Gateway 500MC desktop computers are a retired model no longer sold by Gateway. The Gateway 500MC was loaded with a fast processor, but other Gateway 500MC specs lag behind the times. The 500MC must be updated to meet the demands of modern software and the Internet as they both now require faster and more powerful hardware than they did at the time the computer was introduced.

Buy Gateway 500MC upgrades and squeeze a few more years out of the computer before shelling out the money for a new one, making it more cost efficient for your business than purchasing all new equipment. If you do decide to purchase a new computer, consider keeping the Gateway 500MC, upgrading it and moving it to another area where it can still be useful.

Gateway 500MC computers require several upgrades including:

1. Giving the Gateway 500MC desktop PC more speed and power for modern software with additional RAM.

2. Making the Gateway 500MC model PC equipped to handle the modern demands of the Internet and multimedia projects by installing dedicated video memory from a video card

3. Updating the software for security. Microsoft offers a supplement to Windows XP, patching any security leaks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Upgrade the Gateway 500MC's RAM

The Gateway 500MC was built with two different motherboards: one with two RAM slots and one with three RAM slots. Each slot accepts up to a 256 megabyte RAM chip for a total of 512 megabytes in the two slot model and 768 megabytes in the three slot model. Maximize the RAM to take full advantage of the Gateway 500MC.

I recommend: Lexar Media's Crucial offers RAM guaranteed to be compatible with your computer's motherboard. If you're upgrading more than one PC in your office, Pricewatch.com lists several RAM dealers in one place offering the lowest prices on the market. Run your own price comparison, just be sure to check out the company's feedback before purchasing RAM.

Install a video card in the Gateway 500MC

In the past, only high-end games required a dedicated video card. However, the graphics and video now available on the Internet also require at least some dedicated video RAM as do many software applications. A dedicated video card is also important if your employees plan to use the computer for any multimedia editing, multimedia presentations or video conferencing.ncing.

I recommend: Upgrade the video RAM with a 128 megabyte video card, giving you plenty of graphics power for most projects. Video cards are available from online retailers such as NewEgg.com and TigerDirect.com, Inc.

Update the operating system of the Gateway 500MC

Unfortunately, even the 768 megabytes of RAM supported by the three slot Gateway 500MC model is not enough to support the memory-hungry Windows Vista. However, installing Service Pack 2 for Windows XP will improve the performance and security of your operating system.

I recommend: Download and install Service Pack 2 directly from the Microsoft website for free. The Software Patch also offers Service Pack 2 for free and scans your operating system for errors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Upgrading your Gateway 500MC with a flat panel monitor gives your employees more desktop space as well as a sharper and crisper display.