Computer Noob Here

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Okay im a summing most people here are on a computer so maybe some one can help me out here. I got a dell Dimension 5150. I would like to "speed" it up and add more storage space (250mb of ram and 70 gig hard drive right now). So what would I need to buy? :erm:
Again when it comes to computers I know how to use them not build em haha.

You have this?

http://www.dell.com/content/products...=28&l=en&s=dfb

And only 256MB of RAM? Are you sure?

you will already speed it a real up by doubling the ram... put it on max and you will fly...

70gigs with Vista is slowing your process, because all the cache stored in your HD may take a lot of time to proceed, because the system needs more space... have a single HD jut for Vista, like 100 Gigs, and you will have no more storage problem for the OS itself...

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Originally Posted by Chris-777

You have this?

http://www.dell.com/content/products...=28&l=en&s=dfb

And only 256MB of RAM? Are you sure?

Positive, aunt went for cost not speed thats why so little.

Originally Posted by nexialys

you will already speed it a real up by doubling the ram... put it on max and you will fly...

70gigs with Vista is slowing your process, because all the cache stored in your HD may take a lot of time to proceed, because the system needs more space... have a single HD jut for Vista, like 100 Gigs, and you will have no more storage problem for the OS itself...

I dont have vista, Im using xp service pack 2. Its not a super slow computer, but it has a lot more potential. Any one have some links to some items i could look into?

[KTBleeding]

A hard drive won't really "speed it up" unless you go with a 10k rpm over the standard.
If you really only have 256mb of ram, upgrade to at LEAST 1024mb (or better said, 1gb). Again, you won't notice a huge speed increase with that, but you'll be able to do more.

For a speed increase, I recommend a new processor. I don't know much about Dells, but I assume you'll need to upgrade the entire machine in order to upgrade the processor.. So if you can find out the socket type of the processor in the Dell, that's what I would recommend increasing.. on top of the ram, of course.

[Danburtan]

More ram! At the very least, but the processor is the heart of thecomputer, it will speed it up. Go to yourlocal computer store.

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Anyone have some links to products? Like on ebay or something?

[Wayne Luke]

If you can increase your RAM to 2 GB. That is the sweet spot for XP. Never want to skimp on RAM. This will probably at least double the speed of your computer because right now, most of your memory is actually being stored on the hard drive. The processor isn't bad for XP even though its a single core. RAM would be the largest sticking point. No one should be forced to use a computer with less than 2 GB of RAM. Upgrading to 2 GB will cost about $75.00 plus shipping at www.newegg.com. You can't go over 3 GB though on XP, even though the board supports 4 GB.

Look at Newegg.com for products and call them directly if you have questions if something works for your particular model. One thing to note about Dell is that they do not plan their machines for expansion. The power supply provided will give you enough power for what you buy but not additional cards or devices. If you add a video card, hard drive or new optical drive, then you will most likely need to improve the power supply as well.

[Brad]

If you need more HDD space buy a large HDD and use it as a secondary hard drive. Use this drive to store your important files as well as your "large" media files.

If you can make sure to place this second hard drive on a channel other than the one your current drive is using.

Use the smaller (current) HDD for the OS and application files.

Also, just placing new hardware in the box doesn't always lead to a speed increase. Even if it does you can often times go a little fast with minimal software tweaking to the OS and the applications you use.

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Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

If you can increase your RAM to 2 GB. That is the sweet spot for XP. Never want to skimp on RAM. This will probably at least double the speed of your computer because right now, most of your memory is actually being stored on the hard drive. The processor isn't bad for XP even though its a single core. RAM would be the largest sticking point. No one should be forced to use a computer with less than 2 GB of RAM. Upgrading to 2 GB will cost about $75.00 plus shipping at www.newegg.com. You can't go over 3 GB though on XP, even though the board supports 4 GB.

Look at Newegg.com for products and call them directly if you have questions if something works for your particular model. One thing to note about Dell is that they do not plan their machines for expansion. The power supply provided will give you enough power for what you buy but not additional cards or devices. If you add a video card, hard drive or new optical drive, then you will most likely need to improve the power supply as well.

Okay I went there and found these(I did it using there tool so it should work for my computer). Here is what I found. Now can I install both of them on the same computer? And how hard are they to install?