Hi, my name is Topspeed, and I'm a moron when it comes to computers.

(In unison, everyone says "Hi Topspeed!")

Alright all you computer gurus, I need your help. I'm replacing my 5 year old Dell desk top that seems to be crashing more and more lately. Main uses are internet and a little gaming (although I never game online). I don't need a "media center" as I have no idea what that is. For example, I couldn't follow the Xbox vs PS3 thread at all! I need something that can run multiple pages on the web at the same time, has enough storage for all my wife's iTunes, and can keep up with modern FPS games.

A friend of mine pointed me towards www.cyperpowerpc.com and said they could build a better, faster, and less expensive PC than Dell. My guess is that all computers are using some combination of the same components so you are likely paying a premium for the name on the case. Correct me if I'm wrong. I looked at the Dell XPS 420 which is very cool looking but seems like it might be a bit overkill. Either that or I need to expand my skill set.

My challenge is that I have no idea what any of the numbers and component names mean. Several people have recommended a Dual Core processor with at least 2g of memory to run Vista. Fine. What's the difference between a Dual Core, Quad Core, or AMD processor? How much storage do I need? Which graphics card should I get?

Any and all suggestions are gratefully accepted.