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General discussion

New Used Computer

Mar 7, 2015 5:50AM PST

Hello. My cousin was great enough to give me an old computer of his that he wasn't using. So now I have it and would like to start fresh with it. I'm not computer tech savvy at all but I would love to start with this computer. It is still running on Windows Vista but I would like to format it and upgrade to a more up-to-date OS. The only thing is, I'm not sure what hardware I need to make this run properly or even where to start. All I know is I think I might need more ram to run the next OS. I have a "3800+ AMD Athalon 64X2 Dual Core Processor, 1024 memory, 250GB HD, and NVIDIA GeForce 6150LE Graphics" Now I have no clue what this means. (Exaggerating, I know just the basic) and I would be grateful if someone kind and smart enough were to assist me upgrade and use this. Thanks in advance!

Discussion is locked

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With only 1024 memory I would only consider Linux.
Mar 7, 2015 6:10AM PST

Windows past XP wants a lot more RAM or you won't be happy. Linux Mint has a XP like interface and will be OK on such gear without you hunting down drivers and paying for your new Windows.
Bob

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With 1 GB of RAM
Mar 7, 2015 8:49AM PST

You need Linux instead of windows, as Bob suggested. It easily runs on that amount, and quite well. I recommend the MATE version of Linux Mint. Review many availab le videos on version 17 at Youtube.

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need full model number
Mar 7, 2015 12:49PM PST

what is the full model number of the computer? or if you go to the computer manufacturers website, you can search for your specific computer model number in their support section and see if they have win7 or 8 drivers for your specific computer model. If they do, then you can upgrade, if they do not, then I strongly urged you not to upgrade.

One thing to consider, if you can upgrade and based on the windows version you have installed, unless you already have an upgrade version of win7 that can legally be used on that computer, the cost will be more than what the computer most likely is worth - especially since you should also add more ram.

I would suggest giving linux a try. You might be able to install the latest version of linux mint but it will not be easy based on the graphics you have. It will not be a regular install.

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Why not just use it.
Mar 7, 2015 3:01PM PST

You might not need anything.

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Agree with others but offer one more option
Mar 7, 2015 5:13PM PST

You could keep it as is, use it and note what is deficient for your purposes. I'll say that 1g or RAM with Vista will be sluggish. Upgrading RAM would help but may not be worth it. You could take the same money and buy another hard drive. Install Linux, as mentioned on that drive but keep the Vista drive intact. You could either put both drives in the case and select which to boot from or manually swap cables whenever you wanted to change operating systems. You'd be evaluating your own needs anyway. If you go with that idea, I'd disconnect the Vista drive while installing Linux so that both drives can be kept pristine. Others will disagree but letting a Linux installation find a Windows OS can have its complications to those unfamiliar with it. Good luck.

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More info required...
Mar 8, 2015 1:50AM PST

"My car won't start", what do think the mechanic will ask of you as well as here for your PC?

Next, you need to provide the model# of your PC in order to see what we're really dealing with. As others have posted 1gb of ram isn't much, but it maybe capable of more. Of course, how much $ do you want to invest? If you plan to move-up to Win 7 OS, the the "Win7 adviser" from MS is still available to assess your PC and what it needs to be acceptable. If not, and just want to keep Vista, then certainly that alone is better with 2gb of ram, even 4gb prtovided the specs allow this. I and others just don't know what your final plans are for this PC but again investing in it is strictly limited by how capable it can be. Otherwise, the fallback is some Linux OS which isn't so restrictable and just as capable once you know how to run with it. Until more info is provided then a more informative answer will become available, IMHO.

tada ------Willy Happy