Is my computer physically stressed?

Hello.
I have an old computer and don't want another one. One of my tune-up programs is constantly nagging me to get a faster processor. Is that just for speed, or can my computer be physically damaged by running windows xp prof on an older system? [I think it was installed over windows 98. Bought it second hand, not sure.] Can any programs, interfaces, whatever, be negatively effected,ie, damaged?
Thanks,
Sheena:confused

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314865

Does the machine meet or surpass the requirements?

 

No not really,keep it clean by blowing it out with canned air or compressed air so it keeps cool.

If your happy with the speed then don't worry about it,you can't really stress it any less by using XP,remove the tune up program or disable performance notifications if it bothers you.

Not using it or certain programs is basically like not having a computer as if its already broken so its a none issue.

 

I have an older IBM (P3) machine (265MHz) and 256MB of memory running XP Home.
Works fine, although with the low RAM amount, it is a bit slow.
Nothing for it since the machine is maxxed in that area.

 

At the risk of sounding like Dr. Phil, it sounds like the question may be "Are you stressed over using a slower PC?".

At my PC repair shop, I have some lower income and/or older customers who bring in PCs similar in specs to the one you're describing (256MB RAM, USB 1.1, etc.) for repairs or upgrades. Aside from using Rikky's advice or possibly wiping the drive and reinstalling XP (provided you have the disc and COA code), it's not going to get faster.

When I have to work on older PCs, I tend to get stressed. I had one that was so old yesterday it took 20 minutes for Adobe Reader to install (usually about a 3 minute process).

My point is it sounds like you've used or are using much faster PCs at work and/or at friends' houses. If the lack of speed in this PC is stressing you out and/or preventing you from running the software you want, there's no shame in upgrading if your budget allows it. It isn't a question of if the old PC works; it's a question of if it works fast enough to make you happy.

 

hrlow,
Yes. For my needs what I have is enough. I don't do games. I am not so busy with important world events that I have to count the microseconds.
Sheena

 

No the oldest computer I put XP pro on was a 450mhz pentium 2,ran fine albeit slow:-D Forgot about that...