New to the site, so I'm probably asking something that's been answered a hundred times or so. My apologies for this. I'm in need of a new computer, but I'm tired of buying Gateway and Dell "blah" consumer-type machines. They never perform the way I'd like them to out of the box. Current machine is a Dell Dimension 2400 (running Windows XP Home) that is four years old. Four years ago, it did what I needed it to do, but now I'm doing a lot of photography work and it's not holding up.
I've been browsing the site, but would like some advice for building a new computer. I'm confident with assembling the machine, just not confident on what hardware to use. The case I'd like to use is my old Gateway tower (picture attached). The only things I'd like to re-use from the Gateway are the hard-drive (as a secondary for storage purposes), and possibly the CD burner. I'd like to keep the Dell Dimension 2400 in one piece so I can give it too my mom.
What I need out of my next PC:
- ability to handle large amounts of digital photos and photo-editing software,
- ability to surf the 'net smoothly ('net access via cable modem),
- ability to handle large amounts of music and possibly music-editing software,
- ability to handle video viewing and video-editing software.
That's pretty much all I do with my computer, no more, no less. I'd like suggestions for what hardware would suite my needs. Would Windows XP Home be sufficient, or should I go to XP Professional? Price-wise, I'd like to keep this build under $700 total. Time-wise, I'd like to have a machine built within the next four months. I'll probably ramble off more questions as time goes on. All info is greatly appreciated.
I've been browsing the site, but would like some advice for building a new computer. I'm confident with assembling the machine, just not confident on what hardware to use. The case I'd like to use is my old Gateway tower (picture attached). The only things I'd like to re-use from the Gateway are the hard-drive (as a secondary for storage purposes), and possibly the CD burner. I'd like to keep the Dell Dimension 2400 in one piece so I can give it too my mom.
What I need out of my next PC:
- ability to handle large amounts of digital photos and photo-editing software,
- ability to surf the 'net smoothly ('net access via cable modem),
- ability to handle large amounts of music and possibly music-editing software,
- ability to handle video viewing and video-editing software.
That's pretty much all I do with my computer, no more, no less. I'd like suggestions for what hardware would suite my needs. Would Windows XP Home be sufficient, or should I go to XP Professional? Price-wise, I'd like to keep this build under $700 total. Time-wise, I'd like to have a machine built within the next four months. I'll probably ramble off more questions as time goes on. All info is greatly appreciated.
