Hi Pee
Dell do great offers on home pcs. Check out their site for deals.
If your only going to be doing the basics then you will not have to go for a top of the range. Its only when you start using software products such as image alterations, graphics packages or autocad etc that you will need a high spec machine.
I would advise you though to stay away from the Celeron Processor range. Go for Pentium. You could pick up a pc, flatscreen and printer for around €800 or even less.
If you get a spec and want me to look over it please pm me and I may be able to help.
KS