This should elicit some interesting responses. But in short, I would say
the cost efficient answer is to use the laptop. Your desktop computer
would need more memory to run XP. You have 128 mb and you need at least
256. And my experience with Cow computers (Gateway) is that you have to
use their memory rather than generic memory. That will probably cost you
somewhere around $50-$100 as a guess. Processor is fine but may be a bit
slow thus my thoughts would be use the laptop and then consider
replacing the desktop sometime in the future since the model you have is
already near obsolete anyway. New computers are fairly cheap plus a new
version of Windows is being released. I have been using Windows Vista
for a few weeks but have mixed feelings so far - the security popups
make me call it "windows for dummies".
David Councill
67 BGT
72 B
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@Autox.Team.Net [mailto:owner-mgs@Autox.Team.Net] On
Behalf Of Monte/Jane Morris
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 7:29 AM
To: MG list
Subject: OFF TOPIC-computer advice
First off; I consider myself internet savy, but mostly computer
illiterate,
so you'll have to talk SLOWLY:-).
My problem is that I need new antivirus software for the system
described
below, but don't know what to install that will work on this system.
I've
had AVG Free, but it expired and the new version requires at least
Windows
2000, as does anything that Consumers Reports now recommends. I've been
without protection for two weeks (I hope I don't get impregnated with a
virus:-).
The above is for our desktop which we use while at home with a SLOW
dialup
connection. We are only at home 2-3 months/year and the rest of the time
we
use our laptop (WindowsXP) with wireless connection at campgrounds.
So, cost effective suggestions for this desktop computer would be
welcome.
Would changing the operating system to Windows XP be a cost effective
option; is it even possible and would it be easy enough for me to do
myself?
Should I just bag this computer and use the laptop with dialup while at
home?
Thanks in advance,
Monte
Desktop Properties:
Microsoft Windows 98 4.10.2222 A
Upgrade using Full OEM CD /T:C:\WININST0.400 /SrcDir=C:\CABS /IZ /II /NR
/IW
/IS /P c /U:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
IE 5 6.0.2800.1106
Uptime: 0:01:20:50
Normal mode
On "COMPUTER" as "Default"
Gateway, Inc.
GenuineIntel x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 3
127MB RAM
73% system resources free
Windows-managed swap file on drive C (18566MB free)
Available space on drive C: 18566MB of 28593MB (FAT32)
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