Run programs fast

[bigal40]

I am looking to make a computer for my dad. He wants something that can run many programs and even multiple desktops at once and still run quickly. the most important thing to him is haveing say 3 IEs, 2word documents, and large excel file and his email openned all at once and still be able to open another internet explorer instatanelously. on his current computer it takes like 5- 10 sec. what would you recommend, amd or intel how much ram etc.
thanks

 

[Mo0o]

Athlon64 3000+, 1gib ram, raptor should do it. you can skimp on the vid card and sound card.

 

[dullard]

Pretty much any computer can do that. For faster launching make sure there is enough memory and a fast hard drive. Nothing you listed there is very difficult for any recent computer to handle.