Looking for specifics for hardware/software computer package with multiple monitors and other peripherals

[Linda_1860]

I am doing genealogical research and plan to write a book. I want to know who to contact to build a computer system and best software. I want to run three monitors: one for editing photographs (and I need a flatbed scanner in addition to my all-in-one printers), one for writing text, descriptions for photographs, and one for routine email, Office, Ancestry, internet... I want a desktop (have been using laptop past 7 years). So I need to know what RAM I will need, options for running multiple programs simultaneously, internal/external hard drives and provisions for on site backup... I use a home wireless network. I need best software for working with old/faded/damaged B&W photographs (some date back to circa 1860). I have been using MS Word for writing - is there a better alternative? I also need reasonably large monitors due to some vision difficulty reading small print.

 

[Ralston18]

Start by looking at the system requirements listed for the software applications you would like to use or wish to use.

Those requirements often represent some minimal requirements to at least be reasonably functional. E.g., CPU speeds, memory, drive space, etc.. For the most part those specifications are derived using ideal laboratory circumstances - end point being that your end system should exceed those specifications if at all viable and affordable.

And likewise your physical network components: scanners and printers also have written (albeit ideal) specifications for such things as scanning and printing aka "pages per minute".

Do consider using a wired network for as many devices as possible. Especially key devices such as your desktop, printer, scanner, and network storage. Wireless can be problematic and will certainly slow network performance overall.

And you would need 3 monitor ports - probably one on the motherboard and 2 on a graphics card. Or a 3 or 4 port graphics card.

MS Word is widely used and you probably should stay with it unless there is some compelling reason to change.

My thought would be that you need a system designed for video auditing or graphics design. A gaming system may also have the computing power you need. They tend to focus on faster graphics which may not be necessary per se.

Try visiting a couple of big box stores and some local computer stores if there are any in your area. No need to buy per se and it is likely that most places will tell you anything just to get your money.

Work your way up the "learning curve" some and as you do so a consensus will start to form.

The starting point is to get the requirements established and then look for desktops that meet or exceed those requirements.