I have an old computer, bought reconditioned, never used by me.  I would like to GIVE it to an elderly friend as a replacement for the one that died, but I don't know if it would be sufficient to meet his needs.  I have no idea what his former computer specs were--he knows even less about computers than I do.  So, here's what I have available:  Dell tower w/cd & floppy drives, PIII 500 mz processor, 256mg ECC SDRAM, no pcmica sockets, no disk compression, and about  a 9 gig hard drive.  I believe Windows 98SE is running on it, I also have available Windows 2000.  There is Word/Excel 2000, and some misc., software, also PC Cillin 98.  Is this something useable for email, forums, and uploading photos?  He is an avid gardener and a treasured member of a forum to which I also subscribe, and we all would like to see him get back on-line.  I'll be absorbing the cost of gas to transport it to him, so if something needs to be upgraded, can it be done for under $50.00 US?  One other thing, unless the computer is plugged in, it boots up a BIOS SCREEN and ASKS for the time and date every time I plug it in and turn it on.  If it's plugged in, but not turned on, it seems to be OK.  Thanks in advance for your advices.
sv7Replace the CMOS battery...about 3 or 4 bucks ...that will eliminate the boot ERROR and maybe put in a 40G hard drive..35 to 40 bucks and install Win2k and he'll have a more than adequate machine there.

And here's a well rounded protection package for him...all FREE

AVG Free
AdAware
Spybot Search and Destroy
AVG Anti-Spyware
Wow, I didn't realise how old this topic was, and that I am sorely delinquent in my thanks.   

The friend in question did eventually receive a new computer, and mine was updated and given away.  I thank you, Patio, for your advice, and I'm sorry it's so delayed. 

Regards,
sv7No problem....
How ya been ? ?