Sectorgame

So, I'm in the market for buying a new computer and I'm not too familiar with all the new processors. Like for example, the Pentium Conroe. I'm seeing numbers like 1.8, 2.2ghz systems. Here's me thinking processors are going up in numbers, instead they go backwards with different names. Can someone tell me / introduce me to the different types of processors that are popular these days, and what the pros/cons are of each? I'm on a budget obviously, so I'm looking for the best bang-for-buck deal.

Offhand, without any research, go for a Pentium quad. I'm not sure if AMD have caught up, but from what I remember last year the Intels were well ahead on value.