Intel Core 2 Processor vs. AMD Athlon Processor

This is my first question to PC World:

I just got my $600 stimulus check from the Feds. As a US citizen, I feel it is my duty to sink the money into a new desktop. Would you recommend an Intel Core 2 processor or an AMD Athlon processor? Besides performance, which is likely to last longer before falling to pieces?

If I can sneak in another question, in general would you recommend a Dell or an HP desktop?

My PC needs are pretty basic. Besides emailing and web surfing, I want to burn a bunch of DVDs, watch short videos without them freezing every 10 seconds, and do fairly basic photography. It would also be helpful if my PC could cook my breakfast and clean out my closet.