Is Technology Ruining, or Wrecking Relationships?

I have a serious question here. Is Technology Ruining, or Wrecking Relationships? No, really… has there been a situation where an argument broke out between you and your partner because of an “Upgrade” of some new device that maybe wasn’t around  10 years ago and now you can’t live without?

I have been victim of this several times and it has nothing to with me being a “Techie” and yet I get the blame. Our latest “Issue” was the fact that the windows versions keep upgrading. Eventually, we will need a new computer. Preferably a laptop since our keyboards have taken a beating from our dogs (that’s another story). Anyway, just for that reason alone (forget the fact that the computer is over 6 years old) I decided to buy a new laptop “just in case” and backup the old one.

Well… that was a waste of time. Not because of the backup (BTW most people should know to back-up their machines) but the whole time spent buying a new computer, set-up networking and installing software. Ugh… I’ve spent more time trying “Flush” the information, the software, network information etc., etc., etc.,… just because of windows 8. To make matters worse, trying the “Easy Virtual Machine” thingy was also a waste of time since the new laptops have an entirely new look and feel.

To save peace, for now we will stick with our old machine, and possibly do a repair to our keyboard (if at all possible) but moving ahead,

1.)    Are there any “New” machines with the “old-style” laptop looks / keyboard & tab buttons?

2.)    Is there an “Easy Way” to setup a “Virtual Machine” without going to an “IT” person?

Just saying and Just asking....