Ian Morris
Ian Morris loves televisions so much he's been banned from wedding chapels in Las Vegas for trying to marry them. When he's not romancing technology, he can be found watching American TV. Ian likes roast potatoes, but he doesn't like digital rights management.
Friday 2 November 2007, 9:21am
Is this the worst PC in the world?
I'd like to introduce you to the source of nearly all my work-related stress. Meet my HP desktop PC. I don't know where this machine came from, but I'd estimate it dates from the early 1980s. It certainly has about the same level of processing power as something from the decade of Lycra and big hair.
On this PC is installed a copy of Windows XP. An operating system that I use at home, and really like. But here at the office it's much like being repeatedly punched in the testicles. After a short period of time, it becomes painful and annoying. When I first started working here, the damn thing only had 512MB of memory, but IT took pity on me and bumped it up to 1GB. Did it make a difference? Yes, but the whole thing is still as slow as a two-legged horse climbing a well-oiled and very steep hill.
So, what am I going to do about it? I'm not really sure. There's every chance I might get so annoyed with it that I end up throwing it down the nearest staircase. Of course, that might get me the sack. But I'm almost tempted to say the satisfaction would be worth going on the dole.
A more sensible idea is probably to install Ubuntu on this machine, but somehow I don't think IT will be keen on that...
Comments on this post
See if you can put a Geforce 8800 Ultra in it.!!!
Posted by W Malik on Sat 10 November, 2007 9:43 AM
Offensive? Inappropriate? Report this comment
I've got exactly that PC under my desk and got fed up with the poor performance. Funny you should mention Ubuntu as that's exactly what I replaced Windows XP SP2 with. The difference was remarkable!
Posted by Chris Norris on Mon 12 November, 2007 9:54 PM
Offensive? Inappropriate? Report this comment
Ha! I knew it wasn't just me that hated this computer :D W Malik, good plan but it lacks: a) A PSU capable of powering an 8800 and b) doesn't have a PCI-E socket. Thanks for the replies guys, love reading them.
Posted by Ian Morris (cnet.co.uk) on Tue 13 November, 2007 10:43 AM
Offensive? Inappropriate? Report this comment
Install XP Lite to make this machine run considerably faster. I do this on all the old machines I work on. litepc.com
Posted by Anonymous on Mon 26 November, 2007 1:58 PM
Offensive? Inappropriate? Report this comment
Dear god, I knew the name sounded familiar, and then the creepy thing happened. The picture wouldn't load right away, because this computer, and our network, is slow. I happened to glance with anger at the computer so poorly placed in my elbow room.... and realized it's the same computer that was in the picture that finally loaded. Our district just stocked a few labs with those things. It's like tying your ankle to a tractor during a drought and laying down on the rocky ground.
Posted by Bill P. on Mon 26 November, 2007 4:14 PM
Offensive? Inappropriate? Report this comment
Install a new hard drive and then reinstall XP. Should be pretty fast after that. If that still doesn't please you, stick a Pentium D in there.
Posted by Brian S. on Mon 10 December, 2007 8:29 PM
Offensive? Inappropriate? Report this comment
Articles by Ian Morris
Pioneer BDP-LX71: Making Blu-ray even more premium
Crave Pioneer thinks all existing Blu-ray players have rubbish picture quality, and wants to sell you one to improve the situation. As silly as that sounds, we think they might have a point
TVonics MFR-300: Tiny Freeview receiver for old TVs
Crave If you have older, analogue TVs that you still love, and want to continue using, TVonics has a device that will turn them into digital TVs, even if they don't have a Scart socket
Photos: Pioneer Kuro PDP-LX6090 is big, black and beautiful
Photo If you love movies you'll want a TV that can do them justice. The Pioneer PDP-LX6090 isn't just bigger than some cinema screens, it's also blacker than most
BBC DVB-T2 trial: Bringing HD to Freeview
Crave Ten years after the start of digital TV in the UK, the BBC is beginning its DVB-T2 trial to work out how to get high definition programmes to you over Freeview
Sharp LC-37B20E
Review If you're looking for a 1080p LCD TV that isn't an eyesore in your lounge and won't break the bank, the Sharp LC-37B20E is an excellent choice. This 37-incher produces a decent picture with exceptional detail on Blu-ray material, plus crisp and clear sound quality
Photos: Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ81 Freesat plasma
Photo If you can't get Freeview or want the latest HD channels, you should consider Freesat, which is built into the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ81 -- we've lovingly photographed it for your enjoyment
Lindy 4-port HDMI switch: For people with too many devices
Crave If you've got more HDMI devices than you have HDMI sockets on your TV, don't worry, grab some of that hard earned pre-economic-crisis cash and get a switch like this
Samsung HT-X715
Review The Samsung HT-X715 gives you a good reason to stay home instead of going to the cinema. This 5.1 surround-sound system with built-in DVD player could be a great all-in-one complement to your nice television, handling movie soundtracks plus DVD and Blu-ray material skillfully
