Need a low end computer

[Ultraseamus]

I want to buy or build a new computer for my mom, she does some internet surfing, occasionally plays some online flash games, and preforms general tasks with high resolution pictures form her digital camera.

That covers the basics of what she would use this computer for. She already has a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. And I want something that can do everything she needs to do without any problems, with a little wiggle room in case she gets into something that needs a bit more power.

Basically I am pretty confident that 5 year old technology would probably suffice. I do not want to skimp on quality and want to make sure this computer lasts her a solid 5-10 years with no issues. I know enough about computers that if the cheapest/best method would be building it from scratch I would not have a problem with that.

I rambled on a bit, but I wanted to make sure I gave a good idea of what I am looking for. I would be happy staying under $500, and would be very pleased if I could get it even lower (which I doubt). I want to keep her on XP, but the chance is there of having to "upgrade" to vista (OS not included in price), which I know sucks up resources. Any suggestions how I should go about this?

 

[Peter.Cort]

Newegg.com - Intel Celeron E1200 1.6GHz 512KB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives
Newegg.com - MSI P6NG Neo-Digital LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 7100 / nForce 630i HDMI ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
Newegg.com - OCZ Vista Upgrade 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
Newegg.com - Antec Basiq BP500UB 500W ATX12V Version 2.01 Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

245 before shipping, and all you need to do is add a case and you're good to go. also if you want you could get 2x2gb for 4gb of ram and add a pci-e card. (psu will handle all that) cpu comes with a cooler.

 

[Ultraseamus]

That looks perfect, and much cheaper then I was thinking. My main problem is being worried about different parts being compatible, which I assume these are. But it brings me to my last question, I have had issues in the past with having a mother board which was the wrong size for a case, I assume that this is rare, but is there a good way I can make sure that everything will fit correctly in whatever case I buy? Aside form that thank you very much for your fast and extremely helpful response.

 

[Peter.Cort]

first off, no problem, glad to help. and that motherboard is ATX so as long as you get either a mid tower or full tower case it will fit it fine. and since the only other issue would be a graphics card you'll be fine putting it in any mid/full tower. as far as other compatibility they are all compatible and will work fine.