Other features include a 2.4 GHz AMD Athlon 64 3500+ processor, 120 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE video card with up to 128 MB of shared memory, and 6-channels of surround sound audio. It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, which delivers a safer, more reliable, and more productive computing environment. It integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: AMD's Athlon 64 3500+ processor is built for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, which will require a processor with significant power. This 2.4 GHz processor offers a system bus with speeds up to a blazing 2000 MT/s (mega transfers per second) and 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.) It includes such AMD features as HyperTransport Technology (which increases the communication between integrated circuits) and Cool'n'Quiet Technology that conserves power while also keeping the PC nicely quiet.

• Hard Drive: The 120 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) is a bit on the small side for desktop PCs, but is in line with comparable affordable models. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).

• Memory: The 512 MB of installed RAM (1 x 512 MB DDR2, PC2-5300) is enough to get you started, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 8x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

• Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Compaq keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
For expansion, this desktop has two PCI slots (one available), one PCI Express x16 slot (available), one PCI Express x1 slot (available), two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (two available). It comes with the following external connections:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 2 in rear)
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 headphone (front)
• 1 microphone/line-in/line-out (rear)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Basic is the operating system for users with basic computing needs, such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer, Roxio Creator 9 Basic, Roxio MyDVD 9 Basic, HP Photosmart Essential 2, HP DVD Play 2.4, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
It measures 6.7 x 14.9 x 16.8 inches (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 21 pounds.