Windows 10

The main difference @pete is that Windows 10 is a lot less bloated than 8, so starts and runs quicker and is easier to use. Also don't forget that support for 7, and eventually 8 will cease (as it has already for XP), potentially leaving you with security holes and the very real possibility of incompatibility with programs and websites in future. 7 or 8 to 10 is free at the moment, so there really isn't any reason not to upgrade.

 

@wiseowl why have you put a picture of me on here?

 

Good morning @shiney its just one of your signed photos that all your fans have on their walls

@whis4ey @HarryS that wasn't a spaceperson(PC) that was our good friend @pete

I have it on good authority the Window's 6 is on the way

 

Good morning @HarryS my apologies my good friend I have just landed from a 33 hour flight and I'm cream crackered

 

@wiseowl Have you been to the moon again?

 

Yes @shiney

 

I reckon that is a typo @HarryS - it should be Windows 10 downloadable upgrade; as for the spec of machine, it is very easy to run away with yourself and end up with a machine that is massively over-specced for your needs; whilst it is always a good idea to give yourself a bit more than you actually need, there is no point spending massively more money on something that isn't going to be used.

I would say that a minimum of 6Gb RAM is sensible, with at least 1Tb Hard Drive. If you can, stick with the Intel processors (i3, i5 or i7) as the AMD's are not just as good as the Intel's (in my opinion); I have an AMD machine that is only a matter of months old, and it is nowhere near as slick in its operation as a similarly aged Intel machine. Don't be scared of brands that you might not know - ASUS, Acer, Lenovo an ZooStorm might not be as well known as the HP's and Dell's of the world, but are usually pretty decent machines and often a little cheaper than the HP or Dell equivalent.