Desktop Computer Packages - What should be the first step I take in fixing up an old desktop computer?

What should be the first step I take in fixing up an old desktop computer?

I have a hobby for fixing up old things and making them look/work like new. I have a Compaq desktop that is roughly 6-7 years old. Im not completely sure on its specs, but obviously everything sucks in comparison with todays new computer technology. And im pretty sure it was a low-end desktop even when it was still being sold in stores. What should I do first to start fixing this baby up? Please give logic in your answer.

Public Comments

Wipe it and install Linux. I actually just fixed up an old computer for my mom and installed Xubuntu (for relatively old machines). ( http://xubuntu.org/ ) If it can run it, go ahead and install Ubuntu because it's better. ( http://ubuntu.com )
First step is clean everything up, hook it up and see if it works. The problem you'll have is if you need to replace parts, they may not be available.
1: Price the value of the system if you were to sell it now. If the price for say is 600 and you want to spend 250, then go for it. if it's the opposite, don't go. Of course money is the big factor in everything. 2: If it is repaired, will it live up to a standard that is comfy for you, or will the repairs not show much improvement. 3: Think of what you are trying to fix/advance and weigh it against a complete overhaul if the technology is too shabby. Do you really want USB 1.0 or USB 2.0, PCI, AGPx4 etc. 4: If one through three looks good, and you know what you're doing, fire it up, and get those parts cooking. Technology will always move forward, and prices never agree, so the smart thing is to take what you got and juice it too
See if it works .Go on eBay and buy some ram that is little sticks with white tabs at the top and bottom try to get two sicks of 512 you will have to look on the sticks to get the type you need SD 400 or so on and the pin type you can look on line to see what type you need.That is about all you can do or you will spend more than it will the worth.
the first thing I'd do is look inside at the motherboard if the motherboard is really old, I'd replace it (but this depends if the motherboard conforms to industry standards (ATX, Micro ATX, etc.) some older boards use proprietary motherboards If the motherboard is still fairly new, I'd stuff as much RAM in it as the motherboard would hold RAM is probably one of the biggest factors that impact a computer's overall speed and performance
fixing up a computer depends on what its compatible with i suggest strip the insides out replace everything but the case might be different from standard ATX cases so this could make a big compatibility issue with mother board and power supply options your really better off getting a new computer because nothing is probably going to be compatible in it. You'll need to look at a few options though processor type dual or quad core amd or intel mother board memory power supply grfx card physics card data storage it ranges if you need parts a good place for the are www.newegg.com