Can my old computer handle MWP 2010?

[OldLady]

Have used MW and then MWP since about forever. Have used this computer almost as long (7 years). My husband's computer is about the same, and my laptop is about 5 years old. I see that the minimum recommended RAM for MWP 2010 is 1 GB. I have (I think) 512 or 768 MB on all these computers. (One may have only 256.) They are also very slow these days to do just about anything. I am wondering whether MWP 2010 will work okay on these poor old machines? If it will not work well, can I still get the MWP 2010 when I buy new computers? (Which I know I will have to do pretty soon.)
I am running XP Home on all 3 computers.
Thanks!

[anniebrion]

I run MWP2010 on a 702MB XP laptop for testing and it's not too bad.

Why not install it and use the 30day trial to see if it works at an acceptable speed.

If you use the default install folder 2010 will not alter v5/v6 in any way, just make sure both new and old don't try to access the mail servers at the same time as they can get a little confuced.

[rusticdog]

Have used MW and then MWP since about forever. Have used this computer almost as long (7 years). My husband's computer is about the same, and my laptop is about 5 years old. I see that the minimum recommended RAM for MWP 2010 is 1 GB. I have (I think) 512 or 768 MB on all these computers. (One may have only 256.) They are also very slow these days to do just about anything. I am wondering whether MWP 2010 will work okay on these poor old machines? If it will not work well, can I still get the MWP 2010 when I buy new computers? (Which I know I will have to do pretty soon.)
I am running XP Home on all 3 computers.
Thanks!

It would be in my honest opinion that no, the new MailWasher wouldn't run nicely. And on a setup like that, I'd probably suggest you wouldn't want to bog it down any more than it already is, as ultimately it's only going to make it slower.

We've had MailWasher running fine on setups with 512MB RAM etc....however they've been test machines, and not had a few years of various programs installed and unisntalled and other typical day to day use that a proper machine would.

[OldLady]

Thanks. I may give that a try.

[OldLady]

I was afraid you were going to say that. Will I be able to take advantage of the $10 upgrade charge when I buy a new computer or does this offer expire?
Thanks.
rusticdog said:

It would be in my honest opinion that no, the new MailWasher wouldn't run nicely. And on a setup like that, I'd probably suggest you wouldn't want to bog it down any more than it already is, as ultimately it's only going to make it slower.

We've had MailWasher running fine on setups with 512MB RAM etc....however they've been test machines, and not had a few years of various programs installed and unisntalled and other typical day to day use that a proper machine would.

[rusticdog]

As far as I know there won't be an expiry. We have your details on record so if for any reason it does expire just flick us or me an email when the time comes and we'll make sure the offer is reopened to you.

[OldLady]

As far as I know there won't be an expiry. We have your details on record so if for any reason it does expire just flick us or me an email when the time comes and we'll make sure the offer is reopened to you.

Thank you! You guys are the best. Your tech support is fantastic and very very quick, and has been for years.

[rusticdog]

No problems at all

[mcullet]

Hi

Thanks for this excellent question - and for your kind words.

It's never safe to make assumptions about people based upon their user name (handle). But I recognise a distinctive (very nice) style in the way that you express yourself. (I mean this as a compliment.)

While this forum is MWP2010 centric (things concerning Mail Washer Pro 2010), there are lots of people here who might be able to help you when it comes time to buy your new computer.

Buying a computer is not at all like buying a car or a house. There are often a crowd of well meaning people (friends / relatives) all too ready to add their 2 cents worth into decisions like this. And that is really good - so long as they really do know what they are talking about. There is a world of difference between using a computer for years and understanding how to design a system that best meets your needs and budget. If nothing else, listen for the words, "What do you intend doing with the computer?" That question is key - and your answers (and budget) will lead you toward making a good decision.

