1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Is my computer outdated?

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by iujmheb, 2005/06/06.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. 2005/06/06
    iujmheb

    iujmheb Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2005/02/27
    Messages:
    46
    Likes Received:
    0
    Below is a description of my computer:

    Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2600.0000)
    Intel Pentium II Processor
    400 MHz
    320 MB of RAM

    Is doesn't seem to have the get up and go and I am wondering if it is a memory thing, processor speed, or something else. It acts sluggish between programs and applications. I am also running through a wireless router to my cable provider. Any advice? Thanks :)
     
    iujmheb,
    #1
  2. 2005/06/06
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    I have assisted a few people upgrading the operating system from Win98/ME to WinXP home/pro. The minimum hardware requirements as recommended by Microsoft are not sufficient. They say 233 MHz and 64 MB RAM (preferrably 128 MB) but exceeding those specifications by a factor of two is not enough. I have started discouraging people from upgrading if the specifications are lower than 1 GHz and 512 MB RAM.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2005/06/06
    alboy

    alboy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2002/01/09
    Messages:
    538
    Likes Received:
    4
    It does seem to be a bit dated but a cheap upgrade would be to increase the installed ram to at least 512mb which should help
     
    alboy,
    #3
  5. 2005/06/06
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    5,643
    Likes Received:
    0
    iujmheb --The answer to your question really depends on what you want to do with your PC. Graphics and gaming would probably require something more modern. For word processing and surfing, you should be fine. But if you have the money, go for something newer!!
    P.S. Your post implies that things are slower than they once were. If that is the case, then consider
    1) Emptying your cache (IE Tools|Internet Options|General tab|Delete Files)
    2) Minimizing your start up programs. http://www.3feetunder.com/krick/startup/list.html
    3) Running Scan Disk and Defragmenter
    4) Scan for Malware and Viruses
     
    Welshjim,
    #4
  6. 2005/06/06
    goddez1

    goddez1 Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/12
    Messages:
    2,975
    Likes Received:
    49
    Edited.....I don't know where my mind was this morning, but it certainly wasn't in the XP forum. I really blew this one by somehow confusing it with a win98 forum post. :eek: I think I will take this as a sign that I need to step away from computer now and exercise more than my fingers. I need to clear my head. Sorry to all!
     
    Last edited: 2005/06/07
    goddez1,
    #5
  7. 2005/06/07
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Further to my comments on hardware specs:

    I assume that You have upgraded the operating system from Win98/ME. I have done that on a number of computers with specs from ~500MHz to 1GHz CPU and 128MB to 512MB RAM.

    At the lower range (but still exceeding MS minimum recommendations) hardware, the computer became decidedly more sluggish on WinXP than on Win98/ME but at or above 1GHz CPU and 512MB RAM the computer actually became slightly faster.

    My own computer was running WinME on a 1GHz/266MHz AMD Athlon with 512MB PC133. Migrating to WinXP was a positive eXPerience and I'm still using it.

    On computers running Win98 on ~500MHz CPU and 128MB RAM, migrating to WinXP was not a positive eXPerience, even if RAM was upgraded to 512MB. These were all clean installations and no "house cleaning" would make any difference.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #6
  8. 2005/06/07
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2003/03/08
    Messages:
    2,402
    Likes Received:
    2
    Christer:
    I am going to borrow your "rule of thumb "-
    Good advice. :)
    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
    #7
  9. 2005/06/07
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Johanna,

    You're welcome to it but I believe that I was only confirming what You already knew or at least suspected.

    A friend of mine had his old computer revamped with XP and after a few weeks he bought one of those multi function HP PSC which loads quite a few MB at startup. That killed his trusted 500 MHz-er and I subsequently built a better one for him.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #8
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...