That's great news! Good Work.

As for the specific keystrokes/option-checkmarks for running Norton Ghost as manual only.... I don't know.
I've never owned/operated Ghost.
I will inquire with another Helper here who does run Ghost, and perhaps get the answer, or have them step in to reply in this thread. Please be patient.
As to new purchase....
This Forum tries to remain "brand-neutral".
You'll never read me stating "Oh NO! You bought an XYZ!! You should have bought an ABC"
-I will however, give you my personal experience.
I've purchased 3 Dell Inspirons in the past 5 years, all are still in service, and I am extremely happy with them.
One, the oldest, is my service tech backup machine that I use when on mobile repair calls.
One is presently being used by a medical student who has so many advanced applications for micro-biology, organic chemistry, statistics, university and research based data feeds, and the like, that it makes my head spin when I do the routine maintenance on it.
The third is used by a younger college student who is a moderate gamer, an advanced mathematician, and a huge user of photo management. He also has dual language performance and "types" in Thai as well as English so fast and competently that he is often asked to Edit pieces for natives of both languages.
I'm happy with Dell Laptops.
They provide very good support in their Support Forums. (though phone support is less wonderful)
I've also been impressed with a few HP Laptops, somewhat impressed with Toshiba, and less impressed with Sony.
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What is important in a Laptop?
---Get as much RAM as the machine can hold and you can afford.
---Get as "fast" a Hard Drive as is available. (fast means rpm's) (slower laptop HD's are 5400rpm, better is 72000rpm)
You will be happier with a a 7200 or even 10,000 rpm Hard Drive even if it is smaller in total capacity.
You can always get an external HD for Data Backup.
---Forget about Media Center Features unless you really expect to run your TV, Stereo and toaster oven from the laptop.
--- Depending on your use preference, you may also want to get the best Video Adapter to suit your needs.
If the machine will not be used for gaming, then Video accelerations is less important and most standard and even most onboard Video Adapters will be just fine. But if you do photo or video editing, you'll wish you had the best Video Card/Adapter available.
---If at all possible, get your hands onto the machine you intend to buy, BEFORE, you spend your money.
Many machines look great in the catalogue, but somehow feel awkward or don't feel right to the user's hands in actual operation.
Best Regards