I AM Stuck With An Entry Computer And Entry Experience

Sorry, I missed the model no. listed in your original post, and the fact that you're running a dual core processor, so would like to correct some comments. First off, you're not running legacy hardware per se and its fairly up to date. It also came with WIN 7 Home x64 installed? But the key issues remain.

You're notebook is running an AMD C-50 processor which is pretty much overwhelmed by WIN 7 x64. It's really a Netbook class processor, with current Atom based processors in today's Netbooks scoring far higher performance ratings. IMO, its a situation where, yes it can technically run WIN 7, but you may not want to do so as overall performance may end up being a frustrating experience.

First, you really shouldn't be running WIN 7 x64 with just 2G of memory installed along with an under whelming processor. Increase to at least 4G RAM, with 8G ideal. Second, I would consider installing an SSD HD drive. You can get a 120G SSD typically on sale online for about $80.-$90. I've bought them at MicroCenter stores for $79. Combined, you should see a noticeable increase in performance and improved battery life. You can upgrade it yourself fairly easily, if inclined to do so. But hiring a computer tech may not be worth it. Here is a service manual for your model of notebook Compaq Presario CQ57.

Next, I would look to optimizing your WIN 7 startup, making sure not to load any unnecessary processes and services. Also, I would check (CTRL+SHFT+ESC) Windows Task Manager that some processes is not consistently eating up computer cycles, high CPU usage. Could be corrupt, or worse, some type of malware.

I think if you invest some time and money, certainly less than buying new, you can see a noticeable increase in performance, though may not necessarily be a night and day experience. The core issue being basically, a slow processor.

You're fighting a losing battle, but still somewhat amazed you've been running a 1Ghz laptop with WIN 7? Wouldn't be as hardware intensive with WIN XP. In fact, I just bought a DELL slim line P4 1.8Ghz w/WIN XP off Craigslist for $15. which runs beautifully. Hardware/security all check out. In fact, runs just about as fast as one of my notebooks with WIN 7 Intel Core2Duo processor.

OS hardware overhead plays a big factor in performance. You could downgrade to WIN XP, or even install an alternative OS such as Linux, depending on your software requirements, if you intend on keeping your current hardware. But you're just asking too much of a 1Ghz laptop.

The laptop specs look fine to me. While the processor is only 1Ghz, its a dual core with good caching specs. But at this point Windows 7 should have a minimum of 4 gigs of ram, and recommended 6-8Gigs for most users. The laptop is expandible to 8 gigs and the upgrade kits (4Gx2) are in the 40 dollar range. I think that will speed up your machine and improve your overall experience and battery life.

The biggest killer to battery life beyond just an old battery is how long the hard drive spends reading and writing to and from a virtual expansion of your physical memory, and with 2G of ram, you are constantly stuck in that mode.

Popup ads seldom appear if at all.

I think I am fighting a losing battle. Neanderthal versus hyperthreading technology.

I do not play with stuff I do not understand and yet now, the machine tells me I cannot access any Window 7 updates. I get an error code. Went to the Microsoft site and it says "For This Error Click Here". I did. Autofix! Tah Dah! A pop up Microsoft Windows message announces ALL ISSUES FIXED! But Windows 7 still continues to refuse to update. Same error message.

No one here habla Ingles. All the operating systems except mine are in Español. So are the keyboards.

So do I start throwing money for life support at a checker cab grade laptop or spend half a month's social security income for a refurbished Wal-Mart HP? I know you folks cannot decide for me but with computers I am out of my league.

Time to go back to smouldering campfire and wet blanket for communications I guess.

do you any ad blocker /popup blocker / script blocker software

running blocker software will stop a lot of the bloat, and speed of the connection, this is not so much a function of the cpu as it is a function of your internet speed
a blocker can speed up webpage loading
the options will always 'let' you reload anything you missed because of the blocking by allowing specific site links embeded in the page

Have to agree. A laptop w/1G processor would be strained even for web surfing nowadays. Still ok for email and forums. But too much embedded media as part of most popular websites, not to mention the overhead required by the system itself, can just lead to a frustrating experience. You're better off not investing any more on legacy hardware, and getting something newer with updated, faster technology.

hard wire or wifi internet

wifi means 'wifi transceiver' using power, the greater the range of your PC the greater the power , this is not a variable.. the xtreciever uses 'X' amount of power the better the quality the more it uses

I've got this desktop download gizmo that shows both processors at 100% a lot of the time and yes it does seem the machine is slow. The 2GHz of RAM gizmo shows the RAM being used at never under 60-70%, but 100% just seems to happen infrequently I've wiped all unneeded processes off the the platform, but when I load SKYPE the computer gets sort of mired down.

Starting from pressing the ON button, windows loads to desktop in 76 seconds. But the CPU and disk keeps hammering for another minute. Loading Firefox when everything (CPU memory) quiets down takes 14 seconds to GOOGLE MAIL.

Are all laptop replacement batteries created equal. This one was babied and has lasted 1 year 5 months. Originally 4,600 mah now 4,010 but those numbers seem to be a joke. About an hour and a half online now sans power.

Thanks for your help I guess there are no easy answers.

wow, yet another ram will fix the problems

1.0ghz chip, yea that's the problem

i have a multitude of machines using 2g of ram and are lightening fast

people seriously need to get off the ram kick,, ram is worthless if the cpu is sitting at 100%

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