My 2cents:

Not going to brand bash, I'll give the same advice, that I've given to all that have asked!!

When you are looking to purchase your first computer, please realise the speed at which changes are made and discovered with in the industry.
Talk to as many ppl as you possibly can, find which type of systems that they run, programs used, and for what reason.

Then sit down and decided firstly what YOU want the computer to do. How much storage memory you NEED, how much accessable memory you NEED. do you need the system to be multi lingual, not just in Language but with programs you require to complete the tasks you've identified as priority.
Once you have the requirements that you NEED for the computer you want. DOUBLE EVERYTHING...... this will as least give you a system that will keep pace with your growing requirements(particulary with students)for a number of years before a major upgrade is required.
Never lose focus that a computer is only a tool to assist you with your work, it is an extention of your capabilities, you control it's information, it does not control yours.

If I can help Lixy I'll be glad to

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Behind me is a Woman rolling her eye's!

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