What do I need for my slow computer?

Question

My son loves runescape and I know games slow computers down. I also downloaded the free version of limewire. I have 1133 mhz (processer?), 1.13 ghz(just converted to ghz???), and 128 mb of ram. I just reinstalled windows xp and havent installed anything else yet. I've read to get 256 mb memory stick (maybe I'd need more) to give it a little boost. Isnt this just another way to transfer info from 1 computer to another, like a cd? any suggestions????

Dont know if it matters but I have dsl.

Answer 1

For Windows XP you want 512MB for best reasonable performance . 128 is really, really, low even Microsoft doesn't recommend running it with that little of memory.

When you start your computer the computer loads the operating system or at least its most important parts from the hard drive into the RAM memory, this also happens whenever you start a program. When you don't have enough RAM memory you computer uses space on your hard drive as RAM called "virtual memory". This makes your hard drive work a lot harder and slows your system remarkably since the computer can access RAM memory much faster than read from the hard drive.

Memory prices have come down quite a bit in the past year making upgrading more affordable. The performance boost you will see will make you feel like you have a new machine!

Answer 2

lol.

Alight, that isnt really a slow computer. Its about average.
Runescape isn't that much of a resource demanding game, as long as you have a fast enough internet, you should be fine running Runescape on that computer.

The cheapest way to speed up a computer is to get more RAM. You should at least add another 128mb stick to it or just take it out and put in 512mb of RAM. (512 should be more that fine for anything you would need.)

When purchasing RAM, make sure you are buying the right type. If you arent sure what type you need, look in the manufacture's papers/documents that came along with your computer or call customer support.

And memory sticks (a.k.a. Flash Drives) are a great way to transfer information. you don't even really need a 256mb stick unless you are transfering large files. Flash drives are also very cheap nowadays.

Answer 3

you should put 2 sticks of 256 MB ram which would make your computer 512 and you may like to change the processor from 1.13 GHz to 2.87 GHz which may cost you nithin if you go for an exchange. Get someone to Tweak your OS and probably replacing your current Video Card for a faster/high end Graphics Card as a Topping would see your son relish this mouthwatering recipe :).

Answer 4

Most computer users have been trained that if you want more speed for your computer, then add more memory. Well, this is true, in certain circumstances. But for most of the times, it really is just bad files in your registry files. Corrupted or missing registry files can make your computer too slow.
The registry is a main part of your computer's Operating System. With time, as you use Windows and install and uninstall programs, your registry will get congested and full of errors. So your computer could slow down. So, if you can clean it up this problem can be solved.Sometimes you can speed computer up by 300%. To clean up registry,You can download a software called regsitry cleaner---Clean registry,remnant,corrupt files and temp files,history,cookies,etc.. This site:
http://fix-slow-computer.info
lists top 5 registry cleaner,you can download and scan for free.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Windows XP with all of its updates now requires quite a bit more ram then it did when it was "new". I would install at least 512 megs, a gig would be better. That should take care of the "slow" problem.

Also make sure that your misconfig utility is cleaned up and only allowing those programs that you need to run your system to boot with windows.

Answer 6

Considering kids with games, you could just get another computer for yourself and probably suffer less overall.
Your system is not slow as hardware goes, you just have heavy usage on it.
Put a second (physical) harddrive on (preferrably) the secondary controller and transfer your PAGEFILE to it in Control Panel > > > Virtual Memory, setting the minimum size equal to the maximum size on it.
If the computer takes a second CPU chip, you might have one added and re-load Windows XP to use it properly.
Both these options require expert repair technicians to install hardware, at significant cost and time in the shop for the computer. Hence, refer again to the beginning of this answer.

Answer 7

If your PC used to be faster, or is acting strangely, it's probably infected with malware. Use the link below to learn more about "malware".

Then, you need to install: ONE Anti-virus (AVG free), ONE Firewall (Zone Alarm free), and Anti-spyware tools like: Windows Defender, Spybot, Ad-Aware, Spyware Blaster and cCleaner (free, use all 5 regularly).

Google for them, install them and learn how to use them.

TIP: Last resort, back up (copy to CD / DVD / external hard drive) all personal data and do a Windows "Clean Install", more info at (www.theeldergeek.com). The apps above can only clean up so much.

Answer 8

Delete Limewire. Anyway what's his Runescape Lv I'm 113... Oh and run Runescape in Low Detail.

Answer 9

i would sugest getting more ram 512 or maybe a gig that should do the trick they say xp should run in no less tan 512 mb ram

Answer 10

more memory will increase your computer speed a little. but you have a slow processor. 1.3 GHz is not all that fast, so memory is not the total anwser. you need to upgrade the processor + memory to get a faster computer.but to upgrade where you need to be for todays applications you may as well get a new computer for $400.00 to $500.00 as it will cost as much to upgrade the processor and memory.