Need new computer, seeking advice.

The custom-made PC at my office has died (yet again). I have put way too much money into it over the years, and been ripped off at least twice on the repairs.

I have had probably eight or more PCs over the years and of all the machines I've owned, the Compaq's have been the most reliable.

I have never owned, but am strongly considering, a Dell. Gateway was a consideration until a few months ago when I read of their sinking consumer satisfaction and (probably related) closing of their retail stores.

One Compaq I had was a very reliable, but frustratingly proprietary machine--I couldn't put non-Compaq aftermarket parts on it (I am capable of doing basic components additions myself), since everything was custom-Compaq sized.

My other Compaq (the one mentioned in the thread below) is not proprietary at all, and it has been very reliable for the last 2-3 years.

Anyway, in your opinion, should I go for a Dell, or repeat with Compaq? My office does not need gaming-quality graphics, just need to run MS Office Suite, and misc. business programs.

Any recommendations on components (I don't know what's changed in the last three years)?

I do think I need to have a backup drive, kinda like a Dentist's office would have--that automatically duplicates the hard drive every night in case it fails. There's a name for this type of setup, but I don't remember it. Help on that, too, please.

Thanks

General Tsao