I know there is lots of experience out there, and it is always interesting to hear other views.
I am now seriously contemplating replacing my desktop, the present one is getting (comparatively) slow and long in the tooth, and I would like to sort it out before it becomes a distress purchase. {Providence duly tempted}
Having been through the trauma of Vista, I am thinking that Windows 7 (whilst it is still available) might be better than the widely criticised Windows 8.
Using a solid state disk for operating system and programs (only) appears to have significant performance benefits, though I have seen suggestions that their life can be shortened if overused.
I generally refer to the PC Pro A List, but they don't really seem to have categories for "large spreadsheets and photo processing" it is either budget or outrageous gamer.
Scan and pcspecialist have been recommended as good suppliers of configurable systems.
Any input (confined to Windows and PCs) welcome.
Chris