I've decided to get a new system and I'd like your recommendations given the following objectives. My Windows 95 still works just fine and meets my needs for programs I already have, but I'm starting to run into more and more downloads and commercial software that requires "98 or better."

I'd like to get a plain-vanilla, extra-stable, overly-reliable system. I don't mind spending a little more for the initial system to get extra stability and reliability. I'll probably just do web surfing, e-mail, and write trivia quizzes for Funtrivia. I'm not interested in video action games. An anti-virus program with frequently updated DAT files and a pop-up ad blocker are high on my list.

I'm leaning toward keeping and reusing my 17" monitor and 56K dial-up modem. Windows 2000 seems to be a good stable OS that will meet my needs. I'm open to comments on this and recommendations re. hard drive size and manufacture, RAM, and video & audio drivers. And anything else you think is important. Thanks

I wouldn't use Win2000 when you can get XP. I only used Windows ME (which is based off of 2000) because it came with my computer and was familiar with it. However, XP is a bit more stable than 2000 and soon enough 2000 is going to go the way of 95 and programs are going to stop supporting it. Given that you're currently using Win95, I'd suggest upgrading to XP as that will be supported longer than Windows 2000.

Also, all new computers come with XP, I don't think you'd find any except 'hand-me-downs' that use 2000.

For harddrive size, what do you use your computer for? If it's just for word processing and surfing the internet, 20-40GB should be more than enough. (Most box computers that you buy at the store come with 40GB today.) Manufacturer shouldn't make much of a difference - to me, they all seem to work just the same although some are faster than others.

For memory, I'd suggest 256MB of RAM. Yes, you can do well with 128MB of RAM, but applications are going to start requiring more and more as they get more complex, so it's best to get what you're going to need now instead of buying and then needing to upgrade anyway. Also, XP seems to run a bit slow with 128MB of RAM once you start adding applications to the system.

Video drivers - if you're not playing video games, a video card that's integrated to your motherboard should be ok, or you can get a 32MB or 64MB video card. If you're doing video games, I'd suggest at least 128MB - you can get them fairly cheaply right now and, as with the RAM, I think it's best to be a little proactive so you don't have to upgrade in a year.