Well, certainly the Sony downloaded - uninvited - the latest software from MS shortly after kicking off from new. The HP seemed to be downloading stuff, but there is the possibility that it is not like for like, though both are showing 6.0.6001 service pack 1 Build 6001
Abstraction layer - whatever that is - 6001 18,000
I was concerned that the HP would update and not work anymore! Anyway, since the above advice about the lesser menu, I'm back in business.
Mmmm....watching a program on PBS tonight about writers, up at 5 and 5 or 6 hours a day with no excuses. Not quite part of my cunning plan.