1 GHz is pretty slow nowadays. I'd recommend a 2.0 or higher GHz processor (if its AMD, it'll be something like 2200+ rather than 2.2, that means the same thing), and at least 1 GB of RAM if you're just using it for word processing and internet. 1 GHz is already pretty much a hunk of junk, and if not, it will be extremely soon. Probably a stupid question, or at least a very basic one that I should know the answer to, but what does the RAM actually do? Is that what would make programs run faster or is it more of a storage measure? RAM is like short term memory, so the machine doesn't have to delve into the hard drive all the time. More RAM means your computer can run faster because it can retrieve common data off the RAM much quicker than going to the hard drive all the time.