New PC? - Advice Please

elmoo2u

I am looking to get a new PC as my one is really slow and done. It runs on XP. It also appears there isn't much memory to it so I think unless I strip it back completely and don't save or download anything at all it would be ok, but I just can't do that.

What desktop would you advise me to buy? What should I be looking for in terms of memory etc that would ensure I don't run out and it isn't slow running?

If there is anything I should avoid please also let me know. I can't spend much so really looking at something below £400. I only really use it for internet browsing and typing letters etc. I don't play games and I don't download music or films. Just something basic but that won't run slow. I have done everything to it as per "slow running PC" guide.

Any help at all would be great as I am going mad with my current PC!!!:mad:

gonzo127

are you just looking for a base unit, or are you wanting some other bits like monitor keyboard etc?

elmoo2u

I think I am just needing to get base unit as nothing wrong with screen or keyboard.

Sorry but I don't know how to fit RAM espresso, I must be the exception to your rule! I don't even know how much RAM I can fit and if it would improve my PC??! I can do the basics as per the guide but I didn't take it as far as purchasing anything, just the free stuff.

Is there anything else I should be looking for, processor speed etc?

somersethillbilly

" I only really use it for internet browsing and typing letters etc. I don't play games and I don't download music or films. Just something basic but that won't run slow.".....You should be able to get more than enough from what you've got and save the £400 that you are thinking of spending.

Go through Closed's excellent guide again, ditch all bloat and unneeded software and you'll be amazed. I am writing this on machine with a 1.2GHz Celeron and 512MB @ 100MHz SDRAM running XP Pro SP3! It's snappy, lean and easily up to the tasks that you want to do.

elmoo2u

Hi somersethillbilly,

Thanks for your advice, I will follow the guide again and see how I get on.
I thought I had deleted most things and disabled a lot of the start up stuff but it is still pretty slow especially when I switch it on.

elmoo2u

Espresso,
the last hijackthis log I posted I got no replies, so who am I meant to take advice from?

I will follow the guide again and post a log.

elmoo2u

Sorry I actually thought I has posted my updated log. I will post it when I am using my pc next and hopefully someone will help.

NiftyDigits

elmoo2u wrote: »

I think I am just needing to get base unit as nothing wrong with screen or keyboard.

Sorry but I don't know how to fit RAM espresso, I must be the exception to your rule! I don't even know how much RAM I can fit and if it would improve my PC??! I can do the basics as per the guide but I didn't take it as far as purchasing anything, just the free stuff.

Is there anything else I should be looking for, processor speed etc?

Page 65 onwards

Fit a 1GB RAM module and your problems will go away or go crazy with a 2 x 1GB kit for £21.31.

Will take you no more than ten minutes in all.

NiftyDigits

Though if you really feel the need to move on, you can buy one of these for £150 and do an install of Windows 8 to it for £25.

closed

did any of your 3 machines run slow at purchase - then no reason for them to be slow now. Factory restore takes 10 -15 minutes, (backup first), which is less time than this took to write.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=54558943&postcount=2


is your hard disk really full, or are you confusing disk space with ram memory.

elmoo2u

Hi Closed,

I think I probably do get confused between RAM and Disk a Space. I am on my boyfriend's laptop just now so will need to have a look at my PC when I have a little bit of time and check the disk space and RAM.