Help, Wireless on old pc???

1jim

Hi
I have an old pc that has been in the loft for several years have just checked and it all seems to work.
Its a very low spec..
AMD Duron Processor
Windows ME
56.0MB Ram
file system 32bit

I would like to set up this computer for the children to use (preschoolers) so they can look at cbeebies etc

I have a laptop (main computer) which is connected wirelessly to broadband via router and wireless card in the dell laptop, this is also connected wirelessly to a printer

My question is really is it possible to connect up the old pc in the same way by using a wireless dongle such as this http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0716635072.1222445227@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccedadeffgmhhfgcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&fm=13&sm=1&tm=3&sku=636685&category_oid=#productInformationSection


and is it just a simple case of plugging the dongle in? would I need to do something else to be able to get it to connect to the internet, can windows me operate on wireless? sorry all silly questions I know but I would prefer to use this computer if possible for the children rather than buy another one

thanks
Jim

[Deleted User]

It says it's compatible with ME

ormus

are you sure the computer has a usb ports?
if not, then you will probably need a pci wireless card instead.
also you really should remove ME, and install win2k. much much better.

vyseyboy

You might need more RAM to do anything useful with this machine too. A modern browser / cbeebies website etc will use more RAM than you have.

PCI wireless card or USB card (if you have USB ports,) will work fine.

I second the idea Win 2k would be a much better option though.

tight-git

i will download a copy of puppy linux , burn the CD ,then run your old pc with puppy - it will be ok for firefox ..as long as you can boot from CD (check in bois when start up)
and of cos you need a LAN (those old Duron pc normally has lan on board) or plug in a USB (if you have 1 ) for wifi ..easy wizard will do all that in puppy , other stuff like excel / word are in open office ..all free :j

best thing is - you can even try it out 1st on your laptop - cost you a CD :cool:

Donnie

Don't bother with all those wild ideas of changing the Operating System. The essential thing is adding RAM.

1jim

Hi
Thanks everyone for your advice, have bought the adapter for this but it seems that it does not have enough RAM to get it working, how easy is it to fit extra RAM, is it something I can do (never done it before and dont really know what I am looking for), is it expensive?
thanks
Jim

vyseyboy

About the easiest upgrade there is, thankfully. Just take the case off and bung the RAM in place. However, older RAM might be expensive. There are a few different kinds about, and you really need to get the right kind. If you have internet access, you could go to crucial.co.uk and use the system advisor to find out what kind of RAM your computer accepts, the maximum capacity, what's currently installed, free slots etc. My guess is you need old SDRAM. The crucial tool will tell you what you can have. It might not be cheapest to buy from crucial though.

1jim

thanks, had a look on crucial and this is what it came up with,,,
256MB, 168-pin DIMM, SDRAM, PC133 memory module
CT216160
£17.99 ex. VAT
£21.14 inc. VAT*

• <LI class="">Module Size: 256MB <LI class="">Package: 168-pin DIMM <LI class="">Feature: SDRAM, PC133
• Specs: SDRAM, PC133 • CL=2 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 32Meg x 64

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=D258825CA5CA7304

have had a look on ebay and came across this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/256-MB-133Mhz-SDRAM-PC133-DIMM-133-256MB-168PIN-NEW_W0QQitemZ110292807385QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110292807385&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
is this the same and will it be any good, any thoughts
thanks
jim

Donnie

It looks similar.
One shouldn't always trust the Crucial Tool to let you know what is inside your machine. Use CPU-Z to be sure. Though PC133 will likely work.

If ebay fails you, try Funky Giraffe.

vyseyboy

What did crucial say about the number of slots your machine has, the maximum per slot?

It's unusual to only have one RAM slot in a desktop machine. But if that is the case, then 256Mb would be a big step up, especially if you're sticking with WinME. Ideally though, 512Mb would be an ever better total.