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Hi I have two hard drives in my computer one runs XP the other run Ubuntu 6.06.  I installed Ubuntu about 3 weeks ago and it really is great I now only use XP for Voip calls.  I had tried linux in various forms over the years and could never get the hang of it . Ubuntu really is user friendly and the forums are very helpful.  If you are looking for a user friendly OS try it.  It has a feature called Automatix which will install most of the software you need to get it running e.g flash-player adobe etc. My kids use my computer as well and it runs nearly of their websites so no complaints from them a big +   My other 3 computers run XP but I will not upgrading to Vista they will gradually be switched over to Ubuntu. I tried Ubuntu live on them and they will all run on it when it's time.

Hi Susie1
Have you considered using Voip. I use a company called Voipcheap for most of my calls.  I am always on the phone Ireland or USA.  I payed £5.00 for credit it lasts 120 days before you have to top up again.  You don't even need a headset now if you log in to their homepage there is an option to make the call via your home phone.Heres their site.

http://www.voipcheap.co.uk/en/index.html

I am with NTL so I don't pay phone rental because its free.  But if they started to charge me for it I would cancel it and use Voip. Joe

My grandmother died when my father was seven leading to him and his brother being placed in the Artane Industrial School.  After years of trying to find information and running into dead ends and ignored queries and a wall of silence, I found this wonderful website.  http://www.barnardos.ie/origins-service.htm

They are now in charge of the old Artane records and are actually helpful. 

They do have a huge backlog of queries (which is hardly surprising considering my epic quest for info) so you will need to be patient.  I'm still waiting 9 months after my original query but I have received an acknowledgement that I am being dealt with and asking for my patience, which I am more than willing to give.  After all, we all know this genealogy thing is for the long-haul.

The site also gives contact details for residential institutions  in  CORK, GALWAY, DUBLIN, and WEXFORD.

I hope this helps anyone who has run into this problem

Found my sister and my cousin on GR. Mind you I already knew them.  Just didn't know they'd joined GR as well.