Thank you so much for such a speedy reply!
0) It's just a few things, mainly: gradients and wand, and it bogs down going from layer to layer (when I get a ton of them)
1) I don't know if I got this info from the right location (my computer/properties/general) but the place that mentions CPU has this for the entire line: PentiumĀ® 4 CPU 2.80GHz
Also, if I were to upgrade to 64 bit, will that cause chaos with all the bazillion files I already have, or is it a smooth transition?
2) lol! Yes, Norton is a fat little piggy! Thanks for the tip @ MS security. I will give it a whirl!
3) Good, because I was thinking it would be a big PITA
4) This did help tremendously (though I've only been experimenting for about an hour )
5) I tried working with about 7 open files (each having less than 6 layers) and it didn't seem to be having any problems
I would like to add that I love Paint.net. I have tried Photoshop (several times) and end up screaming with frustration. Paint.net is soooooo much more user friendly and common-sensible. I think it's a great program!
That's it! Thanks again!