Only Serious answers Please!!! What should I do about my computer?

Question

I have a hp Pavilion computer that has been upgraded to windows 98. but now I can't add anymore updates to it. It runs really slow . Should I try to upgrade it to another version of Windows or should I just get another computer?

If I get another computer what type should I get? I have only used Windows 98.

If this helps any I have a 14 year old and 18 year old that uses this computer alot for homework.

Please give me some input on this.

Answer 1

If your computer is running slow I'd suggest running some simple PC maintenance on it first.

First lets clean up your harddrive. Double click on your "My Computer" icon. Right click on your Local Disk C: drive and then select properties. Click on the Disk Cleanup button. That will clear out all your temporary files on your computer.

Uninstall any unneeded applications by clicking on the Start button, then settings, then control panel. Double click on the add/remove programs and select those applications you don't need.

Download and install the program called Ad-Aware and do a spyware check. This can be found at www.lavasoftusa.com.

Now lets do a defrag of your harddrive. This will put the applications in alignment on your harddrive for faster access. Like the step above, right click on the C: drive, select the tools tab at the top, then click on defrag. This is a lengthy process so it will take a couple of hours to complete.

Another thing to try is clicking on start, then run, and type msconfig into the run line then click on OK. Deselect the programs from Startup tab. Certain ones you will want to leave checked like the antivirus software.

If these steps don't work then it may be time to do an upgrade. Computers are really cheap around the holiday season so you should be able to pick one up for a good price.

Answer 2

This exact same thing has happened to a good friend of mine. He too was using Windows 98.

The reason you aren't able to update Win 98 anymore is because Microsoft stopped all updates for all Windows operating systems older than Windows XP. Yes, I didn't understand it either, but I put the blame on Microsoft's hold on the market.

As for your question if you should just get a new computer; the answer is definitely yes. The first thing you need to know is how much is your budget for such a purchase. The next thing is figure out how the new computer will be used. For example, will it be used mainly for average home stuff or will it be used for playing lots of video games? Playing video games will require more expensive components such as fast processor and video card.

If you going to use it for general home use, then you will be pleased to know that many computer stores have prepackaged systems that will fit your needs rather well. For example, in my area, Wal Mart offers a nice computer system for $300 by HP. However, it doesn’t come with a monitor so you’ll need to use your old one or a newer one. But, the good news is it does come already loaded with Windows XP and everything else you’ll need such as plenty of hard drive space and memory. The point is it is relatively inexpensive to buy a prepackaged system these days.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

This is a relatively complicated question.
I don't know how old your computer is, but microsoft has stopped most major support for windows 98, I believe a couple years ago. Depending on the age of the computer you can get another operating system. But you should probably know the minimum computer requirements before you switch.

PC with 300 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system);* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended

128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)

1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space*

Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

CD-ROM or DVD drive

Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device


I don't know how familiar you are with computers, but most computer from now to 4 years ago should meet these requirements. The big concern is RAM, the more the better but you only need 128. You can tell how much ram your system has starting it up and once the desktop has loaded right clicking on the my computer icon and selecting properties. It should tell you how much ram you have total.

And if you're wondering, windows xp home and professional are very easy to use and come with many nice features. Sadly its a little costly, and though you can probably "pirate" or get a free copy from a friend, I would suggest purchasing one brand new, since microsoft offers you free updates.

Now if you do not think your computer is up to par, you can try to get a new one. I'm going to list a few companies that make computers. Not everyone may agree with this list but they offer various prices and ranges. You can also build your own but that can have its headaches to.

dell - www.dell.com
hp - www.hp.com - merged with compaq
gateway - www.gateway.com
alienware - www.alienware.com - owned by dell - costly but good systems

You can also go to a best buy, or circuit city and get a decent machine. I'm not going to get into an argument about what a decent machine is. Most of the machines today will come with a good processor, I would suggest 256 to 512 ram. If your children play video games they will want a nice video card. There is a ton of different options available to you. If you have more questions by all means ask away.

