Setting up a new PC

Hey guys Yoda here. Im new around here and wanted to not only say hi but ask a few questions. I have recently aquired a PC from a friend of mine. Its stats are

AMD Athelon 1600
512 mb RAM
60gig HD(40 to be installed tonight as a second HD )
ATI Radeon 7000 series graphics card(no idea exactly which)
SoundBlaster Live(again no idea exactly which)
Currently running Windows ME
Internet is DSL

As for any other info such as motherboard brand and such I dont know and neither did he. The computer was built for him by another person.

Now my question is what steps can I take to make this computer not only fast but also reliable, and safe?? I am not a total idiot when it comes to computers but having finally gotten my hands on a fairly decent machine id like to set it up the right way. Any ideas and comments would be appreciated, sorry this was so long but I have read in the rules and recommendations to include as much info as possible to assist other posters. Thanks and I look forward to posting and talking to you all.

 

Well if you want to make it faster than it kinda sound it is, I am pretty sure you might want to buy another 512mb stick of ram just incase. And I would defenetly get rid of WinME, cause it sucks. try to update your system to a WinXP but if you don't have the money go with Win98 it's better than WinME and I like it better. That is all I can really say, but you do have a pretty decent system..not bad, how much you pay for it..???

 

Didnt pay anything for it actually. I am planning on getting more RAM ASAP. As for the operating system I am planning on moving up to XP once I can do so

 

Hello Yoda,
First download Everst:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
This will tell you most everthing about your PC, mobo/chipset/ram specs/ lot's o stuff!
Also provides Web links to drivers and such.

More Memory is always a plus.
Maybe 7200 rpm HDD
Windows XP or even W2K and use NTFS file system, more efficiant, more secure! (ME SUCKS)
If your a gamer New Graphics card (AGP type if ya got the Slot)
Upgrade CPU

Carefull if you upgrade too much, youll get close too the price of a new rig.

Dont forget to install firewall/antivirus/spyware programs, lot of great & free one's avaible here at MG see the front page or use the search tab uptop of the page.

 

Good Tips Asus...As for you Yoda, fallow them.....

 

Thx for the help. I will check out that program once I get home. I am planning on doing a few upgrades. I know more RAM and I am going to install either win 2k or XP. Again, thx for the help