How about something like this to start with? People could just cut, paste and fill in the information.
Description of problem or question:
Computer model: (Dell, HP, Mac or home built etc.)
Operating system: Linux/Mac OS X/WinXP/Win98 etc.
Processor: (PowerPC G4/G5, AMD AthlonXP, Pentium 4)
Motherboard (if home built):
Amount of RAM:
Hard Drive size:
Video Card:
Monitor:
Sound card:
Peripherals: (mouse, keyboard, digital camera that may be involved in the question or problem)
Software: (especially anti-virus and firewall programs and what ever else may be involved)
goates