Im hope im in the right spot... about BIOs

I am having some problems with firefox and internet explorer, freezing on loading and on certain pages. I have searched the net and others having this problem have been told it's to do with there BIOs. So I was wondering how do I check my BIO's and see if there is an upgrade for it. I have gone to my manufactures website but my computer (at least this one im on) is about 4-5 years old and no longer have a warranty and can't even download replacement drivers cry). Its a dell dimension 4550.

Thanks for the help =)


PS excuse that extra "m" in my header (doesn't look like college paid off =$)

 

I wonder why i can't edit.... but I forgot to post this so..

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model Dimension 4550
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2525 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A06, 4/22/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States

Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 512.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 80.62 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB


if this helps in anyway lol (computer smart but not that smart)

 

I don't think your problem is related to BIOS. The last BIOS update was in 2003 to version A_08. If you go to the BIOS download page you will see that the fixes/enhancements have nothing to do with browsing problems. It is not recommended to upgrade BIOS unless you have a problem that the upgrade specifically addresses (a bad BIOS flash could leave your computer completely unresponsive). Your 4550 download page.

To find your current BIOS version: I believe F2 at the Dell splash screen should take you into BIOS and the opening screen should have your BIOS version listed.

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I think you have a software problem. When did it start and is it only certain sites that are slow to load? When the browser freezes does it eventually come back or do you have to close it and reopen to begin browsing again? Can you point to a link that you were reading that suggested a problem with the BIOS?