Can a person with little computer experience upgrade a computer?

Question

I currently have: AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
1.10 GHz 368 MB of Ram
and the OS is: Mocrosoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002
Service Pack 2
I want to update the system myself, but I don't know where to start and what steps are necessary before starting this process.
I've added memory, replaced fans and added components to my computer but I've never attempted to upgrade the system.
Should I try this myself or take it to a professional?
I'm not afraid to pop it open and work on it but upgrading is completely different I know.
Thanks

Answer 1

To be honest, if you want to upgrade, then you want higher peformance. If you do, then that just isn't going to cut it. You would probably have to upgrade everything, and juding by those specs, you probably have integrated GPU which also means the motherboard isn't all too hot either.

I'd recommend you build your own computer from Newegg.com. Pick out the parts, and send it to your local computer store to build it. Watch them and it will be a valuable learning experience.

Also, the parts would include ...

Graphics Card
RAM
Processor
Power Supply
Motherboard
Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Floppy)
Hard Drive
Case (Duh)

Be careful on the compatibility. Make sure the socket for the CPU will work with your motherboard, and interface for the GPU/RAM. Also be aware of cooling. Research cooling and decide your best cooling options based on your home and other factors (IE space).

Answer 2

Sorry you probably don't have 368MB of ram, I don't think that number is possible. If you are only using this for internet access and microsoft office and printing, and working with pictures, I don't see why you would upgrade, it seems fast enough.

If you want to do higher performance stuff like video processing or playing 3d video games you are going to need to upgrade almost everything, it would be better to just buy or build a new machine. I'd recommend selling this one and starting over with some help from a friend who has done it before. Even if you don't sell your existing, the only thing you'll really find useful will be the hard drive and the monitor, and the windows license.

Also you don't mention a video card. If you have onboard video you will not be able to do much game sutff or video editing unless you fix that too. You are pretty much looking at buying or building a new machine. Good luck.

Answer 3

considering the fact which you have a computing device, the only uncomplicated improve is the ram, which you have already dealt with. 2GB is relatively good for WinXP and especially good for Vista. confusing drives could be upgraded to speedier ones, i've got regarded at Wal-mart's website and located specs that say its a 160GB 5400 rpm tension. in case you improve to a 7200 rpm which will speed issues up slightly. won't probable be relatively surely worth the fee however. and you will want a techy person to place in it for you and replica over the stuff out of your previous tension. Anti-virus, anti-secret agent ware looks good. extreme speed internet will make surfing plenty speedier. i like firefox extra helpful than IE, it would desire to be speedier additionally. be useful you no longer hook up with untrusted on the spot networks, and don't do economic transactions over an unsecure on the spot community.

Answer 4

If you have a second computer im on messenger as hotdog197405 add me and i can walk you through any problems
Its fun to do it your self but im sure you will need some help. I started with my own messed it up years ago now I build them daily and enjoy it.

Answer 5

Sounds like you already upgraded just about everything on the hardware side but the sound card and the CPU....is this what your talking about?

Or are you talking about the software side of things?

Answer 6

It's fun to do and it sounds like you have more than a few knowledgeable folks to help out! TIP: Do your research so that you know that this works with that. Have Fun!! ;-)=