If you're going to have your software upgraded, then I'd recommend your taking
it back to where you got it and asking them to ...
... upgrade its operating system to Win/XP-SP2.
... install all of the latest Internet-Explorer and MSN upgrades and anything else.
... update the virus program and database to the latest
... add a Network Interface Card (NIC) so that you can connect a DSL modem.
you might also ask them to add or replace the CD-reader with either ...
..- a CD read/write/rewrite unit
..- a CD read/write/rewrite and DVD read unit
..- a CD read/write/rewrite and DVD read/write/rewrite unit
If you're going to get a new system ready built, then I'd recommend a
Dell that will allow you to choose from among the features that they
have available.
If you're going to have a system built just as you want it,
then I'd recommend PC Club; see at ...
http://www.pcclub.com/stores_info.cfm?stid=OCLB
If you're going to build-it-yourself from parts, then good luck;
be sure that all of the components are compatible with each other.
Features to consider in any event ...
.. a CD-reader
.. a CD read/write/rewrite unit
.. a CD read/write/rewrite and DVD read unit
.. a CD read/write/rewrite and DVD read/write/rewrite unit
.. Floppy drive (some units have NONE and NO way to add any)
.. a full-sized motherboard with plenty of extra/empty slots --- NOT a micro board
ABIT is a good choice.
.. large size hard-drive; the price is dropping every day; plan to start with it only 25% full.
(suggest partitioning it into several logical partitions,
just to compartmentalize the programs and files -- keeping a minimum of stuff on "C:")
.. an additional LARGE Serial-bus harddrive if intend to do any video editing.
.. empty space for adding additional harddrive (some units have NO spare space)
.. parallel and serial ports (some newer units only support USB)
.. integrated graphics or a separate video board;
the latter usually offers greater feature set. ATI is a good choice.
.. a RESET button (saves having to do a power off in case of some operating system failures)
.. a large case with plenty of front panel space and CONNECTORS to add whatever in the future.
Antec is a good choice.
.. a camera chip reading adapter station; sometimes incorporated into a floppy reader.
(if you have camera already, then make sure that it will accept your memory chip)
.. temperature indicator and fan controls.
Ground your body and your board well to prevent static sparks from destroying everything.
On_Other_Stuff