I've been using computers since the early 90s and the answer to this has changed dramatically over the years. Right now, the best approach is to use open source alternatives when possible — they're usually free and often better than commercial products.

My advice: don't overthink it. Pick the option that works best for your situation right now. Technology changes every 2-3 years anyway so nothing you choose today is permanent. The best technology is the one you actually use.

This is actually a really common misconception. The technology works differently than most people think. I'd recommend reading HowStuffWorks.com for a good beginner explanation before diving into the technical details.

Be REALLY careful what you download to fix this. Half the 'free fix-it' programs you find are spyware in disguise. Stick to known-good stuff like the tools from major sites, and always scan downloads with your antivirus before running them.

I dealt with this same issue last year. The key thing is to make sure you're using the latest version of your software and check forums like Slashdot or Ars Technica for specific fixes. Technology changes so fast that advice from even 6 months ago can be outdated.

My nephew set this up for me and it was easier than I expected. Don't be intimidated by the technical stuff — most of it is just clicking Next a bunch of times. If you get stuck, the Help file actually has decent instructions for once.

Have you tried checking the manufacturer's website for updates? A lot of these issues get fixed in patches that most people don't know about. Also check your firewall settings — sometimes they block things they shouldn't.