I want a high powered desktop for my business applications that can
run many programs simul if needed. no games.no high end graphics but I
want a big screen at least 19" and fast and reliable. I now have a
windows media pc but was told that media OS is not good for business.
True?
also I was thinking AMD x2. opinions? Waste of money?

LCD or CRT monitor? Specifically, which applications do you use the most?

A few general points rather than specific recommendations.
The usual business applications rarely require enormormous processing
power and if you do not require the use of any particularly CPU
intensive sofware I would be concentrating more on reliability.
Quality rather than quantity for CPU, motherboard, case and power
supply. As much reliable memory as possible for multiple applications.
Fast and reliable hard drives with good caches, especially if you are 
doing lots of transaction procesing.
If access to the computer and or data are mission critical you should
also be considering a UPS and disk mirroring of data. The other thing
to consider is whether you will require on site support.