What's your suggestion for a new desktop?

[native_Houstonian]

I'm looking for a new desktop computer, and I need some advice about what would fit my needs. I think I respect y'alls opinion more than the pimply faced kid at Office Depot. Here is the one I'm looking at:

Compaq computer on sale at Office Depot

Here is what I intend to do with it:

Download and store pictures

Quicken for banking purposes

Internet use

I don't spend a lot of time on my computer at home, but I want to buy something that will last. I'm not one to buy a new computer every couple of years, as my last one lasted me about 6 years before it crashed. (I was still using Windows ME!)

I don't want to buy more computer than I need. Any suggestions as to the minimums I should get? Is Core-Duo important? Do I really need Vistas?

Thanks for your imput!

[Pumapayam]

I'd simply start with a MAC, if you can try it, you will love it.