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Ironcat
05-22-2007, 12:38 PM
I got a free computer for the kids but I can't tell anything about it.
It is a Gateway 433C and all I can find online is that it's a Celeron 433...

Anybody know anything about this system?

Outlaw
05-22-2007, 12:57 PM
Is it an E1400 433C? If so, I think this is it.

Source (http://developer.novell.com/yes/57292.htm)

Product Description
The E1400 managed PC uses Intel Celeron processors to deliver solid performance at minimum cost. Expandable to 512MB SDRAM, the ED1400 has the flexibility to adapt to your growing business.

The Z.E.N.works client supports NetWare 3.x, NetWare 4.x, and NetWare 5. System realtime clock and BIOS support Year 2000.

Test Configuration
Product/Model/Rev E1400 433c/Rev. 4000460
CD-ROM Drive Teac CD-224E; Spin Rate 24x; IDE
CPU Intel Celeron(tm) ; 433 MHz
Hard Disk Drive IBM Deskstar DPTA-371360; 13.6 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
IBM Deskstar DPTA-372050; 20.4 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
IBM Deskstar DPTA-372730; 27.3 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
Quantum Fireball CX 6.8AT; 6.8 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
Quantum Fireball CX13.6A; 13.6 GB; Enhanced ATA/IDE
Quantum Fireball Plus KX13.6A; 13.6 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
Quantum Fireball Plus KX20.5A; 20.5 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
Quantum Fireball Plus KX27.3A; 27.3 GB; Ultra ATA/66 (Ultra DMA/66)
Western Digital WD136AA; 13.5 GB; Enhanced ATA/IDE
Western Digital WD68AA; 6.79 GB; Enhanced ATA/IDE
Host Bus Adapter Embedded PCI EIDE; Ultra ATA/IDE (Ultra DMA)
Video Adapter Integrated Intel 810 chipset; BIOS 2.10; 4 MB; SVGA
Bus Type 2 PCI
Computer Type DeskTop
Floppy Type 1.44 MB
BIOS P03
Mother Board Revision 4000460
RAM 128 MB
System Test Kit Version K

Configuration Note(s)
The test configuration shown on this bulletin is a list of all of the components that were tested in the system. Not all of the storage devices listed can be installed in the system at the same time.

Adapters and drivers used in testing
Adapter Driver Type File Name Date Size
3Com 3C905C-TX EtherLink 10/100 PCI
Client OS assigned NDIS Driver
IBM 16/4 Token-Ring PCI Adapter 2
Client OS assigned NDIS Driver
Integrated Intel(R) 82559 LAN chipset
Client OS assigned NDIS Driver

Luke122
05-22-2007, 01:00 PM
That's pretty thorough...

Does the computer boot? What OS is installed? 433, I'm guessing Win95, *maybe* Win98/Me.

You can get a program like Belarc Advisor to give a complete inventory report of the hardware in the PC. Free download too...

Outlaw
05-22-2007, 01:05 PM
I try to be :) Have to thank the source for thoroughness though.

Here is another one if it's a 1200 433C.Source (http://configurator.oempcworld.com/result.asp?mn=E%2D1200+433c&modelid=6064)

Type of system: Desktops/Servers
Bus Architecture: PCI/ISA
Hard Drive Bus: IDE
Native OS: Windows 95/98 (looks like you were right! :))
CPU Type: 433MHz Intel Celeron

Memory Specs
Standard Memory: 64 MB (removable)
Maximum Memory: 256 MB
Memory Expansion: 2 sockets
Memory Comments: 100MHz SDRAM DIMMs
Description Mfr Part No. Qty x OEM Part No. - Click item to view
32MB Module 1 x 32M-PC66
64MB Module 1 x 64M-PC66
128MB Module 1 x 128M-PC66
Model Comments: Managed PC
HD Comments: 4.3GB 5400RPM SMART II Ultra ATA hard drive

Ironcat
05-22-2007, 03:34 PM
Does the computer boot? What OS is installed? 433, I'm guessing Win95, *maybe* Win98/Me

The OS that "WAS" on it was NT, It actually had a little case badge that said "Made for Windows NT" on it.
Yes, it booted right up, the problem was that it was password locked from the last person to own it, probably why it was free... :)
Anyway, I popped in a CD and installed 2000 Pro MSDN which installed just fine...
The HDD is only 10Gb but the memory is somewhat upgradeable, I went into my modders tacklebox and swapped it's old memory out for 2 - 256 Mb chips and it's running okay.
It has integrated sound and an integrated Rage 128 but it's about as basic a box as you can imagine.

*******************************************

Here's my dilemma. Obviously my kids aren't running Vanguard or Oblivion on it, but is decent enough to run anything? I have a few processors laying around and couple of old motherboards that may or may not match up but being as it is a Gateway product, should I try beefing this up any or just gut it and start over?

SgtM
05-22-2007, 03:37 PM
I'd say gut it, do some upgrades, and put ubuntu on it for them.

Outlaw
05-22-2007, 04:06 PM
Either as sgtm suggested, or if you didnt want to spend the money(if you didn't have matching components. I have some legacy games you can have that would more then likely work on it (would have to check when I got home). It would be a nice web browser too. :)

Ironcat
05-22-2007, 06:54 PM
Okay, neither I nor they know anything about Ubuntu but I am assuming it is a different OS ?
The problem is that even though they like "kid's" games, all the games still say they need Windows.
This is going to be just for them to surf the web, email, and play the occasional game. (Think pirates, mall tycoon, Barbie riding academy, that sort of thing)
Will Ubuntu serve for that?

Outlaw
05-22-2007, 10:39 PM
Ubuntu is(if I am correct) a version of Linux and uses quite a bit less resources then windows. You would probably have to install something that will let you run a windows game on it. If you are going to keep a legacy OS(95/98/2000), let me know if you want me to list some of the games I have. There are some in there for kids depending on their age.

simon275
05-23-2007, 08:19 AM
Ubuntu is a FREE Linux distribution using the Gnome interface. It is very easy to install and works on almost any system. Getting your kids to use linux at a young age is a great favor for them.

It is also very easy to install just download the live cd version burn it onto a cd put it in the machine boot from the disk and just step through the install by clicking on the install icon.

I run ubuntu myself on two computers at home so I and some of the other linux people round here can give you a hand.

No windows programs will work on ubuntu unless emulated games are very hard to do so. But you won't have to buy any other software for it as it comes with a full office suite and any other apps you could ever need are installed or can be installed at the press of a button.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

I also have some old games that would run on the system that your kids would like I can send you if you want to stick with windows that fall under the sort of genre you suggested.

Ironcat
05-23-2007, 08:41 PM
Thanks guys, I will keep you in mind but let's get the PC up and running first, and then I will worry about their games...

Nagoshi
05-27-2007, 08:32 PM
Wit hsuch a system you can run diablo 2, warcraft 3 at lowest settings, quake 3, some basic 3d games from around '98. You could even dump XP in it and it would run fine now that you have 512mb of RAM. These systems were built in the Windows 98 era. since I hardly see 95 on some Pentium1... and that is obviously a Pentium2 or similar calibre.

Try to overclock it. Old machines had settings in BIOS that owuld let you select the processor speed (not as complicated and dangerous as now, some has a simple "jumper free" setup taht will allow you to choose from 200, 233, 266, 300, 333mhz :P), so try to put it slighly higher. I could guarantee you a huge performance increase with a slight overclock on these old machines. :) And it won't kill your processor. I ran a 300MHz at 381MHz for extended periods and it wasn't getting any hotter.

What kind of games they play?