Advice on updating old computer please

jaypeeps · 21st February 2008, 01:44

I have an old pc in the uk which is over 10 yrs old. The tower, keyboard, & monitor were bought in different places with the help & advice of a friend at the time. It is windows 98. & has a cd rom & floppy disk drive.

I cannot say what the makes of the items are until I am next in the UK

I need to upgrade it so as to make it compatible with SKY's broadband package. My parents have SKY tv & can have the broadband added free, ideal for me when I am over.

But the Windows 98 is too old for the SKY broadband ,so SKY say I need to get 2000 or later. I would like Windows XP as that is what I am used to. I am told there are 2 versions of Windows 98 & I need to know what version I have, to know what XP I need.

Can anyone tell me if this is correct, if so, how do I find out the version & where can I get an XP version without having to pay hundreds so microsoft?

Thamks

Jaype

kathml · 21st February 2008, 09:02

Would reccommend junking it & get a new one the chances of upgrading to XP are very slim

If a new one is out the question a good upto date secondhand shouldn't cost too much

Actually a new one will cost a lot less now than one did 10 years ago

irishmusico · 21st February 2008, 09:04

Hi jaype
I think that you should buy a new PC.I think that you have definitely got your moneys worth getting 10 years out of a PC. Technology has moved on and while your computer may do what you want it to,you will find it outdated for todays applications.

Buy a new one,because it will last longer than a second hand one

torrenter · 21st February 2008, 09:53

How about 2nd hand base unit? This sort of thing would do - it comes with XP Pro installed.

jaypeeps · 21st February 2008, 10:05

Thank you all for the advice. I was afraid this was going to be the answer.

It is not really financially viable at the moment as I only visit the UK for a couple of months at most a year.

I used the PC for 5 yrs before moving to Tenerife, & now only use it for letters & printing when in the UK now. I go to the library for e mailing.

I just thought we could take advantage of having broadband free with my Dad's TV package, it would have been nice to be able to use it.

May see if there are any bargains on offer over there. Am always a bit wary buying secondhand.

I have a laptop here & would never buy another. Am on my 3rd in 7 yrs they are too temperamental for me. I have taken it to the UK on previous occasions but have always had a problem getting it working normally when I bring it back here! Plus the fact that it is extra luggage to carry too, even though I have a trolley case for it.

Thank you all again

Jaype

Delderek · 21st February 2008, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaype

I have an old pc in the uk which is over 10 yrs old. The tower, keyboard, & monitor were bought in different places with the help & advice of a friend at the time. It is windows 98. & has a cd rom & floppy disk drive.

I cannot say what the makes of the items are until I am next in the UK

I need to upgrade it so as to make it compatible with SKY's broadband package. My parents have SKY tv & can have the broadband added free, ideal for me when I am over.

But the Windows 98 is too old for the SKY broadband ,so SKY say I need to get 2000 or later. I would like Windows XP as that is what I am used to. I am told there are 2 versions of Windows 98 & I need to know what version I have, to know what XP I need.

Can anyone tell me if this is correct, if so, how do I find out the version & where can I get an XP version without having to pay hundreds so microsoft?

Thamks

Jaype

The two Win 98 versions were: Windows 98. and Windows 98SE.
98SE is the later version, with many more connectivity options.

but you are really going to struggle with broadband on a 10 year old computer.

To see what version you have. go to accessories,,,then system information, it will give you all the info.

KirstyJay · 21st February 2008, 16:38

I reformatted my old Windows 98 PC (also about 10 years old) so that my kids could use it. I added a little more RAM and installed Windows Server 2000 on it instead and it's fine for them. It only has an 8GB HDD, but they can play their PC games on it and learn how to use the PC... and it would be ok for surfing and emailing if I bothered to connect it up. I think it only cost me about 30 quid for 2 strips of RAM...

Eventually, I intend to transfer my old Motherboard 80GB HDD and 2GB RAM into it which I still have after I recently upgraded my PC. All I'll have to buy is a PSU...

They will then have an all-singing-all-dancing one for their needs!!!

To upgrade your PC, I would recommend finding out the RAM you need and how much your motherboard can take, then have a look on eBay for compatible RAM. Stick it in the machine, format the hard drive and stick Windows server on it. That will do what you want it to do and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. XP will probably freeze the machine up and you don't really need it.