I currently have Pentium 4, 2.8Ghz, 256 RAM running Windows XP. At times it gets very slow and cannot handle more than one or two on-line applications without slowing down. What minimum spec should I go for in a new PC - I have no interest in getting MS Vista
2007-03-21 04:20:13 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I noticed a lot of people are suggesting that you go out and spend 100's of dollars to upgrade a pc that should already do its job for what you paid for. Basically, I deal with this issue every day. I work for a company that offers Fiber optic speed internet and video to customers with speeds starting at 5 megabit download speeds up to 30. (Its insanely fast). Most of my customers want great speed but don't experience it because they still complain that the internet is slow.
Upgrading your RAM is correct if you can afford it. BUT---if you can't----the cheapest way to help with slow PC function is to optimize your PC. 99% of the PC's I work on are so hosed up with spyware and adware that the computer is only running at 25% of its capabilities. I can't leave the customers house until they are happy with the service. SO----the easiest and most effective way to gain a little extra performance is to use a GOOD anti-spyware program. Spyware is at an all time high and they hide bogus CPU/memory robbing, performance sucking, process hogging applications on your PC so they can monitor your every keystroke, and web page you look at. There are a lot of anti spyware programs out there and it has been my experience that only a FEW actually work. They just don't WORK! The most PROVEN and effective program I have used in the field and recommended to customers is:
SPYWARE DOCTOR
AD-AWARE SE
Microsoft Antispyware.
Most of the others just don't have the critical updates to stay on top of the game. There are new malicious programs designed every second of the day aimed with one purpose....advertising. Trust me, if you haven't at least tried these, get them at (www.download.com)
Otherwise....upgrade your RAM.
2007-03-21 04:44:25 · answer #1 · answered by Marc B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Memory for sure. Go to ATLEAST 512mb. The more the merrier. Online: make sure you aren't on dialup. The machine itself is fine for most everything a normal user does. No need to go to Vista. Maybe an upgrade of your current video card. Save your money, you have a decent machine already. Maybe a format of the drive and reinstall of XP? That will definitely help the speed.
Loaded IE7 yet? If so, there is a cleaner built into it to clean all the cookies/temporary internet files/history. Run this monthly.
2007-03-21 04:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by jimponder 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prob don't need to change it to be honest - that is plenty fast enough - could try adding more memory to it though - never get enough memory.
It sounds as though your PC may need Defragmenting or cleaning of Spyware and Adware - the junk that unscrupulous websites upload to yor PC
Try
www.lavasoft.de
and download AdAware - install and run it to clean all the junk off
ALSO - if you can find it via Google - Find Easy Cleaner by ToniArts - it used to be free (not sure now) but this will clean your PC of all registry entries, useless files etc that are on your system and not needed - did mine a treat and now fast as new.
2007-03-21 04:27:13 · answer #3 · answered by jamand 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just get new ram. that processor speed is more than enough for normal applications, i am a professional graphic designer and a 2.0 is enough for me. get two 512 sticks of ram, and it will only cost you about 80 bucks, and you should be able to run 5 or 6 major applications at a time.
2007-03-21 04:25:28 · answer #4 · answered by joelius24 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you want multitasking then pentium d or core 2 duo if you have money. 1 gig of ram should do and make sure it is dual channel. I have a 2.8ghz pentium d with 1 gig of ram and i can do everything with it and i don't think it has ever froze on me.
2007-03-21 04:23:49 · answer #5 · answered by Andy D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ram is your main problem. Buy as much as your motherboard can take. 2 gigs would be good.
Also, there could be other issues that are slowing your system down. Spyware is a common problem. I suggest running:
Add aware
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/
and Spybot Search And Destroy.
http://www.spybot.info/
You might also try defraging your system. The following is a guide on how to improve system performance:
http://whitepapers.zdnet.com/download.aspx?&docid=172641&promo=100511
2007-03-21 05:15:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I would add 1 GB of RAM to your current machine. Should speed things up a lot and save you from getting a new machine for a while.
2007-03-21 04:26:17 · answer #7 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get 1 Gb of ram. Goto to link at Crucial and let that test your present memory and advise you on what to buy.
Also, goto your start menu, run and type in msconfig. then goto the startup tab and have a look at what starts up on your computer - usually a load of crap. Untick anything like Adode acrobat, HP schedules...etc.
also download ccleaner and run that every so often - it's good and free.
2007-03-21 04:58:35 · answer #8 · answered by Mr_Smelly_Underwear 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
xp requires 256 of ram just for the itself, so at least double it
go for the core duo on a new computer
2007-03-21 04:24:51 · answer #9 · answered by sonny4fn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The specs you have are pretty good. The only thing you need to upgrade is your RAM. Double it (512 MB) and you should be good.
2007-03-21 04:24:54 · answer #10 · answered by Slim Shady 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