Can anyone offer some computer advice?

[fencer]

Have a close look at the componets on the motherboard. After 8 yrs the capacitors might have blown off their tops. This also causes the symptoms you describe. Or it is the power supply. To be perfectly honest after 8 years you really should replace that computer. The cost of repair is not worth the effort. I am preety sure you can get budget machines(or secand hand one if $$$ is a problem) that are much faster than what you have.