I am not especially computer literate therefore I was hoping to appeal to some of you who work with computers/software or really know your way around them.

Basic background:  I own a MAC powerbook G4 that is four years old. My operating system is MAC OS X  (version 10.3.9). 1.33 Ghz and 256 Mb for memory. I do not use my computer for storing music or photography nor do I clutter my desktop with lots of applications or programs.

Within the last year I have noticed an increasing problem. When I am surfing the web my safari browser application will suddenly shut down. A message will appear that says Application suddenly Quit it will then ask if I want to send a report to Apple. I have sent these "bug reports" but I never get any kind of response. I'm not sure what triggers it but I think has happened more often when a site is newer or has been recently redesigned or updated.

My suspicion is that either my OS or my browser have become antiquated. Can these be easily updated?

What do you think the problem might be? What would be a reasonable price range to fix/update the problem?

Thank you for your help.

if the browser is too old, have you tried to update it?

or if you want you can install a new browser firefox instead (totally free):

Maybe so, but is it not better to inquire of something of this nature on a local basis first?  What good is it if a guy or girl on the West Coast knows a place or someone local to them?  It's 3,000 miles away and not relevant.

What's next?  Want to buy some Xmas wrapping paper??!!

There really is no reason for your negativity.  And why hide behide an alias?  Christmas wrapping paper has nothing to do with this website, while access to the Internet and computer issues obviously do.

I drive to incall locations, should I be asking where to buy tires?  This isn't the place for it.  There are enough other sources for diagnosing your computer, not TER.