2d designs

Whilst almost any computer can be used for image manipulation, there are a number of factors to consider.

The two main computer types are PC and MAC.

PCs originated with the IBM PC and although until recently IBM still produced PCs most are clones using the architecture originating from IBM but made by other companies.
Over 90% of the worlds computers are PCs and most of them run on the Microsoft Windows operating System.

AppleMAC computers now only have a market share of about 4% - mostly used for image manipulation and design. They usually run their own operating system and there are no Apple clones, so all MACs are Apple.
There is now no longer any advantage in using a Mac over a PC, and Macs will cost you a lot more.

The Linux operating system will run on both platforms. About 3% of the worlds PCs run Linux, and the proportion is growing. Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Developed under the GNU General Public License, the source code for Linux is freely available to everyone.
You can build a 4ghz dual core AMD computer with 2gb ddr2 ram, 160gb hard disk, dvd-rw and 19inch tft monitor - running Linux with Gimp for £250
A Windows computer running Photoshop will cost £1000 and a similar spec Mac will cost £1500

A computer designed for image manipulation requires specifications that differ from one used for more general office duties. You can e-mail and surf the internet on almost any computer, even the latest versions of office programmes will run on a moderately specified computer, but to work with large photographic images you require plenty of memory.

Memory - RAM
A typical new computer will be supplied with 512 mb of RAM. 512mb is the lower limit for serious photomanipulation. To work comfortably and at speed 1gb is a better option, 2gb should be more than enough for any 'stand-alone' PC. (If you are running Windows Vista - 1gb would be the minimum requirement)

Storage - Hard Disk
To store images on the computer a reasonable size hard disk is required. In the past year the size of hard disks on new computers has risen so most have plenty of space, but older computers might have a problem. 40Gb should be large enough to accommodate the operating system, program files and work in progress, but bigger disks will be needed is you want to store a lot of images. Photographs can be large, one designed to print at A3 size will be about 50mb, 20 images will take up a Gigabyte of disk space.

CD / DVD-Writer
In order to 'back-up' and transport images a CD-writer is important, whilst there are other options, a Cd-writer is the cheapest and most flexible choice. All computers have CD-Roms so storing images on CD means that they can be seen on any computer ( a standard CD-player will not write CDs you need a CD writer ). DVD writers are now cheap and can be used to back-up larger amounts of data. ( You will need a DVD - writer )

Monitor A good monitor is essential, professionals use large screens, but any size will do so long as it is capable of giving a clear sharp picture. Traditional CRT monitors are generally better than the cheapest LCD ones - so if you want a flat screen - spend a bit more and get a good one. More on Monitors
Flatbed Scanners Will scan flat artwork and photographs. They need not be expensive and almost any of the scanners available will do a good job. Some flatbed scanners with also scan from negatives, but generally these are not as good as dedicated film scanners.
Film Scanners Designed for film, are expensive, costing more than a basic computer. For the same price you can buy a good digital camera.