freecomputer20090221
This post is part of the freecomputers project.
freecomputer20090221
I finished rebuilding this old Compaq Deskpro last night, and it's suffering. It's an OK machine, and could just use a little more RAM. The machine can handle up to 384MB RAM, but unfortunately, it has only got 32MB -- in 2 16MB DIMMs. I've appealed to the folks on FreecycleTO to see if anyone has some old memory laying about that can be thrown my way, otherwise I don't think the machine will be of much use to anyone.
I've loaded Damn Small Linux (DSL) onto the machine, and it boots pretty fast -- a testament to the efforts of the DSL team. The Dillo browser loads fast, as expected, but the one drawback that the browser has is support for JavaScript. It was great that support was added for SSL, but no JavaScript means that websites with some interactive requirement, such as email, simply will not work. Firefox is installed by default as part of the DSL build -- yes, they did stuff it into the 50MB build -- but on 32MB RAM? It will not work. I launched it, and gave after 15-mins and went to bed. In the morning, the O/S was not responding. I tried a second time, and after a good long while, Firefox just performed harakiri.
I need more RAM for the machine.
Other than that big drawback, the machine has been built, loaded with the apps from the DSL distro and is ready. I used up up the three PCI slots that came in the machine to add an 8MB ATI video card, a SoundBlaster Audio card and an Ethernet network card I had pulled from the machine Trinity donated. The machine really would be great if it had the extra RAM.
Configuration of freecomputer20090221:
This machine is currently available.
Update: Feb. 26, 2009
Additional 16MB RAM added from the donation made by Norm. The machine runs a little faster now. Firefox loads and is useable, but slow. Email and research can now be done.
Update: Feb. 29, 2009
The machine was dropped off last night to Harold, who will either be using it at his church or donating it to one of the patrons of his church.
freecomputer20090221
I finished rebuilding this old Compaq Deskpro last night, and it's suffering. It's an OK machine, and could just use a little more RAM. The machine can handle up to 384MB RAM, but unfortunately, it has only got 32MB -- in 2 16MB DIMMs. I've appealed to the folks on FreecycleTO to see if anyone has some old memory laying about that can be thrown my way, otherwise I don't think the machine will be of much use to anyone.
I've loaded Damn Small Linux (DSL) onto the machine, and it boots pretty fast -- a testament to the efforts of the DSL team. The Dillo browser loads fast, as expected, but the one drawback that the browser has is support for JavaScript. It was great that support was added for SSL, but no JavaScript means that websites with some interactive requirement, such as email, simply will not work. Firefox is installed by default as part of the DSL build -- yes, they did stuff it into the 50MB build -- but on 32MB RAM? It will not work. I launched it, and gave after 15-mins and went to bed. In the morning, the O/S was not responding. I tried a second time, and after a good long while, Firefox just performed harakiri.
I need more RAM for the machine.
Other than that big drawback, the machine has been built, loaded with the apps from the DSL distro and is ready. I used up up the three PCI slots that came in the machine to add an 8MB ATI video card, a SoundBlaster Audio card and an Ethernet network card I had pulled from the machine Trinity donated. The machine really would be great if it had the extra RAM.
Configuration of freecomputer20090221:
- Compaq Deskpro 2000 Pentium 866 MMX 5166/2100 DOM S/N: 9742BK52E153
- Disk: Quantum Fireball 1.2GB
- RAM: 48MB (384MB capacity)
- Video: ATI 3D RAGE Pro Turbo 8MB
- Audio: SB Live with CT4660 digital input/ouput
- Optical: CD-ROM drive
- 1.44 Floppy drive
- Network: 33K Modem, 10/100 Mbits Ethernet
- Monitor: TBD
- Default user: dsl
- Password: Dabydeen
Update: Feb. 26, 2009
Additional 16MB RAM added from the donation made by Norm. The machine runs a little faster now. Firefox loads and is useable, but slow. Email and research can now be done.
Update: Feb. 29, 2009
The machine was dropped off last night to Harold, who will either be using it at his church or donating it to one of the patrons of his church.
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