Hardware

Keyboard: I use the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 and love it. It is the best keyboard that I have ever used. When shopping for a keyboard, make sure you like how the keys feel. Microsoft keys have a different feel than Logitech keys.

Mouse: I use the Logitech Revolution MX. This is a great mouse with some great features and ergonomics. If you spend alot of time at your computer, make sure that you get a comfortable mouse. If you are a power user, I strongly suggest that you factor in programmable buttons into your purchasing decision.

Monitors: I use Samsung monitors (I have 2 22" monitors and 1 19" currently) and I really like them. When it comes to monitors make sure to buy a good one. Monitors last a long time and it is likely that you will use the same monitor for at least a couple computer lifespans. Dell, Samsung and Gateway all make monitors that I would consider.

Speakers: I use logitech X530's and they provide clear, full-flavored sound at any listenable volume level. For those who live at their pc, it is wise to buy nice speakers. Buy nice speakers if you plan on using your computer as your main audio source as well.

Webcams: I use both Microsoft (2-VX-6000) and Logitech Communicate STX. I like the software on both and find the image quality to be interchangeable. If you use Skype heavily, the Logitech integrates with the service effortlessly.

MP3 Players: I have the Zune 80 and it is by far the best mp3 player I have ever used. It comes with premium headphones and sounds much better than competing offerings. I love the interface, I love the software, and I love the subscription model. The fantastic video support is icing on the cake. I also have the Creative Zen Microphoto and it is a solid player as well. I can attest to its durability as I have dropped it several times and it still works fine. I also have the Sandisk c280 and that is my second favorite player. It has a great interface and is a very feature rich player as well. Highly recommended for active users.

Software

Productivity: I use Microsoft Office 2007. I am MOS certified in 2003 and in 2007 and even though it took me a little while to get used to the new interface, I have to say that it is a huge improvement. There isn't a more feature-rich productivity suite out there. If you need a free alternative, I suggest Office Live or Zoho.

Content Creation: I use the Adobe Creative Suite 3. As a former photographer, I became enamored with Photoshop and it spread to all of the other Adobe applications. In fact, way back in the day, it was Adobe Photoshop that got me really into computers. I was inspired to create a digital scrapbook, and using a bunch of photos I took, I was able to figure out the program and realize a creative side of myself I never knew I had. I spend most of my time in Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash. The beauty of this suite is the integration of the programs with each other.

Website Development: I use Microsoft Expression Web 2 and Adobe Dreamweaver CS3. I prefer the code that Expression Web produces and it is a terrific product. If I am creating a site with any sort of advanced media content, I use Dreamweaver however. It also is a terrific tool. My advice is that if you are a coder, then use Expression Web, if you are a designer, then use Dreamweaver.

Software Utilities: I use NOD32 as the antivirus on my main machine and AVG on the rest. They are great products. I use Windows Defender and Spyware Doctor as my antispyware tools. I use Microsoft Money for tracking my finances and have been for years. I use Carbonite as my online backup service, and it is great, but I think that Mozy offers a better service currently. Mozy allows you to back up multiple computers with the same account. I use Tunebite to convert my audio and Riverpast Video Cleaner to convert my video files.

Routers: I use the D-Link DIR-855 and it is the absolute best consumer router available. Without question. When buying a router, buy either a D-Link or Linksys brand. Both companies make great routers that should provide years of service. If you are buying a new router make sure to pick up an N class router as well. These things last for years, and this way you are future proof. The difference in price is as little as $10 and will net you better transfer speeds and much improved range of your wireless network.

Printers: Printers are a mixed bag really. I use a Samsung laser printer for the thousands of pages (literally) that I have to print out each month for school. A monochrome laser is the most economical way to print large volume of black pages and the quality is great. I would say that if you have a student heading off to college, tell them to print at the school! If they cannot do that then pick up the Brother 2070. If you are looking at printing photos, then look at the HP 7260 for your average printing needs. This printer produces great prints that are 8.5 X 11 or smaller. If you want to go larger, then I highly recommend the Epson 3800. This was the printer I used for the photography studio and it produced some of the finest prints I have ever seen.

Scanners: I have the Microtek i800 and I find it to be the highest quality scanner I have ever used. If you are looking to scan photos and retain the most detail then the Microtek is a great way to go. If you didn't want to go that route, then the Epson 4900 series is the only other viable option. Are you simply looking for a cheap scanner? You should consider an All-in-One device, but the best budget dedicated scanners are from Canon. The LiDE 60 is a great buy.