Tips For Users of Older Computers (revised 5-4-07)

If you are using any computer with a processor under 500 Mhz, use caution installing newer software.

May 2007, the new Windows Vista requires a much better computer. Check out the specs before considering upgrading. Unless you already have a monster machine, consider just buying a new computer with Vista preinstalled.

Barrettism: Install Go Back Before You Do Anything Else Click here to see notes about installing in XP

Many of the newer programs do not work well with older computers. Some programs will not install at all. Others are slow as molasses. Here are some of my experiences. The reverse is now true also. XP does not like some older programs, notably CD Creator by Roxio. XP will tell you it does not like a program when you try to install it. Listen to it!

Windows: This is probably the least forgiving of all software. For example, here is what Microsoft has said on Windows versions Vs what was really needed and what worked well. (To the best of my memory. Correct me if I'm off)

Windows Version	Minimum Required	Needed To Function	Works Best At	Program size	Hard drive size needed
3.1	286, 1 MB RAM	386, 4 MB	486, 8 MB	10/20 MB	60+ MB basic 100+ if using Office
95	386, 4 MB RAM	486, 8/16 MB	486 -100, 32MB	80/120 MB	300+ MB basic 500+ if using Office
98	486, 16MB RAM	Pentium, 32MB	Pentium 166, 64MB	150/200 MB	1 GB basic 2+ if using Office
Me	Pentium 150, 32 MB	Pentium 200, 64 MB	Pentium 500, 128 MB	200/400	3 GB basic 6 GB + for Office & graphics
XP	Pentium 500, 128 MB RAM	Pentium 1Ghz, 256	Pentium 1.5, 512	about 1.5 Gb or more	20 GB minimum, best at 40 Plus
Vista has 5 versions with different requirements. Ignore minimums as usual. Go here to determine what Microsoft says you need. If you use your computer as a fax machine see this page before considering Vista.

Microsoft Office: Just keeps getting bigger as well.

AOL: The new version 8 does not work well on older machines or it won't install at all. "If it ain't broke - Don't fix it". Version 9 is even worse.

Netscape 6: Minimum published requirements: 233 MHz, 64MB Ram. I have a 233 with 160MB RAM and version 6 is slow as molasses starting up. Once started, it works fine. I installed it on a clients 900 and it works fine. I now have it on my 1 Ghz machine and I still like version 4.77 better.

I just installed Netscape 6.2 and it does work better, but like all new software is more complex. As of this writing (2007) I quit using this years ago.

Some accounting programs: One client got a new disk for 2001 and put it on an older computer (166 MHz) that worked great on all but the accounting program. It took over 5 minutes to display a customer file. We called tech support and they said they designed the program for the newer computer abilities and it would not work on older machines. They suggested buying a new machine which the client will have to do to continue serving her tax clients. She has since bought a new machine and is very happy.

Games: Many current games are designed for the newer computers and will not work on older ones, especially if your video is not up to date.

As a rule of thumb, never try to put any program on a machine that meets the minimum specs. At least double them.

Extra Tip: Buy all software from Costco. They are the only retail store that will allow refunds on opened software. Unfortunately their selection is poor. Costco On Line is now selling software for those who don't have a store close. You may need to buy a membership before purchasing. Another place to shop for books and software is Sam's Club On Line

If you really want to get away from this attempt by Microsoft to obsolete everything every two years, check out my discussion of alternatives.