Gateway 817GM desktop computers are now a retired model. Owners of the Gateway 817GM PC need not worry, because many replacement parts exist for retired computer models. However, be aware if you're in need of a Gateway computer, vendors with Gateway 817GM computers for sale may charge higher prices because major components gradually are becoming more rare.

Some Gateway 817GM specs include an Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz processor, 512 MB of installed RAM, and a 200 GB internal hard drive. Other specs include a video card which runs on up to 64 MB shared RAM, three additional slots for RAM upgrades, and a DVD+/-RW drive. Gateway 817GM computer owners should keep these facts in mind when looking to improve their machine's performance:

1. RAM and other are important for keeping your computer up-to-date and usable.

2. Replacement parts, such as motherboards and power supplies, are good to have on hand as extras for important components.

3. Driver update downloads keep your Gateway 817GM PC compatible with external devices.

4. Anti-virus materials are a necessity to prevent computer crashes

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

Speed up processes on your Gateway 817GM computer with additional RAM

RAM, short for Random Access Memory, is the component of your computer that most directly determines how quickly it can process a command. Most computer programs require a minimum of 256MB or less RAM to run, but recommend anywhere from 512MB to 2GB for smooth use. For computers, RAM is a relatively cheap upgrade. Add some to your Gateway 817GM desktop to increase your speed of operations.

I recommend: Visit the suppliers Memory Stock and Memory Giant for RAM upgrades for Gateway 817GM desktop computers.

Locate miscellaneous replacement parts for your Gateway 817GM computer

Find extra parts, from CPUs and motherboards to software and power supply systems, for your Gateway 817GM computer. You never know when a major component might fail on an older computer.

I recommend: Compare Gateway 817GM prices on parts from Skyline Engineering and TigerDirect.

Download driver updates for the Gateway desktop 817GM for installation of external devices

Driver updates for your Gateway 817GM PC are free on the Internet. A driver is a necessary component to installing any external device to a computer - such as a keyboard, printer, or hard drive. Many devices come with an installation CD to install the proper driver components, but first your computer needs the proper, most up-to-date downloads needed to support the device.

I recommend: Find driver downloads and updates from Gateway and the HD audio driver download from Softpedia.

Use anti-virus software to rid your Gateway 817GM computer of system-slowing bugs

Since your Gateway 817GM desktop is a PC, it's under constant attack from viruses, trojans, spyware, and other Internet-borne bugs. If your computer is running mysteriously slow even when no programs are running, you most likely have a virus.

I recommend: Purchase anti-virus programs from Symantec or McAfee.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider whether it's better for your business to spend money on a new computer than fix your Gateway 817GM.