Few Questions on Old Computer

KraidSaves · 02-20-2004, 05:25 PM

Someone gave my mom a Gateway 2000 P5-166M today. It has 32 megs of ram and has an Intel Processor and of course it runs at 166mhz. It was previously owned by some old folks so it's pretty much in good condition. Currently it's running on windows 95. I am wondering if it would possibly work with Windows 98/SE installed in it?

Also I would like to know what I could do to share my DSL connection with this computer? Is this what routers are for?

The computer is ideal for what she wants to use it like getting on the internet and using MS word on it. Thx.

thegladiatorgy · 02-20-2004, 05:33 PM

Yes it would definitely work on Win98SE. However there will be a slight decrease in performance. You can probably upgrade the memory with a 64MB chip. That would give it somewhat of a performance boost.

Jarhed7276 · 02-20-2004, 05:37 PM

I would add some ram to it. You can run Win98 on it but with 32 meg ram it would be very slow.

Yes, a router is the best way to share your DSL.

KraidSaves · 02-20-2004, 07:07 PM

Thanks. I just talked to a friend about it and he said it could run it but that win98 was really meant for 266mhz P2's. He said it would probably still lag with an added 64mb I got 2 for yay and 1 for ney.

Jarhed7276 · 02-20-2004, 08:01 PM

On a Win 98 retail box it says the minumum requirements are a DX 486 with 24 meg memory.

KraidSaves · 02-20-2004, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jarhed7276
On a Win 98 retail box it says the minumum requirements are a DX 486 with 24 meg memory.

OK DX 486 as in 486 mhz or... I don't get that. Are you saying the old Gateway 2000 should be able to handle it?

HeadBand · 02-20-2004, 11:34 PM

no a 486 is before pentium they came in 33 66 and i think 100mhz...or was that 100 i am thinking of a k4 ohh its been so long....well you can probally find a stick of 64mb ram for $10 shipped on ebay easily...ram will help that machine a great deal....even a 128 stick wont be all that expensive...unless it is using simms still then its still not that expensive but only comes in pairs and up to 32mb a stick...still shouldnt be too much $ though

zepper · 02-20-2004, 11:52 PM

I've been running W98SE here for quite a few years (at least 5) and you will really want at least 128MB of RAM (24MB of RAM is a total joke - you would spend half your life waiting for virtual memory swaps). I ran it for quite a while on only 96MB w/ a K6-2/450MHz and wasn't really a happy camper. The Cacheman memory manager was really helpful in keeping it from chrashing too often then.
. When memory prices bottomed out, I bumped the memory up to 256MB. It just about stopped crashing and was much happier. I think that's the sweet spot for Win 98SE. Unfortunately now SDRAM costs more than DDR especially if you need the low density modules. Look at the For Sale section here - might find some at a reasonable price.
.bh.

whitebeard21 · 02-21-2004, 12:25 AM

Just add some ram and you are good to go. Most of those were upgraded to 98se with more ram added and are still functioning.
I know a school that has over 100 still chugging along and most people don't even know what they are using.

Bullion · 02-21-2004, 12:38 AM

ran a laptop 166mmx w 32mb ram and it was attrocious, bought a 1mb chip for it so now it was 48 and ran a heap better, get above 64 if you can.