Can I install more memory into my Gateway...?

Question

It is old! It doesn't have a stand up tower, it has a cpu. It had windows 98 and a friend gave me xp to load on to my computer. The problem is, the xp used up all of my memory. Can I add more to a Gateway cpu? Or can I delete some of the things off xp to clear up some memory? Now I can't get online with verizon dsl, because I can't load the software b/c I have no memory. I am completely stupid when it comes to computers.....please please help!

Problem: I can't get online at all. No memory. When I try, a little box comes up that says, out of memory.

Answer 1

First of all you have to find out what you really have. On the front of the computer there should be a set of numbers identifying the name/model of your computer. Once you find this things will be a lot easier.

The computer has several main components. The CPU and memory have really very little to do with each other. The CPU is the Central Processing Unit, it is the Intel chip set that is the brains of the computer. Without going into a lot of detail XP needs a lot more memory to operate than W98. XP and/or W98 is the software instructions (software) that tells your computer what and how to do things. The memory, more specifically RAM memory is that part of the computer that holds onto the software instructions.
Most computers have what is called a "Mother Board" which is the big printed circuit board where everything is brought together. Most computers have four slots for your memory (RAM). Usually only two are used when shipped from the factory. The easiest thing for you to do is take the big box, no keyboard, no monitor, no printer down to best buy. They will be able to look at you memory and tell you how to expand what you have. Memory is cheaper than a new computer. You should be able to do 2times or 4times memory for about 50-60 dollars, including installation. They, the Geek squad, will tell you how much it will be before you committ to anything. Good luck.pp

Answer 2

Personally, I don't think you will be able to do any cost effective upgrade on this computer. I suspect the modern technologies incorporated into current OS's and program are somewhat beyond its specs.

For DSL you need an Ethernet card which probably isn't install, and not installable.

I can think of three lines of action:

1. Contact Gateway (are they still alive?)and see if they have any recovery discs for your machine or troll eBay and some of the forums for the disc.
2. If you have the disc re-install Win 98.
3. Get hold of of a lite version of Linux, there are several including the popular Ubuntu.

The latter will give you limited capabilities, you may even be able to run DSL through I doubt it very much.

The best thing you can do with this box is to turn it into a firewall and spend you money on a new box. Though I personally wouldn't buy one, Dell have a line of el cheapos that will give you Internet capabilities and more. Perhaps a second hand box even.

Unfortunately computer technologies change very swiftly and computers only four or five years old just cannot perform to the standard required.

Sorry I can't be more positive, but I feel you could spend a lot of time and money on this box for little results.

Answer 3

If it was originally a Windows 98 computer, upgrading to XP wasn't a good idea to begin with. That being said, yes, you can add memory to any computer. You need to post the model for more information. If it came with 98, chances the CPU (the brain) is going to be taxed running XP, so it's always going to be kinda slow. Deleting things is XP isn't going to gain you any memory. Memory and storage space are two different things (akin to short term and long term memory). Verizon's DSL software requires a certain amount of free RAM to install properly. Fact is though you really shouldn't need to install the software to get online, it should be plug and play, assuming when XP was installed, all the hardware was detected properly (installing XP doesn't mean everything installed - sometimes you need extra software to make things work). Generally, something with Windows 98 on it would use whats called SDRAM (or PC66, or PC100, or PC133, all the same, just different speeds). If thats the case, RAM shouldn't be to hard to find, and anyone who can turn a screwdriver can put it in the computer.

Hope that helps.

Jason

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Answer 4

It's easy to do with a bit of study (knowledge). I just wrote and deleted a long How-To when I saw how scary it might be for you.

If you want to read up and learn about computer repair, start at sites like tigerdirect. If you are afraid to open your PC up, find a NERD.

Someone who knows computers can get you set up in a couple of hours of repair work and time to get parts. Just ask around. Someone is bound to be nice enough to help you out.

It might cost you a couple bucks, though. You can get new computers pretty cheap nowadays. Make sure you compare the price of parts vs. the price of a new PC from places like the Dell outlet, or Tigerdirect's refurbished PC's.

I was able to add RAM and hard drive memory to an old PC earlier this year. The hardest part was waiting for the parts to come in.

Answer 5

I think you are confusing computer terms. All computers have CPUs its what processes the data. You need a modem to connect to the internet, not RAM. RAM helps the CPU process data faster.
If you do get this computer to connect, the internet has also evolved, and it's high-graphics, and even witha decent dsl speed, doesn't mean the computer will handle the net.

Answer 6

You can go here and run a quick scan and it will tell you everything from type of ram installed to how much and what type of ram you could use for an upgrade before you delete any programs.
http://www.crucial.com/

Answer 7

You could comeback, and tell us what the model is of the computer,(it's on the front), or email me through Yahoo Answers by clicking on my avatar,(picture), and then click on email.

Answer 8

When you find out please let me know! i should love to install the same system in my missus. Happy hunting.