Need help with computer purchase.

[AntleredRuin]

Get her a Windows, not a Mac.
If all her software uses Windows, get Windows.
And speaking from a professional technical perspective, if/when it does break or have an issue/virus (NO, Macs are not invincible, contrary to popular belief), it'll be a whole lot easier and cheaper to fix. Apple intentionally 'locks the back door' so you can't simply make tweaks/repairs to the OS as necessary. It's possible through the terminal line, but a whole lot harder.
This results in the easiest fix (the one most 'Geniuses' take) being a complete reinstallation of your OS, which can lose your all your data and programs.

Also, always have a data backup.

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[Jumpkix]

IT guy/grad student here. Buy something lightweight and inexpensive. It doesn't take much horsepower for a computer to browse the web and run Microsoft Office, which is what the average student spends 90 percent of their time doing. I'd recommend looking at either a newer, used system if you're on a budget, or a cheap Lenovo or Asus. Just keep in mind that most newer computers, though they quickly become obsolete, will serve most college students well many years.


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[tb-av]

2. Reason she wants to get a desktop is one of our kids is starting school

Why don't you do this...

Get her a basic laptop.
Get a Monitor and Keyboard.
Get a very basic laptop for the kids.

She will be able to work on the road, or connect at home to full size monitor and keyboard, etc.

Kids can connect to full size monitor and keyboard AND you can more easily help with homework, etc without having to stare at small laptop screen. Then when parents are not around, the kids laptop could be locked away. Also you could put extra security features on that laptop either internally or via your router.

So two laptops and shared monitor / keyboard / Mouse.

Keyboards are dirt cheap. $15. Monitors are on sale all the time at NewEgg. probably $100 for a nice one. Her laptop $350. Their laptop $100.

You are looking at under $600 for a completely functional system where no one can screw up her laptop by accident. Everyone is mobile if need be. Everyone has a comfortable Monitor/Key/Mouse at home if need be.

The frustration level will be much lower than trying to share. Not to mention much safer on many fronts.

 

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