The Dimension E310 computer you're looking at sounds fine. I haven't heard much about XP Media Center, I've used XP Professional. Even Dell says in their pages "Dell recommends Windows XP Professional." I'd look for a few reviews before settling for something else. You could upgrade to Professional for about $75 last time I bought one there (last year at this time).

Opening the computer is a simple matter of making sure it isn't a dry day with static electricity, unplugging it in a stable place with good light, then in the case of this one, it says "Easy access to internal components by lifting the handle" so it's made to be tinkered with. You lift off the side. Read the specs for it here.

Remember what I said about not heading for the top most expensive tier processor speed-wise? You could get the "Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 531 (3GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache) with HT Technology" as their middle choice and that's plenty fast.

The one you're looking at comes standard with a DVD-ROM. These days you really need two DVDs, one a burner for DVDs and CDs, or a DVD burner and a CD-ROM (second choice). You'll have to add the floppy drive--they can do it or you can do it for under $50. See what they charge. You can buy a big second hard disk drive for between $50 and $100 these days, so if they can't offer more storage space really cheap, put your own in.

If they offer "free" stuff that you can't use, then it isn't really a bargain, especially if you have to pay shipping. So check out the offers. They change all of the time, so if the package you want isn't on sale this week and you can wait a little, it may well turn up.

I think WordPerfect is a much better software than Works. I'd get that one and go from there checking out some of BillD's software offerings.

Good luck!

SRS