Computer help?

... is not always the best deal.
There are a LOT of super-cheap computer deals right now that you should avoid.
This is because the new 'dual core' processors just came out and everyone is trying to dump the old single core processors as fast as they can.
The dual core is like running 2 processors in parallel - 64 bit computing instead of 32 bit.
What is the difference to you, you ask?
Well the next operating system from 'Microsloth' is called VISTA and it will require the 64 bit system to run. All new versions of MS programs are going to be rewritten for dual core.
So if you buy a single core cheap now, in a couple of years you are not going to be able to install any of the newer software you are eventually going to need.
I venture to speculate there is no new software being written for single core processors at this time.

All true.
I would just say that if you are going to buy a single core processor you need to be aware of its impending obsolesence... and you need to be getting a REALLY good deal on it!

Well the price will be affected by many other options beyond the processor. As others have said, you need to analyze your needs and customize a computer for yourself.Generally, you get a better deal by buying something that is mid-to-high range in processor speed. The very fastest models are always sold for a premium price that price quickly drops as even faster models come out. And you won't notice processor speed in most of what you are probably doing. But I would say don't skimp on the cache size (has a direct effect on software performance) or on RAM. Newer programs are more and more demanding of RAM and VISTA requires a MINIMUM of 512 dram. This tells you you will probably need 1024 if you are wanting to run more than 2 or 3 programs at a time.

The cache can kind of act like a bottleneck for information flow in your computer, so a bigger one will help information flow faster. It also sounds like your computer habits would be quite demanding on RAM, so that is likely part of your problem.Remember EVERY program has files (subroutines) it loads into your (limited) RAM space every time it is running. As all programs try repeatedly to access their own subroutines they can interfere with one another when RAM space is limited. Thus, for the meantime, you would likely have better performance running fewer programs at a time.The number of browser windows minimized may or may not affect things. If they are entirely 'passive' windows, they won't affect much, but many will be trying to run java scripts you are not aware of, so try and reduce the number of windows you leave open as well.ABE: It occurred to me you may have a damaged file in your operating system. Have you tried using 'system restore' to take your computer settings back to a date before you started having these problems?
Note: this will not be possible unless you are running XP.Edited by EZscience, : No reason given.