frozenandcold

<<<<<How about getting a computer that some business, school etc. is
throwing away and installing it with free software (Linux, OpenOffice,
etc.)?>>>>

Thanks for the idea. He is not in need of software as much as he is
in need of figuring out a way to get all of his stuff backed up on
disks, which actually is possible. He is a kid with BIG ideas and a
used computer is not one of them, his choice. He would rather work
for the new one that he has been dreaming about for some time so that
is fine with me. Computers aren't just a casual thing for him, they
are his life!! And he has use of mine so it is not a HUGE deal at the
immediate moment. He was actually wanting a job long before the
computer problems so it is not just the computer that is motivating
him to want to get a job. He has a list wish of several "techy"
things that he wants that add up to around $5,000. He figures if he
works all year he can check off everything on his list.