Pentium

[audsnends]

My laptop has a Pentium II 2.5 GHZ and my PC a Pentium 4 - 1.6 GHZ.

Too be frank I have no idea what these mean in relation to operating either machine what piece of hardware is a "Pentium" (I believe it's a microchip)?

I note that software/hardware require certain minimums and as both machines are getting on in years can "Pentiums" be upgraded/updated? If so how? Does that require new hardware or is there an alternative way to upgrade/update? Or is it less expensive and easier to simply purchasing new machines?

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: audsnends
My laptop has a Pentium II 2.5 GHZ and my PC a Pentium 4 - 1.6 GHZ.

Too be frank I have no idea what these mean in relation to operating either machine what piece of hardware is a "Pentium" (I believe it's a microchip)?

I note that software/hardware require certain minimums and as both machines are getting on in years can "Pentiums" be upgraded/updated? If so how? Does that require new hardware or is there an alternative way to upgrade/update? Or is it less expensive and easier to simply purchasing new machines?

For starters, check your laptop specs - I have bolded part of your statement that makes no sense. A "Pentium II 2.5Ghz" does not exist. I don't know if you're referring to a Pentium II or a Pentium 4 @ 2.5Ghz. You're right, they are called microchips; more commonly, CPUs.

You need to give us more information (i.e. specs for the other hardware in these computers, and what tasks you use these machines for). CPUs can be replaced with faster models (though much more easily in a PC than a laptop). This is not always the most cost-effective option. It might be cheaper to add more RAM for example, or you might be better off with a whole new computer.

Browse the forums and post more information here about what your goal is. Good luck!

 

[GenHoth]

Originally posted by: audsnends

I note that software/hardware require certain minimums and as both machines are getting on in years can "Pentiums" be upgraded/updated? If so how? Does that require new hardware or is there an alternative way to upgrade/update? Or is it less expensive and easier to simply purchasing new machines?

Considering you don't know what a pentium is: Save yourself a headache, just buy a new machine.

It's that or time to crack out the books and do some reading

 

[audsnends]

I apologize, I had the incorrect information for both computers...corrections as follows with additional information

LAPTOP - Toshiba Mobile Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHZ 448 MB RAM Microsoft XP Home Edition Version 2002, SP2

Used for browsing the internet, business & banking, email and occasionally running photo programs (ie Paintshop Pro; Photoshop), as well a scanner and digital camera.

I had hoped to chat & see my grandchildren & great grandchildren using an instant messaging program & taking photos & videos for them. I purchased a Logitech Ultra Vision QuickCam & my laptop meets the requirements except for the amount of ram (logitech states 512MB RAM (1GB recommended)
I presume that because my laptop doesn't have enough ram that's the reason why the Logitech recording video program keeps freezing my laptop & the mouse so that I have to do a "cold boot?".



PC - Dell Dimension DM4400 Intel - Pentium 4 CPU 1.60 GHZ 512 Ram - Microsoft XP Home Edition 2002 SP2

Use extensively for uploading more than downloading both files & live video operating a Sony Camcorder, PaintShop Pro, Photoshop, email and often with several browsers open simuteneously both IE & Firefox. However, I never operate any software at same time as live video as it would be far too much my pc. As well a printer is used occassionally.

Note: I don't use either for listening or downloading music or games.

My PC is most important as it's used for my work, it would appear my PC needs an increase of GHZ/CPU to be more efficient and an increase of Ram on my laptop (if I want to use this webcam).

My goal was to learn & understand what and how certain hardware effects both machines & what is required for my computers to operate properly & efficiently.

Admittedly all these years I simply turn them on with little knowledge on how they work, please excuse my ignorance if I've not supplied the proper information or post to the incorrect forum or my questions are confusing.

 

[audsnends]

Point taken, sorry to have bothered anyone.

 

[audsnends]

Originally posted by: GenHoth

Originally posted by: audsnends

I note that software/hardware require certain minimums and as both machines are getting on in years can "Pentiums" be upgraded/updated? If so how? Does that require new hardware or is there an alternative way to upgrade/update? Or is it less expensive and easier to simply purchasing new machines?

Considering you don't know what a pentium is: Save yourself a headache, just buy a new machine.

It's that or time to crack out the books and do some reading

Point taken sorry to have bothered posting.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Look at getting another 512MB RAM for your laptop. Research to make sure you get the right type. It looks like you already have 512MB, but 64MB is being used for integrated graphics (you probably can't upgrade the graphics). Your CPU is fast enough for the other programs you mention.

Your PC is likely too old to be worth upgrading. The major stumbling block here is trying to upload and edit video - that needs a faster CPU and more RAM than the other tasks. You're correct that running a lot of programs simultaneously requires more RAM, and you don't have a lot on that PC.

Defragment your hard drive and research how to configure your Windows XP to run more efficiently - too many things to mention here.