Q. I'm planning to build a desktop PC. I need it for Photoshop editing mostly, and for my souvenir business. Any thoughts or opinions? Motherboard choice? AMD or Intel? Quad, tri or duo processor?
—Steven in Indianapolis, listening on WIBC 93.1 FM

A. You probably won't save much by building it yourself. But you will know the box well. That will make you more comfortable replacing parts in the future.

So, let's start with the operating system. I'd wait for Windows 7. It will be out Oct. 22. The Home Premium version will give you the most value. If this computer is business only, also consider the Business version.

It sounds like you're doing a lot of work in Photoshop. This is a powerful, professional-level program. You'll find a higher-end processor and extra memory useful.

For that extra memory, go with 64-bit Windows. It can address much more memory than the 32-bit version. Thirty-two-bit systems are obviously on their way out. My tip explains the difference between 64- and 32-bit.

It is not necessary to buy the most powerful microprocessor. But I would buy close to the top—perhaps a few steps down. Photoshop is among the few programs that can use a powerful chip. Virtually all chips today are 64-bit. Either Intel or AMD is fine.