Less Tech Savvy Than I Supposed

We've just bought a new computer: a Dell Inspiron Desktop! I am really pleased, yet I feel as though I have regressed somewhat. When I bought my first Dell about 4-5 years ago, I think I remember setting it up myself. I couldn't set up this one, though. I needed to buy a router because the old computer is still here, and I didn't know anything about routers. In fact, I assumed that a router would network the 2 computers together, and I could use the same printer with both. Imagine my chagrin when I was told that all the router does is share the internet connection between the 2 computers! If I want to use the same printer for both I need to spend more money to buy a printer server! To network the computers requires something else again! And I found the set up more confusing than before--less color coding, few instructions. I needed the help of a kind neighbor to get the thing set up. And some things are still not right! The sound isn't working properly and I can't remember how to install buttons for Bloglines, MyBookmarks, del.icio.us, and gmail on the toolbar.

On top of all that, of course I need to accustom myself to Windows Vista, the new, as yet unproven operating system....