Expert: Mohamed Mamdouh - 2/2/2006

Question
I have two daughters and the oldest one simply won't let my younger one play her games on the computer.  It is a constant battle around here and I wondered if you could help me with a question?
I have an old Compaq Deskpro computer with a Pentium II Processor. It has Windows 98 for it's OS and 32 MB RAM.  Sims 2 requires a 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, Windows 98, 3.5 GB of HD and a T&L capable video card w/ 32MB of video RAM.  Is it possible to upgrade my old computer to Sims 2 requirements or would it be more cost effective to buy her a used one.  I appreciate any help and knowledge you can give me.
Desperate Mom

Answer
Dear Susan

i am not sure about your PC market but i recon it is close to ours.

in this case trying to upgrade your current PC is either very expensive or even impossible as finding components for old PCs is very hard and usually very expensive to buy... sometimes even more expensive than new, more advanced ones.

practically you will need a PIII Mother Board, RAM, VGA card so you are one step shy of a full PC, when i was in a similar setuation i just got myself a new PC and saved myself the hussle.

it will be better to buy a used PC with better specs than the one you got... most probably you can get a good one for a fair price and that will cost you less than the upgrade.

also this will be helpful in solving your daughters' problems as both can play on each PC in case you decided to keep the old one as well.

i hope i could be helpful and i hope yourdaughters enjoy their time.

MMamdouh