One factor that prevents some people from upgrading their computers to WinXP is the OS' system requirements. If you have not upgraded, make sure your system meets these necessities.
According to Microsoft, WinXP Home and Professional require a
233MHz or higher processor (300MHz recommended), 64MB of RAM or more (
128MB recommended), 1.5GB of available hard drive space, 800 × 600 resolution (Super VGA [video graphics array]) or higher video adapter and monitor, CD-ROM drive, keyboard, and mouse or other pointing device.
NOTE:
It's also a good idea to test your current system's hardware for compatibility with WinXP. Microsoft's Upgrade Adviser applet will perform this task for you. To use Upgrade Advisor, visit the WinXP Compatibility Resources And Information Web page (
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/c...ty/default.asp) and click the Upgrade Advisor link.
As many frustrated WinXP users have discovered, Microsoft's recommended requirements are insufficient to run a heavily loaded system at full boogie. Extra power becomes even more crucial if you work with large multimedia or graphics files or run several programs at once.
If you want your WinXP computer to zip along, you will need a 600MHz processor at a minimum, 256MB of RAM (512MB is even better), a 1,024 x 768 video card, and a 20GB hard drive.
Most newer PCs (those less than two years old) exceed these requirements with the exception of RAM. Sufficient memory is one of the main factors in getting WinXP to scream, and RAM is so inexpensive these days that there is no excuse not to have enough.