Help me build a new desktop!

[gemini2010]

Howdy,
Before I read hundreds of articles on all the different hardware available, I thought I would talk to the experts Can you please offer some advice on building a new machine?
Current setup;
Netgear Router with ADSL internet connection
Epson All in One Printer, Copier
Toshiba notebook running Win7 used for social networking, storage, games, research.
Current desktop does not access the network. Old system with win2000 pro used mainly for accounting, games, and storage

So,
I am looking at building a new “tower” system which is stable and secure enough to manage gaming/ multimedia and capable of supporting up to 5 users. I’m looking for the quickest and most stable computer within a budget of $1200-$1400 for the “box”.
Preferences;
Intel
scsi
I would most likely discontinue using my old desktop after it has been replaced so I could use the current wireless keyboard/mouse, and the ViewSonic monitor however, I may purchase a new monitor later on, better suited to gaming. It also has a DVD burner which may be useful depending; I am not sure on the cost of purchasing a new Blu-ray burner.
I would need to purchase the OS, is Win7 the best option? (This doesn’t need to be included in the budget)
I would be installing full version Norton 360 (already purchased)
I would look at using the new desktop rather than the laptop for transferring files between computer and phones and other devices such as iPod etc.
What is the best way to set up users? For example, I have a laptop (and with introducing a new desktop) to set up each user (5) on each computer attached to the network seems silly. Can I set up a server type application to manage the logins at a LAN level? I have heard that Win7 can do this.

 

[pparks1]

I am looking at building a new “tower” system which is stable and secure enough to manage gaming/ multimedia and capable of supporting up to 5 users.

What do you mean by supporting 5 users? Do you just want to have 5 different user accounts on the same machine that any single computer user can use when they sit down and use the computer? If so, there really isn't anything special that you need for this.

I’m looking for the quickest and most stable computer within a budget of $1200-$1400 for the “box”.

You can build quite a gaming computer for $1,400. Your budget is going to be just fine.

Preferences;
Intel
scsi

SCSI???? What in the world do you want that for? Forget running SCSI drives, get an SSD for your OS and apps and a large capacity mechanical drive for storage.


Windows 7 is likely your best option. You can have multiple user accounts with Windows 7, but you cannot have a centralized setup like Active Directory using just Windows 7. So, if you have a laptop and this desktop, you would have to create 5 accounts on each and set passwords for each of these users on both machine.

BTW: Please don't change your font color to black on your posts. Many of us use a black theme here at SevenForums and when we view your post, we see a huge black box with nothing in it. We have to actually highlight your text in order to see it.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

You should be able to use this as a guide, shop and get the discounts and I can see you dropping 150-250 off this USD pricing.

Forgot to add the OS.
This will rock all five users world's !

 

[boohbah]

BTW: Please don't change your font color to black on your posts. Many of us use a black theme here at SevenForums and when we view your post, we see a huge black box with nothing in it. We have to actually highlight your text in order to see it.

ditto..
Same goes for white text on default themes,

 

[gemini2010]

Hi pparks1 – yes there will be 5 different users using the computer/network. I have got it set up currently so that each user has their own log on for the laptop and also for the old desktop, but I wanted to change that to one logon for the network. I don’t have a “sever” as such and couldn’t understand how to set this up in Win7 as someone had told me can be done.
But as you have mentioned, I cannot have an Active Dir using Win7, so I guess that cancels that idea out.

The reason I mention scsi is because I had a computer using scsi which, when I had the motherboard upgraded, I was left with IDE, and I couldn’t connect as many devices, for example I could no longer connect both my dvd burner and dvd drive. I haven’t been involved with computer builds for about 8 years and I haven’t heard of SSD – I shall look into that!

And, sorry about the font colour change, I didn’t realise it had the font colour set to black but I have edited that post to remove all text formatting, so hopefully this has removed the problem.

Linnemeyerhere thanks for your post, I shall look closer into that list now!!