If you are tired of Windows, not a fan of Mac, there is a new OS (Operating System) on the market. Not to be confused with the Google Chrome web browser, Googles Chrome OS is now an alternative. The Chrome OS only works on Chrome laptops, called Chromebooks. You can forget about anti-virus, anti-spyware, defragmenting, and other system utilities, this OS takes care of itself. And it is fast. Push the on button and boot up is almost instantaneous.

Unlike Windows and Mac, the OS is free, including updates. Not having to either purchase Windows 8 or buy an upgrade, the Chrome OS will automatically update itself for free every six weeks.

Chrome works on the Google cloud principle. Everything you do takes place in the companies big data centers. Printing, listening to music, doing e-mail, photo editing and playing games are all very easy. The Chromebook can send a print job to any laptop that is online, after a simple set up. The print job first goes to the Google "Cloud Print" and is then downloaded to the printers you designate.

Equipped with a file manager, everything you download is organized. The file manager can open Word documents, PowerPoint files, spreadsheets, zip files, PDF's, html, MP4 and other music formats as well as almost all image formats. Google Docs works offline, so you don't have to have a Wi-Fi connection to work on your manuscripts.

You can get these laptops from Acer or Samsung. They come with both a cellular 3G connection and Wi-Fi for around $400. Wi-Fi only is about $100 less. They also come with a built in camera for videoconferencing as well as a port to connect to your HD TV.