Computer Specs - What do I really need?

[Pat H]

Decided to go with a desktop again instead of a laptop. I use it for the internet, email, grandkids' photos and some documents. What kind of processor, how much memory, hard drive, DVD/CD, software, etc., do I need?
What is the difference between Works & Word? Is Excel a separate program or is it part of Word/Works? TIA.

 

[Icarus]

You don't need that much power. I would just get a decent mid-range desktop.

Most will come with a minimum of 2GB memory, and a decent size hard drive and a writable dvd drive.

If you want Excel, you should get MS Office, which will include MS Word. The student and teacher edition is a bargain if you can live with the licensing terms (not for commercial use).

-David

 

[Drivr]

You don't need that much power. I would just get a decent mid-range desktop.

Most will come with a minimum of 2GB memory, and a decent size hard drive and a writable dvd drive.

If you want Excel, you should get MS Office, which will include MS Word. The student and teacher edition is a bargain if you can live with the licensing terms (not for commercial use).

-David

Just a couple more things to think about. If you are getting a machine with Vista loaded then you might want 4gb of memory. Vista is a Memory intensive operating system and in this case more is better. Dave is spot on for Excel, Works does come with a spreadsheet program but it is not excel. If you are willing to learn a new program Open Office has a word processor and spreadsheet program and its free. You will be saving some money buying a desktop compared to a laptop so get a screen that you like and can stare at for a length of time.