Unfortunately, the big computer companies have everyone convinced that you need the latest and greatest system to run on the software necessary to enjoy "computing." But let's face it, if the computer is for Junior, then will s/he really care?
Which brings me to building the Essential Computer for Junior.
The Bare Essentials:
700 MHz CPU
512+ Mb RAM
CD/DVD drive
Windows 98SE, XP (home/pro)... stay away from Vista for now
MacOS (minimal experience here, so you're on your own).
Linux (good if you "get it" & if you want to limit junior to 'Net-type activities, otherwise skip).
17" monitor with 800x600 display set-up. Probably 16 bit (at least) for video display.
keyboard
mouse (not a trackball, which I have, but no-one else seems to).
With your eBay and PayPal accounts in hand, you have spent less than $400 on the above.
The Set-up:
Fresh system in hand.
1. Purchase/download/install ENUFF PC . This is a great program to prevent Junior from warping his/her brain on too many electrons and will shut off the PC after a set amount of time. It also provides for mandatory breaks, etc. I was told by a good friend that this application is not easily broken, i.e., circumvented, which given this world when our children are learning more at a younger age, is quite important.
2. Purchase/download/install Deep Freeze on to your PC/Mac. This is a cool application and will not require you but anti-virus or adware or whatever program to protect your PC, because if something has infected your computer, you just restart the machine, and voila! A clean install is available for all of your fun times. Caveat: there is an issue of keeping personal info like documents, emails, web history, etc., that you will have to address. I have separate partitions on my HD to resolve that issue.
3. There are a number of Windows Themes you can use, depending on Junior's (dis)likes. We had a Teletubbies-themed computer that played various sounds on start-up and shutdown. Very fun for the youngin's.
4. Also, you can "skin" the exterior of the desktop/monitor, or paint it, or place decals, or whatever your creative/parenting mind can think of. I personally used a hot glue gun and figurines of whatever my kids were into at the time, be it Transformers, Hello Kitty, or Dora.
5. As for the applications, Reader Rabbit is a good series, as is Magic Bus. This is a personal preference. We have those as well as Toy Story, Tarzan, and some classical pieces like Swan Lake. Muzzy from the BBC also has a good learning program for Spanish.
That should just about do it. If there is anything I can think of later, or if there are any comments to add, then please feel free.