Answer 4

I'm afraid that you'll need a new computer. Your current hardware just isn't up to par with today's software requirements. For desktops, HPs work fairly well- that's what I'm using right now.

Advice on buying a new computer: wait until THE WEEK before Christmas. That is when you will find THE BEST deals. Prices are probably already going down, as it is currently the beginning of December, but they WILL continue to go down. I know that it's going to ber really tempting to buy the computer earlier. I did that- I bought mine two weeks before Christmas. But then I regretted it because the next week the same computer was $100 cheaper.

As far as what type of computer you need, if you are unfamiliar with all of the details such as memory, hard-disk space, operating system, Megahertz, etc., and how much of each you need for what your family will be using it for, then you really need to elicit the help of a friend.

Since you have two students in the household, you can get the Student-Edition Microsoft Office. It's scores cheaper, but the same as Microsoft Office. DO NOT get the dummed-down version. I believe it is called "Microsoft Works." It has no features and little capabilities. I've never known anyone to use it.

Answer 5

Good day. I suggest u buy a new computer with windows XP Professional. U are always up to date and safe. Also most software developers are only supporting Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP and the newly developed Windows Vista.

Buy a new computer for your own use and for the children. If u want keep the old HP, format it, reinstall 98 and u can let that PC be used for homework purposes only. I wuda suggested to upgrade yur HP to XP but it may run slow so stick to 98. Laterz

Answer 6

you should get another computer since it is cheaper in the long run than it is to upgrade your current one. windows 98 is no longer supported by many programs and will only get slower if you try to update to a better windows. as for a new computer, go with a dell, apple imac, or a new hp. windows xp home would be your best bet even though it will take a little while to get used to because of all the differences. also, when buying a new computer, look for no less than 2.4 ghz as it will run better than what you run right now which is probably 466 mhz

Answer 7

Sounds like a great computer. As a homework computer. I would consider getting a new computer. Without more specs it's really hard to tell you how adaptable your computer is to upgrades.

Important factors are the amount of RAM, the processor speed, and the graphics card capabilities.

I would suggest depending on your available funds getting a Dell Dimension XPS which I use and it hums. But its also got a price tag of 1000$

Other then that the local Walmart or department store 600 dollar job usually has decent computers if you dont do a lot of gaming or high graphics. Look for 512-1gb RAM, 3.0 ghz processor or better. Windows XP or Vista.

Answer 8

i also have an HP pavillion. I added more memory to mine. there are advaantages to upgrading to windows xp, but i am content with win98. on your computer go to control panel and click on system. that should tell you some about your computer, like what processor you have and how much ram(that would be your memory.) if your children dont know much about computers consult a professional. now as far as getting another computer well that depends on how much money you want to spend. I got the one i am on at a yard sale for 10 bucks. works fine. remember though shop around. you could probably get a reasonably nice computer ( a used one -if you dont mind that) for around 400 or less. a lot of people think dell computers are the cat's pajamas, me? I have had pavillions, gateway, ibm. More money does not necessarily mean better. the one i am on is the best i have ever had. good luck to you wish i could have been more help

Answer 9

Concidering you have such kids in your household-- you should get something that is preatty good(trust me they will love it)
You can get a very basic(yet amaizingly good) computer from Dell.
I'm sure that HP also has similar deals.

As far as the Windows goes-- new computers will come with Windows XP( or if you buy after January 31-- with brand new Windows Vista) Both of those operating systems are a lot like Windows 98-- in fact you can make them look like Windows 98( so you won't notice much diference)

Answer 10

Sounds like you should upgrade to something newer. Windows XP is the most current operating system. Since Windows '98, MS has released Windows 2000 and Windows XP. In late January 2007, Windows Vista is supposed to be released. You might want to wait until then, since its not so far from now. Also, you probably want to see what kind of hardware you have. Nowadays, you can find a reasonably priced PC (about $500), with about 512M Ram, that has decent speed (at least 1.5 GHz) and several Gigabytes of memory (60GB hard drive).