Upgrading a computer

[Daisy]

This may not be the group to ask the following question, but I am open
to any suggestions of a suitable one.

I have a second older computer (Dell) in a box (not a tower). It
needs an upgrade because it is terribly slow.

It is currently set up with Winows 98SE, but should be upgraded to XP
I think. It has a 56x modem and CD burner. I'm not sure about the
video or sound cards - but they are not expensive to deal with I
think.

The HDD capacity is not as important as speed.
We are short of USB ports as well. The only accessories currenly in
use are the keyboard, mouse and printer. Can someone please advise
what components I should be looking for, and could I do this myself?
I'm quite handy with electronic things.

Thanks

Daisy

Carthage demands an explanation for this insolence!
Daisy

Carthage demands an explanation for this insolence!

 

[Ron Martell]

This may not be the group to ask the following question, but I am open
to any suggestions of a suitable one.

I have a second older computer (Dell) in a box (not a tower). It
needs an upgrade because it is terribly slow.

It is currently set up with Winows 98SE, but should be upgraded to XP
I think. It has a 56x modem and CD burner. I'm not sure about the
video or sound cards - but they are not expensive to deal with I
think.

The HDD capacity is not as important as speed.
We are short of USB ports as well. The only accessories currenly in
use are the keyboard, mouse and printer. Can someone please advise
what components I should be looking for, and could I do this myself?
I'm quite handy with electronic things.

Hi Daisy.

Without knowing the exact Dell model or the specs of it it is
difficult to say, but it is a virtual certainty that you will have to
replace:

1: Motherboard
2: CPU
3: RAM
4: Power Supply
5: (probably) Case

If the hard drive is Win98SE vintage (1999 or early 2000) then it will
probably be too small as well.

If you add up the prices of all of these items plus the cost of a
Windows XP Upgrade you will almost certainly be spending more money
than it would cost to get a complete new computer.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Replacing any Dell motherboard can be a pian to do. It seems that Dell
motherboards are not using any standard power connections or mounting
hardware/spacing. If you do "fit" a new motherbaord inside the Dell case,
chances are that the power supply may not connect to it correct. Or even
worst, the power may "blow" the motherboard.

Depending on the CPU that is already there, here seems to be a "safe" list
of possible upgrades:

1) RAM
2) A USB PCI add-on controller

If you want to start replacing the motherboard/power supply/case, then
consider not upgrading it but REPLACE it.

 

[Bob I]

Time to go buy a new DELL. It comes with an operating system. I can't
imagine you can upgrade the old one to an acceptable level without
spending considerably more time and money.