Wow guys, thanks for your responses.

If by better interface you mean that CM is easier to use and has worthwhile options (game difficulty, time control and analyzing engine), that's probably enough for us. I don't think our old version had an opening and endgame database. Could you elaborate on its usefulness?

The kids' computer is a PC running on XP. For safety/security reasons, it is not connected to the internet. Not sure if that's what you need to know, but if not just ask again.

I admit I have no idea about some of what you guys are talking about. We don't use the computer much yet, but I expect to use the computer more in the future as they improve. I would appreciate if you would bear with me while I ask some questions you've probably answered many times before.

What is a pgn file? Why and how are they useful? By import, do you mean downloading from the net, or could the files be downloaded to a jump drive on a connected PC and imported from there?

I've heard of ChessBase but know little about it. My understanding is that it's a program for organizing, storage and retrieval of chess games. At what point does it become worthwhile to have? I think there is a free version, is there not?

HIARCS? Gesundheit.

TIA!