Cap'n

Here are the specs for the gxi:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dzer/Specs.htm
You have a pentium chip running at 166Mhz

Here are the windows prof. 2k requirements:
http://www.dewassoc.com/support/win2000/require.htm
You need 64 megs of RAM, and a 2 gig HD, but the chip should work.

I work with old dells for a day job. A pentium 1 will not do the job very well at all. I would recomend a p3 at minimum with 256MB of ram and a 4 gig HD. I'm not some psycho-gamer or anything, but I really think this is the minimum you will be happy with for w2k, or you can run winxp with this setup. Don't forget all the security issues you need to deal with.

If you can dig up a Dell optiplex gx110, you will be in hog-heaven. If necessary, spend a hundred and fifty bucks on e-bay to get one that is 'Maxed-out' with 512 RAM and a decent HD, you'll be happier in the long run; they are indestructable, the w123 240d of computers. Also, get a laser-mouse so you dont have to clean mouse-balls.

If you are worried about price, use linux. It is infinitely more secure, it is usually faster and it is free.

cheers,
dan r.

p.s did I mention linux was free?

I think you are out of luck with the actual processor. If you can, open it up and look to see if it has a BIG BLACK doohicky that looks like this.




If it does, you are in luck. If it does not, dump it and go for something with a bit more power. You can buy Pentium III boxes now for nothing.

I have run Windows 2000 on computers that are 400 megahertz and they also had 256 ram. Not exactly the fastest thing, but it got the job done. I got a box of computer crap from a friend that had a buch of CDs and just computer parts in it. He was going to dump it so I took a look. I am glad I did. I got a copy of Windows 2000 with the key and all. Its a legit copy too. Its got the cool holigram CD and a legal CD key. I paid him 10$ for the whole box, as a legal copy of 2000 is expensive.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

You will find that Win 2000 is a lot slower on the older computer. If you have Win98SE I would stick with it. There's no reason why it won't work with your wireless router. I still use Win98SE on 2 old laptops and they have wireless pcmcia cards in them no problem.

__________________
Bill Wood - Retired Webmaster
My Personal Website
1998 Mercedes E430
2010 Toyota Sequoia
My Photo Albums

What's the benefit of running Linux? Is it compatible with XP?
BTW, I'm not trying to network my three computers. As a matter of fact it would be best if they were NOT interfaced. The ones inside are taken care of, and if I have to I can run a hardwire to the one for the garage. It won't matter to the two inside running XP what I'm using on the garage puter. I would just like to be able to run my camera software on the garage unit and listen to internet radio. Also I don't have 98SE, just plain ole 98. Justin, I don't see anything inside that looks like your picture, but, I just might be able to get my hands on a GX110!!

If you did the updates for 98 then you do have the SE version.

You can still get USB devices that support '98. those ought to let you connect the devices you mention. Now if the devices themselves work with '98 is another question.

As far as sharing connectivity with the internet, all you need to do is have the garage pc on the same subnet as the rest of the computers, and also a different ip address. so for example if the rest of the house uses

ip 192.168.1.2
subnet 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.1.1

Also you'll need the dns numbers as provided by the isp

Then make the garage computer

ip 192.168.1.12
subnet 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.1.1

and use the same dns numbers as the others.

You should be able to get to the internet at that point.

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

Tell me more. I haven't done any updates, or at least none that I intended to do! How do I get these 'updates'?

To update windows, go to internet explorer.

Tools Menu>Windows Update.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I second this. Newer software will bog down the old hardware and you will have a total bow-wow for your time and money. Dell will sell you a new laptop for less than $400.

Capn'

The benefits of running linux are similar to those of running a grease car. Its cheap as sin (free for linux) and it is a hands-on in an enjoyable sort of way. Also, some aspects of linux are as well designed as a 240d. Asking if linux is compatible with windows xp is like asking if a diesel car is compatible with a gas car; they fulfill the same purpose in different ways. Yes, you will be able to share documents, .mp3 files, e-mail, etc and do all the same things.*

Your computer won't run windows xp, and you can't upgrade it in any normal sense of the word. And why the devil would you want to spend 150 bucks on a copy of windows xp for a machine that you only want to e-mail and surf the web with? On the other hand, if you want to remain in the loving grasp of Bill Gates (who has you by the balls, incidentally), buy a gx110 on ebay for 70 bucks (including shipping) with XP loaded already (try to get the xp CD too, you are in trouble without it, go for 256mb of RAM or higher). Theiving XP is not only immoral, but pretty hard to boot.

cheers,
dan r.
(repairs dells, uses an apple)

*you'll also be able to write coercive and elitest e-mails like this one! Flamesuit on!