you should use a monitor with (wide res)x 1200.
the 1200 lets you see a FULL A4 paper on the screen.
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...g&promoid=1016
If you have money go for SSD, you wont be dissapointed.
-Much faster
-Much quieter
If you need a lot of space than you can use a combo of SSD and HDD.
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...D&promoid=1016 for HDD
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...y&promoid=1016 This is not a bad ssd. There are better ones if you have the money.
Cpu Brand preference is really up to you. I personally like intels more than AMD because i didn't have such a good experience with AMD.
For Intel, a I5 is more than enough power, and stability is what you want.
For AMD,
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...D&promoid=1016 this one should fit your bill. Its not expensive too.
For Ram, you should have at least 4GB on a 64bit windows 7 ultimate. (torrent or legit won't really matter thats up to you.) If you're using 32bit, that 4GB wont even come to use. And since you seem like you're going to do a lot of heavy video processing and worksheets, ram is an essential.
Right now, Gskill is the bang for the Buck.
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...l&promoid=1016 is what i would choose if i have money to blow.
For graphics card, i would choose a ATI card simply because they are more bang for a buck now
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...X&promoid=1016. has HDMI and will last you for at least 2-3 years.
PSU- One thing i will never cheap out. It blows, most of your computer parts will blow.
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...r&promoid=1016 i choose this because their warrenty is very nice, its quiet and it delivers solid performance.
For quietness, you want a case that was some sound padding in it If you really want it to be quiet.
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=37119&...ufacture=Antec This case is a beauty. Very quiet. I have it in my room and my room DBM is at 30-40. It would be even more quieter if you switched out the case fans, use some noctura fans and get an aftermarket cooler so you can set the speed of the fan inside for your CPU.
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=26047&...e=COOLERMASTER A more high end case. Padding inside, lots of room to work with. the negative part is it is freaking heavy and huge.
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...c&promoid=1016
Broke and don't need that much space? use this case. IF you switch the fans, use a voltage modifier for the cpu fan, this case is beasttt. Make sure you have sufficient cooling. and You can go to superstore or canadian tire to buy some of those air duct filters. Tape it on the side holes and fan holes so you have zero dust to none in the computer case since this one has no filters itself.
If you choose water cooling (the quietest out of all choices, dont get the premade ones. Carefully pick your water blocks, your tubings, radiator, pump.) this should range around 300-400 dollars. Do homework before you choose this step because a spillage is the last thing you want.