[FastCarFan]

I think it is time to buy a new computer. Please help me determine how much computer I need to buy.

Our desktop computer is almost 5 years old. I know, that is an eternity in the computer world. It is painfully slow -- I would not want to add up the hours I have waited for it. I have known for some time that we would soon have to buy a new computer, but I think the time is now.

I recently purchased TurboTax Deluxe ($60), like I have for the past 10 years. When I tried to install it I received a message that says my computer does not meet the system requirements for TurboTax Deluxe (needs 256 MB RAM). It worked last year! I love TurboTax & can't imagine going back to doing my taxes manually.

I know (or care) next to nothing about computers. Here are the specs I pulled off my computer: Pentium 4 CPU 2.40 GHz, 2.39.GHz 128 MB RAM, Windows XP 2002. My C: drive has 37.2 GB of memory (25.1 GB "free"). I think my problem is processing speed & RAM, not memory.

We send e-mails, surf the Web, do minimal word processing, rarely use Excel & nobody in the family is into gaming. My son does use the iTunes software. Having said all that, I do want Word & Excel, & it would be nice to have PowerPoint if possible.

So, what should I buy? I am not talking brand, but rather capacity, processing speed, chip, etc. I realize that newer software needs more "horsepower" (e.g., TurboTax), so I would like a good computer that will last me awhile.

What about Windows Vista? I have heard some bad things about it. I know Vista comes on many computers.

Thank you in advance for your help...& for not laughing at my lack of computer knowledge. I know the Pelican community will come to my rescue!