Basic stuff for a good/new PC

Unlock your processor (if AMD for example) from X2 to X4 (quad-core). There are direct instructions on how to do this. Google it (the name of your processor and how many cores it is). Also it is recommended to get "CPU-Z" (shows all those voltages and important stuff regarding your processor's functions. Furthermore test it out with a program called "prime95". If your processor is "boxed" you don't need to get thermal grease (it is already there). If you're core speed is at 3000 Mhz, you shud be good (even though clocking will make it higher, it's not always necessary). Clocking is advised but remember to watch over your CPU's temperature (HW Monitor a good program with prime95).

A lot of air flow inside your computer so that no dusk comes to exist. It also cools your hardware which is relevant and smart. At least 3-4 fans. There's a program called Speedfan that scans the computer's heats while being in exertion, try it.

Always remember this line: (2GB = 32-bit, 4GB = 64-bit, 8GB = 32-bit/64-bit).

A good hard drive is 2TB. Remember it to have 7 200 rpm. It's an effective one.
You shud defrag your hard drive as well.

Now let's get to Windows' operation system types: Ultimate = 1, Enterprise = 2, Professional = 3.
Premium, Basic or Home are excluded cuz they are useless crap. Really it's one of those three above.

For a monitor, I'd absolutely recommend a Full HD LCD-screen with over 20 inches. If you want the best quality for your videos/movies and so forth, this will be the option for you.

A SATA3 cable enables faster data transfer for hard drives. So make sure to use it.
Transfer rates: SATA 3.0 = 6,0GB/s, SATA 2.0 = 3,0GB/s, SATA 1.0 = 1,5GB/s.

USB 3.0 slots enable faster data transfer (5 Gbit/s) for flash drives as an example.

For a memory stick, it's a must to have DDR3. Better performance than what DDR2 provides.

A motherboard that has a PCI-E (Express) channel, better transfer rate than PCI or AGP.

A power source of 600W at least, is a good start for gamers.

No need of purchasing a network card. In today's motherboards already integrated.

If there were no drivers along your graphics card, you shud download them from the Internet.

Standard programs for starters: avast Antivirus and Google Chrome. AVG sucks and requires more space. And as for Chrome it is simply the best!

More information on your hardware: Start – Search programs and files: dxdiag