Thread: here is what I am thinking...

I'm hoping you meant to put 512MB DDR? Only 512K of memory will severely damper your ability to do well...anything. The video card should be able to support newer LCDs but you will get a significantly decreased quality of video, especially if you plan on playing things like MP4s, AVIs, and DVDs.

yeah, nice catch. 512MB is what I meant. As for my intent with the machine...basic stuff. Not a movie buff, just a normal functioning puter. Nav, satellite/mp3 audio, possible rev camera, autowolf (or similar) and bluetooth.

My only concern is my ability to do all that at once, should I feel the need to? What would I need to change to get the multi-taskability out of this machine?

Multitasking comes primarily from the memory available with your machine, but the processing power helps. Could you be more specific as to the type of Athlon in your computer? Upgrading the memory would definitely not hurt. DDR RAM is incredibly cheap these days and could give you the extra boost you need.

However, the computer you have will probably work just fine for the time being and should be easily upgradeable later should you need it.

A trimmed down Linux install would be able to do everything you want with those specs easily. A Windows install would need at least more memory, and possibly a better cpu depending on which model you have. 512mb memory just wouldn't be enough for that on Windows.

Pretty sure there never was a 512kb DDR stick

Hello,

I kinda did what you were describing. Check out my post if you want...

1994 Dodge Ram Van B250 Vanputer

Nice work. The basic idea is exactly the same, however I want to go the route of factory installed look. But thats basically what I am going for.

As for the processor, whatever came stock in an Emachines E2615. regarding the OS, what if I was to setup windows XP or Vista (I have discs for both) to run effectively nothing on startup, only what is required and boot straight into a different front end? Would that still absorb too much memory to be able to run multiple tasks? If I am not mistaken, I think I can double the memory currently in there. I think there is one bay, with a 512 stick in there, which I can replace with a 1024 (if its available). I imagine that would help, no?

yea I would suggest putting 1024 in if you can, ram is one of the cheapest and most cost effective ways to increase the speed of your computer.
You can run xp on 512, you just can't do anything very fast.

I would definitely go ahead and install XP, you could try disabling some services you don't need look here for more info, look at the table a ways down under the tweaked column.

The video card should be fine too, most screens are run at around 800x600 so its not exactly Hi-Def or anything. You probably won't be able to run visualizations or movies or anything very well, but it will get the job done for music.

Here is another question...

I have an 03 Silverado SS. Installed right now is the Pioneer AVH P4000. Now when I installed this thing, I had to get a some magic box that would allow me to retain the door chime, and airbag (one specific function that I can't remember at the moment).

If I was to remove the head unit in favor of a touch screen, but left the magic box in there, would I retain all the funtions, or does the box have to be connected to a head unit.

What I would prefer to do is use the screen on the head unit as the interface for the computer. The only input that I remember being there that I could se working for me is a USB Port. Is this a possibility or a dream?