To use both computers you will either need a router or you will have to go wireless. You cannot use a second modem. Get the wireless card installed anyway-it's more convenient that way and the cost isn't much. If cost isn't an issue, I recommend getting a video card. If you go with integrated graphics, you could always add a card later but again, getting one preinstalled is more convenient. You probably could use older versions of Word and Excel, but you cannot legally use the same copy on both machines. If you don't want to buy a new copy, consider using Open Office...it's free. You probably don't need a quad processor now. Get as much memory as you can afford, same for the hard drive...especially if you want to get 7 years out of it. I've never needed an extended warranty, but your mileage may vary.

The Athlon processor might save a few $, not much difference otherwise. You won't need the data/fax modem unless you need to send a fax, or plan to use a dial-up internet service. If you are going with a Dell, you will probably get short-term use of an antivirus. I highly recommend you do not use McAfee. If the Dell comes with it, I suggest Avira Antivir as an alternative. Once you are up and running, download Avira, uninstall McAfee first and then install Avira or another product of your choice.

Princess computers are built for a price. Having said that I feel today's mass produced computers are pretty good and the prices seem great. Azinoh has covered most of your queries.

Quad core versus dual core. Here is a page explaining the differences. Don't get carried away with numbers just look at the differences in those numbers. The point is that if the rest of the components match up with the processor and each other you can have a very swift computer.

I think all versions of Win7 offer backup features and it works good. My only beef is that it seems to overwrite the previous back up which I do not like in case of problems, I need to investigate that for my own benefit. Backing up really needs a second hard drive or other external means of saving data otherwise it is saved to the same hard drive as the computer is running on. This means if the hard drive fails then all you current stuff AND the back up are lost.

Regarding connection using wireless or hard wired, how far apart will the 2 computers be? Mine are hard wired because they are all in the same room making life easy. Wireless routers can be hard wired, wireless or both depending on your circumstances.

Fax modems appear on laptops because they are intended for an office environment. Home users probably would never need a fax line. If you fax now a modem might be a good idea, if you do not then you probably do not need one. Of course it can be ignored if the computer comes with one installed.

You failed to mention whether the purchase will be a laptop or desktop and things can be very different. If this is a desktop you can easily pop in a video card down the road if your use changes or you feel the need for the upgrade. Performance is much better with a separate card because it does not share any of your regular RAM which onboard cards do. If you upgrade the video card be absolutely sure to investigate the power supply. Most factory builds come with enough power to run what is built in but not much else, adding things can cause problems.

Like Azinoh I have never spent money on extended warranties but that is a decision only you can make. Most sofware issues you find can be dealt with by coming here for help if they are beyond you. Most hardware issues can be overcome the same way as long as you are not afraid to take the side off and dive in.

Speed is very hard to maintain because of all the things we add. Especially software that the vendor insists on making so it starts and runs in the background whether we use it or not. There is no valid reason for this for the end user.

You will enjoy Windows 7.

I personally prefer AMD processors, if I have a choice I will pick AMD hands down.

I have never purchased an extended warranty.

I try to get just the essentials loaded, if it comes with antivirus I immediately remove the trial package and install AVAST instead. AVIRA is also a good free choice. You should follow the steps for proper removal of which ever one was on the pc however using the removal tool provided by that manufacturer. If you find you are in need of that please ask we can link you to it.

It really mostly depends on what type of use the pc will be getting and of course personal preferences.

I don't see that anyone addressed this question: 32 bit or 64 bit? From what I have read, Windows 7, 32 bit is a slow operating system, so go with the 64 bit version. The dual core processor should be more than adequate. I have never purchased an extended warranty except with my very first computer (I was so scared!) and have never needed one on any appliance, auto, electronics, etc. The amount of RAM you mentioned is fine and is fully useable with the 64bit system.

polarprincess-
Two key points:
1) What do you use your computer for? If you are just doing word processing, some basic photo editing, and Internet stuff, you really don't need to twist yourself in knots about speed and such. A good middle-of the-road computer provides more capacity than most people need. Unless you are editing videos or are a hard core game-playing enthusiast, you may want to focus on a good solid computer for a very reasonable amount.

2) You mentioned moving photos from one computer to another. I am hoping that this is not the only place you are saving them. If it is, are you prepared to lose them all if/when your hard drive crashes? I've known too many people -- including a college professor who lost 7 years of un-backed-up data -- because they procrastinated on backups, or never thought their hard drive would crash.

I have hundreds of photos on my computer and the speed is fine with me. I want my photos at my finger tips not on an external hard drive. I also have hundreds of songs on here in duplicate. It has not been a problem. I back my stuff up on an external hard drive. I would hate to lose the music and have to convert each CD to MP3s again.

thanks for responding- i am talking about a desktop- i do not want a laptop at this time. I guess i thought a router was only for wireless computers- so if i get the wireless card does that mean i then have to get a wireless internet plan or will the wireless card and router work with the regular dsl? For about a year the computers will be by each other and after that they will be on different levels of the house.. So is there a preferable way of how i should go meaning hard wire or wireless? And does whichever way i chose determine what kind of router i need to get or are they all the same? So this also leads me to a question and that is how will i know if my current printer will be compatible with the new computer? i only ask because i heard people had that issue with Vista.

I also want to ask about the antivirus programs you are referring too. I have always used AVG..can i still use this on windows 7 or do i need to stick with the ones you are referring to.

Thanks again

If I were you, I'd get a wireless router, but get one with wired connections, too. Most have both. You don't need to change your internet plan for this. This is for the network you'll be setting up in your home. Using wired connections is preferable if the computers are near each other or if it's easy to drop the wire because the speed is better, but wireless offers more flexibility. One caveat on wireless is that if there is too much distance or too much interference between the PC and the router, you may get poor (or no) reception. Some older cordless phones will also interfere with wireless connections.

What is your current printer? You can probably see if it has a driver for Windows7.

You could install Windows 7 compatibility program on your current computer and it will tell you if the printer passes I believe. Sometimes when a new operating system comes out the makers of printers refuse to create drivers for the older printers to force us to buy new equipment, that was the issue with Vista. Vista was not the problem.

AVG is fine for Windows 7, so is Superantispyware and Malwarebytes. There is also a new fully automatic program from Microsoft that includes anti virus and malware, linked below. I have had it on my windows 7 computer for a while now with no problems to my knowledge.

Here is a link that might be useful: MS Secrity Essentials

Grandms----I have never purchased an extended warranty except with my very first computer (I was so scared!) and have never needed one on any appliance, auto, electronics, etc.(smiles)
You brought to mind the time I purchased a new VCR from a store where they tried to push an extended warranty off on me in the worst way. (money making scheme)
Finally, I told them if the product is that bad that it won't last more than a year, maybe I shouldn't buy it!

That's the way I feel. It makes me wonder?

Princess, when the time comes to move one computer to a different location (upstairs or downstairs), that is when the wireless connection will come into play. I have my desktop in a small room on the second floor, but I use my laptop downstairs in any room I wish, connected wirelessly. If I wish, I can use the laptop in the same room as the desktop and use a wired configuration. All the newer wireless routers provide for both wireless and wired connections. You don't have to spend a lot of money, either.

your main concerns when using wireless is to make sure it is set up extremely securely and to be sure you set your own user name and very strong password on the router it self, I always recommend using the mac addresses of your computers in the router and lock it down to just those computers that can have access.