Comments on: 7 Ways to Add Oomph to an Aging Windows System

By: TCWriter

TCWriter — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:24:35 +0000

I installed Xubuntu on an old laptop that gave it a useful life again. Now I'm testing Ubuntu Linux on my newer Dell laptop as a faster alternative to Vista (which came on the thing and failed to impress), and it's proven interesting - both for myself and my readers. The Ubuntu Project: Is Linux Right For Word Workers?

By: Jo

Jo — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:25:04 +0000

VersionTracker is ok, but its much better for software updates than for drivers. DriverMax is a step down — it’s only for vista and doesn’t support XP, so not really an option when you’re talking about an older PC. The better option is the free RadarSync, which is easier to use than VersionTracker and just as reliable, without the fee. Just my 2cents.

By: RyanAJarrett

RyanAJarrett — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:18:12 +0000

eBoostr allows you to use a USB stick as extra RAM, similar to what Vista can do. I've found it improves performance significantly. The trial version stops after 4 hours, but restarts after a reboot. I've listed more tips to speed up Windows XP here.

By: Roberto

Roberto — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:17:50 +0000

Although some of the recommendations are good there’s only so much you can do with an old system (besides installing Linux). If Linux is not an option and your system is more than 3 years old it makes much better sense to buy a new one.

The good news is that you can get a very decent system for just $500-$600 nowadays using your current monitor, mouse and keyboard. Of course, the more you can spend the better but unless you work editing video, rendering 3D animations and things like that, that money will get you good performance for everyday tasks. It’ll run rings around your old system.

Given that generic intel boxes are so cheap I think an article on how to get more oomph from an aging Mac system would be much appreciated. Their replacement cost is higher.

By: Eric Link

Eric Link — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:13:23 +0000

I’ve put Ubuntu Linux on several older machines w/ good results. Free, firefox 3 and much faster than an old windows install. Download the cd and it then takes about 30 minutes to install. http://www.ubuntu.com/

By: links for 2008-06-26 | the markfr ditherings

links for 2008-06-26 | the markfr ditherings — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:33:53 +0000

[...] Web Worker Daily » Archive 7 Ways to Add Oomph to an Aging Windows System « (tags: laptop windows performance tuning tips) [...]

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:02:43 +0000

…also VersionTracker is garbage. I’d recommend DriverMax over it any day of the week, even if it was a day that I was dead and couldn’t recommend anything.

By: Christian

Christian — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:11:58 +0000

+1 to Linux.
Its free and you can dual boot if you want.

By: joe

joe — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:00:17 +0000

install linux

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:33:23 +0000

>try to get to at least 2GB of RAM

Of course, with non-64-bit systems, more than 2 gig of memory is a fun waste of time.