Recently, Linda got a very nice new convertible tablet PC, and we were left with her old computer, which is still very current, as an extra. It's a Dell Dimension with a 2.4ghz processor, 1gb of memory, and a GEForce MX440 graphics card. I'm still pretty happy with my PC, except when it freezes, and I'm using my old old PC as a server. The old old PC has two 40gb hard drives, a 1.4ghz processor, and only 256 meg of memory. Works fine as a file and print server.

Turns out that my brother Sean was in need of a new PC, so I'm reformatting Linda's old box to send to him. Despite the fact that it's only got 1 processor, and it's a 32-bit processor at that, it should last him a good long time. He's going to need to procure his own monitor, but I can probably ship him an old mouse and keyboard, as well as some speakers.

I installed a bunch of stuff for him. The essentials: Firefox, Zonealarm, AVG Antivirus, and AdAware. Also a few nice-to-haves: WinAmp, OpenOffice, and the K-Lite Codec pack so he doesn't ever have to deal with RealPlayer or Quicktime. I should check tonight to see if I remembered to install WinRar and Gaim, and maybe I'll install Azureus.

I'm going to be shipping out the PC to him soon. Can anyone think of any other essentials that I should install before then?