We need a new computer

Linda32

Hello all - first time posting in this part, wonder if anyone can help.

We have decided to buy a new computer, ours is now about 10 years old. - Say no more.
We don't tend to replace things until they are broke, well this one sort of is, and sort of isn't.

We use ours for surfing, abit of word processing and spreadsheet work and storing photo's.

Surfing is the main use, well it oftern gets stuck and we have to re-start. Its the processor which I think is now to slow for current website? Thats one of my questions if this is indeed the case.
We can have a couple of website open, then I'd click on a link and thats when the processor starts making chunking noises and you know its time to restart the computer.

I've restored to factory settings a couple of times which helps in the short term, but thats all, I don't think it has a virus or anything like that, its just old and slow.

This is the spec AMD Sempron 2600+ 1.84Ghz 1GB of memory
40gb hard disk - 3/4 full
Am I correct in thinking that although the hard disk is quite full, this dosn't make much difference to the speed of the computer.

Now, of course looking on the internet at site can get you rather bogged down with these things, especially when you only have half an idea of what your talking about in the first place.

We have seen one in John Lewis, which isn't the first place that springs to mind, but never the less, this is what they offer:-
AMD Athlon x2 220 2GB £269.00 - I can't provide anything more of the spec as I copied this off the price sign.

I've also looked on PCworld at their refurbished models, and they seem far better than the one we have got, which I guess they would be.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/compaq-presario-sg3110uk-m-refurbished-desktop-pc-07604393-pdt.html

Does this one look any better or the same thing as the John Lewis one?

I take it that its much better than our current machine and will be alot speedier.

When I say speedier, we don't play games etc, so thats not needed just ordinary surfing without getting stuck.

If anyone is still reading, perhaps you can help

davb

The PC is probably getting a bit long in the tooth now, although there are things you can do to speed it up. The hard drive at 75% full may start to slow things down if it is heavily fragmented.
If you want to speed up your current one, then take a look at this guide on the forum by closed.
If you do decide on a new PC, then the first decision is if you want to stick with a desktop, or go with the trend and get a laptop.

Linda32

Thanks for that, will have a look at that link.

We are going to go for a desktop as that suits currently.

closed

Clunking could be hard disk related, run chkdsk on it

start, run chkdsk c: /F

answer Y to check on reboot

Even if faulty, a new bigger HD costs around £20

your machine spec should be fine (assuming that is 1GB of ram, not 1MB). If it's slow either restore to factory settings or follow the guide, then post your commit charge and a hijackthis log.

WhiteChristmas

As others have said, your machine is quite capable for what you're using it for as long as you're running an appropriate operating system (XP or even 2K even though it's no longer supported) and Office suite (Office 2003 at latest, assuming you're using Microsoft).

A new hard drive for all those space-hungry photos will be a good move - you don't even have to replace the existing one; fit it as a second drive and move all your data files over onto it leaving the existing drive to host the operating system and temporary files. Defrag the drive, clean up the registry (neither of these is as scary as it sounds) and you won't recognise the thing!

When it comes to computers, I'm a very firm believer in buying the best I can afford then making it last for as long as I possibly can. After 10 years it doesn't owe you anything, but why retire it when it's still fit for purpose? It's the environmentally friendly option, too.

Linda32

closed wrote: »

Clunking could be hard disk related, run chkdsk on it

start, run chkdsk c: /F

answer Y to check on reboot

Even if faulty, a new bigger HD costs around £20

your machine spec should be fine (assuming that is 1GB of ram, not 1MB). If it's slow either restore to factory settings or follow the guide, then post your commit charge and a hijackthis log.

Yup! its 1GB, well 992MB actually, but thats 1GB isn't it? Assuming I'm looking at the correct thing. Its horrible when you don't know/not sure what your looking at! :eek:

Thanks, I'll do as you suggested.

Edited to add Commit Charge - Assuming I'm looking in the correct place

Total 768452
Limit 2450312
Peak 814564

Is that good or bad?

Linda32

As others have said, your machine is quite capable for what you're using it for as long as you're running an appropriate operating system (XP or even 2K even though it's no longer supported) and Office suite (Office 2003 at latest, assuming you're using Microsoft).

I'm using XP and Open Office free download.

A new hard drive for all those space-hungry photos will be a good move - you don't even have to replace the existing one; fit it as a second drive and move all your data files over onto it leaving the existing drive to host the operating system and temporary files. Defrag the drive, clean up the registry (neither of these is as scary as it sounds) and you won't recognise the thing!

I have the photo's backed up onto an external hard drive as well as on the Computer, should I just stick with the backed up ones?
Defrag done about a month ago.
I don't know how to clean up the registry, but if it involves downloading CCleaner, I'd rather not, last time I tried that it nearly killed the machine, it would hardly move.

When it comes to computers, I'm a very firm believer in buying the best I can afford then making it last for as long as I possibly can. After 10 years it doesn't owe you anything, but why retire it when it's still fit for purpose? It's the environmentally friendly option, too.

We, no, I'd rather not spend a penny

grumpycrab

Linda32 wrote: »

I'm using EX and Open Office free download.

Perhaps EX is a typing error? (Perhaps EXP -> XP !?!?) Never heard of it. Did chkdsk run ok?

Coveredinbees!!!!

Nothing wrong with a 2.6g AMD for what you want to do. Only trouble is things start to fail as they get older like power supplies. That might be what is causing the locking up problem?

WhiteChristmas

Linda32 wrote: »

I'm using EX and Open Office free download.

Good.

Linda32 wrote: »

I have the photo's backed up onto an external hard drive as well as on the Computer, should I just stick with the backed up ones?

Oh god, no! I wouldn't rely on the external as a lone back-up, either - they're much too prone to dropping/kicking/other abuse. Always have at least two back-ups of irreplaceable data, ideally kept well apart. Burn your photos to DVD from time to time and keep the discs in a cool, dark place. Re-do the discs every 5 years or so.

Linda32 wrote: »

Defrag done about a month ago.
I don't know how to clean up the registry, but if it involves downloading CCleaner, I'd rather not, last time I tried that it nearly killed the machine, it would hardly move.

Ha! Ha! I've never had a problem with CC personally, but every now and again I've spoken to folk who have had your experience - it's amazing how the reaction is always the same - I KNOW what the expression on your face was while you were typing that!

Once you've got the files sorted, this wee beastie will do your registry for you...

http://sourceforge.net/projects/littlecleaner/

Linda32

grumpycrab wrote: »

Perhaps EX is a typing error? (Perhaps EXP -> XP !?!?) Never heard of it. Did chkdsk run ok?

I am sorry, I ask for help then make silly mistakes. Yes its XP, I've altered the post above.

I think chkdsk ran okay, it all wizzed by a little fast Although I think I noticed a couple of fixes it made towards the end. I assume thats good.