand" version of the software? or do I get a new laptop (or Mac). I'm kind of cheap so I'm already thinking of reasons why I should just roll the dice and stick with my current setup.

Was the extensive work fixing my existing computer all for not?

Anyway, I've got some grooming to do, phlegm coughing, and potentially even some sleeping to get done before I go to work tomorrow, so I guess I'll wrap this up.