new to system optmization

[nowornever]

I am new to the whole idea of system optimization. Before I found this site, I thought I was doomed to be a victim of this computer forever and that system optimization was a myth. I am understandably (I think) skeptical of trying changes, partly because I am not knowledgeable and knowing that I have to live with any mistakes I make (and the repurcussions, thereof). Any suggestions as to where to start? My system uses an AMD - K6 3d procesor with 64K RAM. I think it's running at 500mhz, but i couldn't figure out where to verify that. WIN98 second ed. (98 4.10.2222A) on a PC (Microsoft OS). 20 Gig HD. HSP56 Micromodem (56K), dial up, IE 5.50.4807.3200. Also, I have heard that system optimization isn't that much of an advantage if you have a slow internet connection. 98% of my computer use is online.

[gfunkmartin]

First of all, if you want to continue using dial-up access get yourself a hardware modem instead of a winmodem (I'm pretty sure that's a winmodem you have, but I could be mistaken). However, if that much of your usage is internet usage, I suggest getting broadband

[nowornever]

Its built into the motherboard, does that make it a winmodem? Maybe I'm just too ignorant for this.

[JDT]

If you go here....
http://www.belarc.com

and run the advisor program, it will give you all kinds of info on your computer.

Then try this site.....
http://pcpitstop.com

It will tell you how well your system is running and tips for making it better.

[gfunkmartin]

Being built into the motherboard doesn't automatically make it a winmodem - but I'd be willing to wager my paycheck that it is - look for a modem that specifically says it's not a winmodem - that means that the chipset on the modem will be in charge of the connection, not Windows drivers and the CPU

[rextex]

If you want to find out what the cpu is and speed get a program called wcpuid.
It is sort of an Industry standard.Very good program.
Here's one place to get it:
http://icdweb.cc.purdue.edu/~schroedc/download.html
Down at the bottom of the page you'll see it.Just download and run it.It is very informative.