The computing marketing types would have you believe you must have the biggest, baddest computer money can buy or you will be a second class citizen of the computing community. It just isn't so. Our computing needs vary widely, just as our personal needs in other areas of our lives.
Some people crave big homes while others live just fine in an apartment.
A big car is a must for some while compacts gets others around with nary a whimper. Designer clothes are required for entry to some social circles while Wal-Mart duds fill the bill nicely in others. The PC needs of a computer games designer who wants to print and review screen shots of his actions will be far beyond the scope of someone who wants only to send an occasional email or browse the web to kill some time. In order to determine what you need for your personal use, you have to be brutally honest in your assessment of your skill level and expectations. Let's review the various components of a computer system and see what you really need.