An office computer can be expected to do word processing, spreadsheet and
database work, internet and intranet access (including e-mail) and a little light
development of spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. It might also be
called on to do page layout work, some 2D graphic creation, and/or terminal
emulation.
None of this stresses any particular component either, but since office workers
often run several applications at the same time, and because time is money in
this space, a strong mid-level processor is suggested. Typically this would be the
processor one or two places from the top of the line, the Intel Core 2 Duo 6600
or 6700 would be a good current example. Plenty of RAM will also facilitate
multitasking and save time.
You will not need much in the way of 3D graphics but youll want to make sure
that the video subsystem has its own memory rather than using system RAM.
Many integrated video systems do this and it can really slow things down. A
cheap (sub $100) (for this and other prices in US dollars see www.xe.com/ucc/ or
other currency converter of your choice for conversion into your local currency)
video card with 64 meg or more can be a good investment.
Youll want a sturdy case (computers kept under desks get kicked by users
and poked by cleaning staff) with a reliable power supply but nothing fancy. If
you plan on keeping the system running nearly all the time, look for a power
supply with a good reliability record. Any extra budget after the above should
focus on a better monitor, better/more ergonomic mouse/keyboard and more
RAM.