If you are technically inclined, there are plenty of online resources (use Google) to help explain terms and phrases and hardware and software choices. Lots and lots. And this might be a good place to start educating yourself. Sometimes we don't know what question to ask let alone understand an answer to a question. Happens to me all the time

Just so I am being clear - we don't sell computers nor do we give advice about computer purchases. But, we can answer a few questions that might help you make a good decision.

Best of luck and I hope that whatever you buy, delights you! And of course, come back any time about issues / concerns regarding mail Washer Pro 2010.

[OldLady]

Hi

Just so I am being clear - we don't sell computers nor do we give advice about computer purchases. But, we can answer a few questions that might help you make a good decision.

Best of luck and I hope that whatever you buy, delights you! And of course, come back any time about issues / concerns regarding mail Washer Pro 2010.

Thank you for your kind offer. I am now trying to determine which of my current hard- and software will work with Windows 7 on a new computer and which I will be forced to buy. The whole process both unnerves me and makes me angry about planned obsolescence!

[mcullet]

You are most welcome ... I really have a hard time calling you by your handle though. Seems wrong on so many levels

Feel free to PM anytime - it's probably better we leave those sort of things off the forum which is really for MWP2010 tech related discussion.

WIN 7 is just AMAZING. I've used every flavour of MS (Microsoft) OS (operating system) since .... almost forever. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum - a marvel at the the time, and any digital clock could probably out perform it now. Cost a fortune then - it was the uppety version with a tape drive (as in the really old tape recorder type tapes). Mint condition now ... worth more than my current system a few times over.

Although I am ignoring my suggestion about moving this discussion to PM, these comments are of a general nature and 'might' be of some interest to others??

Without knowing the exact age and details of your current system - unless it is relatively new (< 1 year old) then I would not recommend moving anything from it to your new system. It's simply not worth the hassle. You can probably use you monitor and keyboard and mouse - so long as these are not too old. LCD monitors are relatively cheap - if you can afford it, go for a 24" screen (Samsung - excellent monitors) because your eyes will thank you for it.

Internals ... it all depends on what you want to do with the system. (mentioned in my earlier post)

Hardware prices are crazy low and there is very little margin (profit margin) on anything. I'd recommend the 64 bit version of WIN 7 because that's the direction in which CPU (central processor units) are going. There are very few programs around that are written in 64 bit code entirely but that doesn't matter. Whatever you buy, it should do fine for at least 3 - 4 years so long as the internals are new and there are no significant tech developments on the horizon. Gaming is what really pushed hardware development but piracy and consoles (like the play station) kinda killed off PC game development. In other words, my current system is about 3 years old and I can play reasonably high end games quite well.

WIN 7 64 bit version (go pro - it's better / more secure), works happily on 4 gig of RAM - but can take a lot more. RAM prices are like gold prices - going up and down all the time but for the most part, they are pretty cheap.

All hardware has a price / performance 'sweet spot'. It's a point where you get the best performance at a reasonable price. After that point, performance increases marginally (very small) while prices go into another galaxy. It applies across most of the internals of a PC.

Depending on what you want to use your computer for most of the time, don't skimp on a decent mouse and keyboard. Even if all you do is surf the web and write emails, a bad keyboard and mouse will cause your hands to ache within a few days, until you can't use them. Good ones are not necessarily expensive - as in, price is no indicator of quality and comfort.

The real pain (cost) with computers is software. MWP2010 is very affordable. You MUST get a decent AV (antivirus) program - I've tested lots and paid for lots - and keep going back to Norton Internet Security - simple to use, cheap annual licence - and quietly does it's work without bothering you unnecessarily. Don't buy it online - it's always a lot cheaper to buy a box version from a local computer store. Odd - true though.

HTH

[OldLady]

Feel free to PM anytime - it's probably better we leave those sort of things off the forum which is really for MWP2010 tech related discussion.
HTH

Oh, dear. I don't know what "PM" is. I AM an "Old Lady"!

[stan_qaz]

PM = Personal Message similar to a regular forum post but only the user it is addressed to can see it. Look for a PM icon under the user's name that you want to talk to.

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