Well I have to bite the bullet and buy a new computer system and might as well throw in a digital camera while I am at it.
I lost two files I was working on today. Partially my fault partially tech snaffu.
Major bummer.
I flipped through this weeks flyer's to check out new systems and what the heck... I have know idea what all the specs are, what I need and what is practical.
My current machine is 7 years old and has been rebuilt and upgraded here and there. The last bit of security items I bought and installed are too much for this machine I think.

I would love input on to what a good machine should have today.
I also would like the capability to update, upgrade as time goes on.

shopping list so far.
- wireless router for four machines
- digital camera (also something I know nothing about, except they are cool).
- printer/copier/fax/scanner machine
- new computer.

My goal is to have it all installed and up and running in three weeks time.

Thanks for any and all input

I got a Dell, I got the printer fax scanner copier option, the lowest price level that had a real fax.... put paper in, dial number, hit start. They all come with flat screens now. I have vonage so I just got another line for the fax. Works out great I pay $40 a month for all home calls even to canada and my fax usage! You cannot beat that price.

Do you work from home? I do and when my laptop bit the bullet I finally decided to just do this. I still liked my laptop better, much faster and much bigger memory on it.

I have yet to get the wireless working correctly, I seem to have no IP on my laptop. They kindly restored my harddrive when I sent it in for a new fan! oh gosh, this is not my venting thread.

I do realize I have given you no real answers to your questions. I don't know all the spec garble, just what I bought!

SueP you are so cute.
My sister in law had that same issue when she bought a Dell and thier wireless router, I don't think she every got both her machines online.

I will be working from home soon, at least for a while. I am leaving my current job so I will be picking up a little contract work until I find a new company to sign up with.
I have two machines right now. This old one, and a 3 year old basic Dell that is in my son's room. That one is not online.
I figure I will move this machine upstairs as well and the new machine will go here at my desk, then there may be a laptop with the new job so I had best be prepared with a router that can handle all four.

I'm not a tech expert but here's some guidelines or goals;

256 MB minimum RAM (512 is ideal)
2.4 gigahertz minimum processor (3.4 gig Athlons are awesome...like lightening)
40 GB hardrive minimum

These three items are basic. All peripherals are optional such as internet conection (dial up, LAN), printer/scanner/fax (XP has a built in fax feature but must be enabled with the CD-ROM), speakers, mouse, keyboard, monitor. Most packages these days do include a flat screen LCD and mouse, keyboard and speakers. If you are looking towards the future then you may want to inquire about 64 bit technology. That's what the next wave will be.

Thanks Jaydsdad.
I took notes of your post. It's a great help.

Do you think I can get a package off the shelf so to speak that is ready to go, or is this more something I will need to compile a wish list and have put together for me.

I have a basic fear of being sold a system packed with bells and whistles designed to thrill the gamers and burners out there. All pretty cool but not really necessary for me.
I equate those nice extras to the aluminum alloy mag wheels the salesman tried to push me for my car. Nice too have but not essential.

The three things I mentioned are your basic essentials. Look for these minimums and any package you get should be sufficient. You should be able to find something off the shelf but to use your analogy, it is like buying a car. Engine size, transmission and suspension. Three basics. All else is negotiable. Keep an eye on the flyers in your mail. I just missed out on a 2.4 gig Intel with all the basics for 335 bux. Short time deal but I didn't watch the flyers.

I think I have found my new machine
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ processor
1.0 GB pc3200 DDR, 200 GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA hard drive
Lightscribe double layer DVD +_ r/rw drive with cd writer
front panel 9 in 1 memory card reader
integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics
56k modem and 10/100 NIC
MS Windows XP (Home )
17"LCD monitor
printer.
How does that sound?
It covers more that I was looking for I think..
To be honest a lot of these details are meaningless to me.

I still need to choose a router system and the all in one printer. The printer that comes with the package is okay to start with.

Harmony, sounds perfect. It should do you well for a long time.