Upgrading parts on laptop

Alright, so I'm starting to notice my computer slowing down a bit more than it should be, especially on start up, so I'm looking for some suggestions (specific ones) on improving the performance of my computer, mainly by upgrading different parts, both software and hardware.

Here are the current specs for the computer, they are just the manufacturer ones.

http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/2008/MSeries/M-6339u/M-6339usp3.shtml

What are some ideas? I've considered increasing RAM, but on crucial it says the manufacturer recommended max is at 2gb, which it what the computer came with in the first place. I've also considered purchasing an anti-virus software (I just use the free AVG one for now). Any ideas on which to get?

What I'm looking for:

• Quicker start-up time
• Less lag when playing games (especially Runescape)
• Better graphics (Not sure where to start on that one)
• In general, just better performance.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

-R33l2r3al

EDIT: I should have also included that I have a few hundred dollars to work with, so any ideas big or small are welcome, but of course, the more I can save would be better

 

Upgrading a laptop is fairly pointless. Run the Defrag and CCleaner. That laptop looks like it's fairly old aswell.

 

If a year and one month counts as old, then yes it is.

 

To be fully honest i would just save some extra money for a fairly new desktop or new laptop if you prefer. You would probably come to around the same cost of upgrading your laptop or buying a new desktop one all together.

 

The problem with laptops is that you can't upgrade them as easily as you can upgrade desktops. First of all, I suggest you just reformat your laptop. That should decrease the time needed to boot. As for the antivirus, Avast! is the best one around. http://www.avast.com/index

Better graphics: update your drivers and chipset, but upgrading your video card is nearly impossible/totally pointless from what I've heard.

Good luck!

 

Well I don't need a desktop. I'm in college and my laptop goes with me everywhere, so a desktop would be pointless. I have a shared family one at home for over the summers which works fine. As far as saving up, I don't see a reason as to why I need to buy an entire new one already? This laptop is a year old. How outdated is it lol? And if I buy a new one, is it going to be outdated again in a year? I can't afford a new laptop every year

Thanks for the info, and I'll look in Avast. Any reason as to why its so good or did you just have good experiences with it?

 

Yes, I have good experiences with it, but there are a few other reasons .

- It's free to use.
- It doesn't slow your computer down like Norton, for example.
- It scans quick and efficient.
- It has a gaming modus (no annoying sounds/pop-ups).
- Updates on a regular basis.

Never had any trouble with it, and it gives great malware protection. It protects you from every possible infection.

 

Alright awesome, thanks Nyx.

Any suggestions on where to start for reformatting my laptop? I've never done that before haha!

 

Memory seems good, you could always upgrade on that, might boost it up but the main problem is the processor. Pentium core 2 duos aren't that great, outdated pretty much. Another thing might be your harddrive, I recommend having an external for all your videos and pictures and just leave the internal solely for programs. As for the graphics, it is possible for you to upgrade your video card as most laptops have crappy video cards. Best for now is to reformat your laptop, find your OS cd that came with your laptop and put it in. Some already have a built in back up and you just need to press one of the F buttons on start up I believe.

Edit: I recommend Avast as well along with Spyware doctor and/or Malwarebytes. Avast is an anti virus, the others are anti spyware however.

 

You won't be upgrading the processor or gpu in that laptop, if you can even find the parts they won't be cheap.

 

Thanks for the advice to both of you.

If anyone else would like to contribute I welcome the ideas/thoughts.