Juno, it depends how much you have to spend, and how long it's going to be needed for, but I'd set your budget first, and then see what you can get. I'd suggest 2GB RAM for your demands, and as big a hard disk as you can get, although remember that removable media these days can carry in excess of 4GB, if you use dual-layer DVDs. Otherwise, I'd agre with golfpro to the letter.